Julius is a strong advocate for the arts. He was an active member of the Florida Motion Picture and Television Association who co-produced and co-wrote a Spanish language television series entitled Puntos de Vista, a feature length-film by Buddy Dolan entitled Point of Contact, and an indie film shot in Central Florida called Gatorman.

After returning from his first tour of duty in Iraq, Julius was constantly asked about his experiences during the war. As a result, he wrote an original screenplay that was published as a novel by Legacy Publishing entitled Rivers of Sand. The fictional story highlights the transition of a combat medic from a theater of war to civilian life. Proceeds from the sale were donated to the Osceola County Education Foundation. Julius has since followed up with a sequel and another original screenplay and novel entitled Equal Assets. 

Julius enlisted in the Army National Guard with basic training at Ft. Benning, GA and graduated from Ft. Sam Houston, TX as a combat medic. His infantry unit deployed in support of Iraqi Freedom in 2003, and were stationed throughout Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq with initial assignments to defend Patriot Missile Batteries. During Florida's unprecedented 2004 hurricane season, his unit was activated to provide security, hand out food and water, and to assist local law enforcement with traffic control and other duties.

In 2010, as a member of the 2/116th Field Artillery Regiment based out of Lakeland, his new unit deployed again to Iraq, this time in support of the draw down of major combat forces. Sergeant Melendez was tasked with Convoy Escort Teams to provide security and medical assistance as the personnel and logistics were moved from Iraq to the ports in Kuwait.

In 2016, US Congressman Darren Soto appointed Julius to his Veterans Advisory Committee and subsequently to the US Air Force Academy Nominating Board.

After graduating from Poinciana High School, Julius received an AA degree from Valencia College. He continued to acquire a bachelor’s degree with a major in microbiology and minor in business administration from the University of Central Florida. After receiving an MBA from the University of Phoenix South Orlando campus, he decided to attend TECO (now Osceola Technical College) for Digital Design and Network Support certificates. He then pursued a second bachelor's degree in Information Technology with an advanced cybersecurity certificate from the University of Phoenix online followed up by a computer programming certificate from Valencia College.