Colonel Melvin K. F. Lee was born and raised in Hawaii and attended the University of Hawaii earning a degree in mathematics. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1968 and embarked on a 26-year career filled with challenging assignments, furthering education, and promotions in rank. A highlight of his impressive career was being selected as one of thirty officers to the prestigious Air Force Research Fellow Program, a Washington D.C. “think tank” where Colonel Lee studied and researched Space Ballistic Missile Defense. He retired as a full Colonel and his awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Air Force Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), and the Air Force Commendation Medal (2 awards). He also held the Air Force Master Space Badge and Master Missileer Badge. Colonel Lee has been a Hoag Classic volunteer since 1999, serving as a marshal, Standard Bearer, Uniforms Co-Chairman and is currently the Chairman of the Standard Bearer committee. Please welcome the 2024 Captain Jack Callahan Hoag Classic Veteran Volunteer, Colonel Melvin K.F. Lee.