Melissa Gaona

Virginia

Anchor and Reporter at WDBJ-TV (Roanoke, VA)

Storyteller, proud wife, mommy to two girls under two, Army veteran, Texan living in Virginia! Story ideas email [email protected]

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Articles

Horticulturist answers questions about Monarch butterflies

1 week ago | wdbj7.com | Melissa Gaona

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Monarchs continue to be some of the most fascinating butterflies the world has ever seen, but the decline in the Monarch population is alarming. WDBJ7 sat down with a certified horticulturist to discuss this amazing butterfly and how you could potentially help the population. What makes the Monarch so special? Bob Siren with Powers Landscaping in Vinton, Virginia says the Monarch is one of our most iconic pollinators that we have in the United States.
Highway safety officials work to decrease crashes and fatalities in Virginia

2 weeks ago | wdbj7.com | Melissa Gaona

Virginia Beach, Va. (WDBJ) - Almost everybody has somebody they’ve known and/or loved who’s been impacted by a crash. In 2024, 918 people died in crashes on Virginia’s roadways. The year before, the Commonwealth averaged a crash every 4.1 minutes, which equates to about 2 lives lost per day all because of traffic crashes. The Executive Director of Drive Smart Virginia, Kristin Pettway, says it’s not an acceptable way to die because it’s mostly preventable.
Jean Jadhon recalls her best memories

3 weeks ago | wdbj7.com | Melissa Gaona

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Jean Jadhon has spent 33 years at WDBJ7, so preparing for her retirement, to ask her to highlight some of her best moments was difficult, but she did think of a few. “Some of the moments that stick out are weather-related, which might sound funny, but when you’re out in the field, weather can really be a factor,” explained Jean. She specifically remembered a show at Virginia Tech where it was windy and hot.
Roanoke’s leaders gather for inspiration and celebration

3 weeks ago | wdbj7.com | Melissa Gaona

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Faith Christian School has announced the 9th annual Roanoke Valley Leadership Speaker Series aimed to provide opportunity for Roanoke area leaders, religious leaders, and community influencers. This initiative series brings influential leaders from diverse fields to share leadership insights and experiences with Roanoke’s highest level leaders.
WDBJ7 goes behind the scenes of Metallica’s iconic M72 World Tour stage

1 month ago | wdbj7.com | Melissa Gaona

BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - It takes four days to put together the circular stage Metallica will perform on May 7, 2025 in Blacksburg at Lane Stadium. Tour Coordinator Jon-Michael Marino took WDBJ7 through the back to see the intricate details. In total, 87 semi trucks are used for the M72 tour. However, not all 87 can fit on Virginia Tech’s campus. At this point in the tour, zero tour buses are used.
Navy veteran dedicated to duty and discipline

1 month ago | wdbj7.com | Melissa Gaona

BUCHANAN, Va. (WDBJ) - In the small town of Buchanan, Virginia, there is a dojo that sits in the middle of downtown. It is easy to miss if you’re not looking, but it is much more than just a building that teaches martial arts. The history and stories behind the owner who built it are unforgettable. From sea to service, Joseph Rae explains why he joined the military. “People join the military for all sorts of reasons; some join for college, some to get out of homes, some to get out of trouble.
Virginia woman shares Gold Star experience

Nov 30, 2024 | ourcommunitynow.com | Melissa Gaona

Share ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Anita Carroll was born in San Francisco, California and left when she was only three or four months old. Anita explains it was partly because it was World War II. “I was born a few months before D-Day in June. ” As the daughter of an Army Officer toward the end of World War II, this is how life started for Anita Carroll and there was no sight of slowing down.
Veteran survives Desert Storm and domestic violence

Jul 25, 2024 | newsbreak.com | Melissa Gaona

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Veteran survives Desert Storm and domestic violence

Jul 25, 2024 | wdbj7.com | Melissa Gaona

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) -Beverly Ledford grew up in upstate New York. Her family moved quite a bit and ended up in Florida for most of her childhood and teenage years. She was an average student and her grandmother, Mildred Mays, was the glue that held everything together. So, when her grandma passed, everything changed: Beverly went to the Army recruiter and signed up for active duty Military Police. Beverly was barely 18 years old just wanted to run away from home. The military became her escape.
A Roanoke veteran survives combat and domestic violence

Jul 3, 2024 | wdbj7.com | Melissa Gaona

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - It is rare that we hear from female veterans and their time in the military. As a matter of fact, Hometown Veterans: Honoring Our Heroes has only heard from a handful of women who are veterans. Beverly Ledford served in the United States Army, served in Desert Storm and Desert Shield, and is originally from upstate New York.