Melissa was diagnosed with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Menieres in 2016. They severely limited her mobility and balance in all aspects of her life. She had to retire from the United States Air Force in March of 2018. Although she enjoyed retirement, she missed the life she had before she became ill. She had been able to do so many adventurous things. She enrolled into the Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) Program where she learned that she is capable of more than she thought was ever possible! A fellow Warrior told her about Dive Pirates, who make it possible for people with disabilities to go scuba diving and obtain their Basic Open Water certification. With this grant, she will be obtaining her diving certification. She plans to one day help fellow warriors and people with disabilities to embark on the same adventure.