Melvin Azofeifa, a native of Costa Rica, served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy from December 2008 until August 2023, completing four overseas deployments during his career. Advancing to Chief Petty Officer in 2017, he held leadership roles aboard multiple ships and overseas, including managing the Navy’s largest disbursing office in Djibouti, where he ensured accountability of $23M daily and oversaw $189.9M in operations funding. His awards include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Navy Commendation Medals, and four Navy Achievement Medals. Today, he is the Executive Director of Stairway for Heroes, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans’ mental health, belonging, and community connection through the game of golf, providing equipment, lessons, and opportunities to play.
