U.S. Navy Yeoman 1st Class Melissa Barnes from Redlands, California initially joined the Navy in 1992 and was discharged in 1997, but returned nine months later. On her second enlistment, she cross-rated from Hospital Corpsman, to Yeoman and was advanced to Yeoman 3rd Class in June 2000. She was working at the Navy Command Center at the Pentagon, part of the team responsible for monitoring Navy assets around the world. September 11, 2001. When the plane hit, she was on the phone with a friend who worked nearby at the Navy Yard. They were making plans for the weekend. The friend had to take another call and put Melissa on hold. When she returned, the line was dead. Barnes was one of 42 Sailors and Navy civilians killed in the attack. Yeoman 1st Class Melissa Barnes is interred at Riverside National Cemetery. She was 27.

Barnes from her wedding. She is smiling like she's in the middle of a laugh

Barnes in her dress whites, with the flap in back and neckerchief

Barnes as a stadium. Red numbered folding chairs, she smiles in black tank top and sunglasses

Riverside National Cemetery

Thank you for your service Melissa. You served your country well. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. 

You will always be remembered. Thank you for your service, for giving your life for others. Bless you. 

We will never forget.  Thank you for your service.

MELISSA ROSE BARNES

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