At the 47th International Convention, AFSCME honored Carrington Melton, a disabled veterans outreach specialist at the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services and a member of OCSEA, with the 2026 Never Quit Service Award.
Melton has dedicated his career to helping Ohio’s veterans find jobs as they transition from military life to civilian life. Outgoing AFSCME President Lee Saunders introduced Melton and spoke of his service:. “[Carrington] … has spent his career helping his fellow veterans find meaning in the next chapter of their lives. He refuses to leave his fellow veterans behind. He embodies the best of our union,” Saunders said.
Several of Melton’s clients spoke in a stirring video about how much his work meant to them. And two special guests surprised Melton to help him celebrate the honor: His mom, Claudia Melton, and a former client and friend, David Jeffries.
OCSEA is so proud that this honor could be bestowed upon union brother Melton. He does Ohio, and OCSEA proud. He truly Never Quits!