In partnership with the Veterans Coordination Commission, we are pleased to present the February 2006 Veteran of the Month – John G. Martinez.

John Martinez was born and raised in East Los Angeles and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1955 and retired in June 1980 with the rank of Master Sergeant. His Air Force career was varied, initially trained in the communications field of Cryptography where he became a project manager. He spent the last two years of his career on the Inspector General team. John served in many locations around the world, including Europe, Middle East and Southeast Asia. His last duty assignment was at Scott AFB, Illinois.

John’s military decorations and awards include: Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal w/2 devices, AF Commendation Medal w/4 devices, Presidential Unit Citation, AF Outstanding Unit Award, AF Good Conduct w/silver and bronze devices, Army Good Conduct, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon w/silver and bronze devices, AF NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

John retired from the Air Force and was employed for 23 years by Knecht’s, retiring in 2003. He is a life member of the VFW, life member of the Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) and a current member of the Moose. John currently serves on the National TREA Board of Directors as a 2 year director, Chairman of Legislative Affairs and Chairs the Scholarship Committee. Locally, John is the 1st Vice President of TREA, Chapter 29, served on the Board for two years where he also served as the Sergeant-At-Arms. John’s community involvement includes an appointment as a Technical Advisor to Western Dakota Vo Tech for fifteen years. He was also technical representative to both the Stevens and Central High Schools carpentry programs. John was instrumental in establishing TREA Junior ROTC awards programs at both schools.

John and Shirley were married in 1959, son Craig lives in Reno with his wife Lenora and three children. Daughter Carrie lives in Rapid City.