From Jesse Preciado, Veteran Services Coordinator, University of New Mexico: “Melissa has been an instrumental part of our PAVE team’s success this year. She has gone through and cleared old students from the PAVE system who are no longer enrolled in UNM. She has assigned students to all Peer Advisors and assisted those Peer Advisors through training. She also maintains the PAVE system and ensures that Peer Advisors are completing their logs. Melissa is a liaison between the Veterans Service Coordinator and Peer Advisors. She has also played a role in coordinating multiple events for our student population throughout the year.”

From Melissa Gavin: “As a PAVE Team Leader, my proudest accomplishment is growing and strengthening our program in ways that directly impact our community. I secured $1,500 in funding from a local credit union, led a program revamp, and expanded our team to include military dependents — creating a more inclusive support system. I also helped develop and launch our first structured training in Fall 2025. Most importantly, I’m proud of how our team has come together to better serve student veterans and their dependents.  

What I love most about being a PAVE Team Leader is the opportunity to truly connect with people. My background as a Religious Affairs Airman taught me how to care for others in meaningful ways, and over time I realized my gift is finding the one thing someone needs most in that moment. I often think of City Slickers — that idea of “the one thing” — and I carry that into my work with PAVE. Whether it’s supporting my team or helping a student veteran feel understood, those connections are what make this role so rewarding.”