An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Philanthropist, WWII vet serves as honorary commander

  • Published
  • By Capt. Tristan Hinderliter
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  On May 7, 1945, 20-year old Sgt. Gregory Melikian sat in a room at a schoolhouse in Reims, France, and sent the telegraph announcing the surrender of German forces, ending World War II in Europe.

The schoolhouse was the makeshift Allied Headquarters of Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, where just moments before the German high command had agreed to a complete unconditional surrender.

"There were just three of us on duty that night," he said. "I was the youngest, and that's why they said, 'Greg, you do it.'"

It was a high point in what has been a long and colorful life.

After the war, Melikian, who turns 88 in July, went on to become an Air Force Reserve officer, then a lawyer, judge, restaurant owner, real estate developer and philanthropist.
Along with his wife of 58 years, Emma, Melikian is the owner of the historic Hotel San Carlos in downtown Phoenix and the benefactor of The Melikian Center at Arizona State University, which specializes in Russian, Eurasian and East European studies. Over the years, he has also been extensively involved with the arts, opera, and immigrant education and advancement.

One of the things he is most proud of, however, is his role as an honorary commander of the 56th Fighter Wing and former honorary commander of the 944th Fighter Wing of the Air Force Reserve, also at Luke Air Force Base.

"I think there are marvelous things we can do at the base," Melikian said.

One of the ways he supports the Air Force is through The Melikian Center at ASU, which for several years has been partnering with the Defense Department to provide language and cultural awareness training to service members before they deploy. The center prides itself on its global reach, he said.

Melikian has also given speeches at the university regarding his role in ending WWII.
"I've given lectures all over the place, and I always take questions because many people had grandfathers and uncles that were involved in that period of the invasion of Europe," he said. "They always want to know what the war was like."

Melikian is passionate about supporting the Air Force and the wing. In an interview in early January covering everything from growing up in New York City to his numerous philanthropic endeavors, his constant refrain was, "What can I do in the future for the benefit of Luke and the men and women there?"

The honorary commanders program, of which Melikian is a part, is run by Luke and Fighter Country Partnership, a civic organization dedicated to supporting the base. The program pairs up commanders at the base with business and civic leaders in the community in order to enhance mutual trust and support.

"This program is a great way for me and the rest of our leadership at the base to get to know our counterparts in the community," said Brig. Gen. JD Harris, 56th Fighter Wing commander. "We're fortunate at Luke to have tremendous support from the community, which is vitally important to our success here."

Melikian is a great supporter of the base, the general said.

"It's been a pleasure getting to know Greg," he said. "He and the rest of our honorary commanders help us in so many ways, including telling our story in the community. Greg is a very interesting man, and it's an honor getting to know someone who played such a key role in ending World War II."

For his service in the war, Melikian is also being considered for the French Legion of Honour, the highest decoration in France. In order to qualify for the medal, one must have served in France from June 6, 1944, to May 7, 1945. He was recommended for the award by French officials.

He would like the medal, he said, not just because of what it would mean to him and his family, but what it would mean for the community and the Air Force Base.

"I think the medal could be a benefit, if we get it here in Phoenix," Melikian said. "We can all celebrate if one of us from the base receives it."

Melikian said he is optimistic about the future and is excited to continue working with Luke.

"I think the best is ahead of us," he said. "Even at my age, I'm not ready for the rocking chair yet."