Melvin Stanton was born and raised in Corry, PA. Graduating in 1987, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 19.

During his 15 years in service with the Navy, he has served at numerous commands. He has been deployed four times to the Mediterranean Sea to defend freedom, preserve economic prosperity, and keep the seas open and free. Other deployments include the Caribbean Sea to track refugees and drug runners. One of his tours included being deployed in hostile waters during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm from 1990-1991. 

He transferred over to the U.S. Army in 2007. His 5-year enlistment included tours to South Korea, Ft. Hood, TX, and served in Iraq under Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn. 

He is a Bronze Legacy Life Member and served as an Assistant. Post Quartermaster from 2017-2018, 2020-2022. Melvin also served as Post Commander from 2023-2025. 

His teamwork and dedication helped the Post achieve All-State/All-American for years 2017-2018, 2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023, and 2023-2024.

Achievement Medal (seven), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star, Overseas Service Ribbon (two), Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, and the Army Reserve Overseas Training Ribbon. He joined the VFW in 2008 at Post 721 in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he maintains his Gold Legacy Life membership. He has served in elected and appointed positions at the Post, District and Department levels, culminating with his election as the Department of Wisconsin Commander in 2021. On the national level, he served as Aide-de-Camp, on the National Bylaws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual Committee and on the National Council of Administration. Cory received his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Wisconsin in 1998. He completed the USMC Interservice Non-Lethal Weapons Instructors Course in 2010. He is a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans Association and Batteries Plus Veterans Business Resource Group. Cory had previously been employed at Batteries Plus for 12 years and was the national commercial sales coach. Cory was selected as the 2006 USO Soldier of the Year (Korea), the 2006 Republic of Korea Military Police Regimental Association Soldier of the Year and was a member of the 8th Army Ten Miler team that won the team competition at the 2006 Army Ten Miler. Cory and his wife, Beth, reside in Hartland, Wisconsin.