Hometown Hero: Melvin Carson

Melvin Carson is proud of his military service. He was in the U.S. Army for 24 years, serving in Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm.

He retired as a Sgt. Major E-9 in 1997.

In 1999, Melvin started working at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery before it even opened. He was a cemetery caretaker.

Now, he's the general foreman, with 34 employees.

He calls keeping the 638 acres pristine at DFW National Cemetery "an honor.” Carson said that veterans write a check that can never be cashed; they take an oath to serve the United States, even if that means losing their life. 

He says it is the highest honor to keep their final resting in perfect order.

More than 47,000 military service members and their dependents are interred at DFW National Cemetery, and Carson says that's where he will be laid to rest when that day comes.

This Veteran's Day and every day, Melvin Carson hopes you'll take the time to thank a veteran for his or her service.