Commander Melody H. Goodwin
DISTRICT CHAPLAIN
SEVENTH COAST GUARD DISTRICT
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Commander Melody Goodwin is a graduate of Beulah Heights Bible College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.), the Interdenominational Theological Center, where she earned a Masters of Divinity degree (M.Div.), Candler School of Theology at Emory University, where she earned a Masters of Theology degree (Th.M.) and Regent University, where she earned a Doctor of Ministry degree (D.Min.).
Commissioned as a Navy Chaplain in 1984, Commander Goodwin’s first duty station was Navy Training Center Great Lakes in Illinois. Subsequent assignments include the USS CANOPUS (AS 34) at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay and a follow on tour as Department Head for Naval Submarine Base Religious Ministry Team, both located in Georgia; Navy Post Graduate School at Emory University in Atlanta; 1ST Marine Division, Headquarters Battalion at Camp Pendleton in California; Commander Naval Personnel Command in Tennessee serving as Ethical Advisor and Pastoral Planner for Assistant Commander Navy Personnel Command, Personal Readiness Community Support and USS ESSEX (LHD 2) in Sasebo Japan.
Her personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards) and several unit awards, campaign and service medals. She is also the author of two books, Exciting Outlines that Preach, Teach and Reach and Helping Children Grow.
Commander Goodwin joined the Seventh Coast Guard District as Supervisor Chaplain in October 2006. June 2007 marks her 23rd year of military service.