By Tim Chicirda, BucksLocalNews.com

One of the unique aspects of all those profiled in the "Saluting our Veterans" series is the extensive resume that they all have when it comes to world travel. And, no one is more accomplished in that category than Charlotte Landreth-Melville, a resident of Radcliffe Street in Bristol Borough, though she is not often home.

Charlotte also holds another distinction, as being only the second woman profiled in this weekly piece. Nobody deserves it more that Charlotte, as she is self-described as one of the "most senior women Marines."

Landreth-Melville served as a U.S. Marine in the volatile time between Dec. 1943 and November 1945. She was stationed at Camp Lejeune, near Jacksonville, NC. Here, Charlotte, work in the Engineer Quartermaster's Office in the heavy equipment section.

Charlotte continues to be a member of the Women Marines Association (WMA). The WMA, established in Denver, CO, in 1960, is a civilian non-profit veterans organization of American women who answered their country's call to serve, evolving but always retaining their proud traditions of honor, courage and commitment.

When Charlotte left the military, her active lifestyle did not diminish. In fact, it can be argued that Landreth-Melville became even more active. A fast-paced octogenarian, Charlotte still travels the globe today. A frequent contributor to the Bristol Pilot newspaper, Landreth-Melville thoroughly chronicled her travels through Asia in recent years.

Charlotte's lifetime travels do not end there by any means. The Bristol native has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the largest peak on the entire continent of Africa. The former Marine has also trekked across the Sahara Desert, the world's largest hot desert, also located in Africa.

Charlotte has bicycled through Europe and lived on a houseboat in India, and most of these trips were done in the active senior's free time. With that being said, Charlotte's largest passion remains spreading word about the WMA, attending their conventions every two years, former new friendships and keeping old ones alive.

Landreth-Melville's employment resume is just as thorough as her traveling accomplishments.
Charlotte in her life has worked for Kaiser Metal Products and Keystone Lighting Corporation for many years. She was even an entrepreneur for a good portion of her life, when she and former neighbor Ann Prairie operated a business called Rent-A-Governess.

Rent-A-Governess was an initiative that offered care service for children, senior citizens or any other family members. The business was mildly successful. Landreth-Melville also found enough time over the course of her life to create another business venture. She hosted private singles dinners. This idea did not prove to be as profitable.

"Well I get tired sometimes," said the highly-active resident, who still manages to walk three miles every day. "I take a nap when I get around to it."

Charlotte was married for 26 years to aircraft engineer Bob Melville. Together, Bob and Charlotte had two children: Truman High School grad and current Chinese resident, Ann; and Linda. Charlotte also has two grandsons, Eli and Isaac.

Charlotte has three siblings from parents Florence and David V: Meta, Emily and David VI, who died suddenly at the age of 13. Landreth-Melville clearly comes from the Landreth family, which runs one of the longest-operated corporations in the nation. The D. Landreth Seed Company is the fifth oldest corporation in America, founded in 1784. The company's claim to fame is the fact that the company sold seed to every American president from George Washington to FDR.

Charlotte says that she does not drink coffee or tea because "my kids tell me I'm hyper enough," and this hyperactivity is what makes her continue to live her continued active lifestyle. Charlotte says that she "loves adventure" and feels "more alive when she is traveling." This trend looks to continue for years to come.

Correspondent Cate Murway contributed to this article.