|
 Continuing
through Ms. Larson's band program at Lincoln Junior High School and
under the tutelage of Mr. Nigel Range at Lincoln Community High
School Martin has played a variety of low brass instruments
including baritone, tuba and sousaphone in marching, pep and jazz
band.
After graduating from LCHS in 2021 he enlisted in the
Navy Reserves. After graduating from boot camp in Great Lakes he was
stationed in Pensacola, Florida where he was a member of the
Regional Navy Band. When he returned home, he discovered a great
need for volunteers for the funeral honors program in the central
Illinois area. This program is vital to ensure veterans are honored
after their passing with all the rights, respect and ceremony that
they deserve. After doing flag honors for a few services, he wanted
to use his musical talent to give more to the program.
He joined Bugles Across America which helps coordinate volunteers
both military and civilian to perform these ceremonial rites and
taught himself to play taps on a 1930's coronet he purchased. He
upgraded to a regulation service bugle and started his volunteer
journey not just in central Illinois but across Iowa and Indiana as
well.
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This summer he was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal
for volunteering and performing at over 50 funerals. His chief
commended him for his far travels and dedication through all weather
conditions to assist in honoring his Navy brothers and sisters.
Currently Petty Officer Martin is stationed overseas with his unit
and hoping to continue with the Regional band there. On his return
home he hopes to become funeral honors coordinator for the downstate
Illinois region.
We are very proud of him and pray for his safe return. His story
just goes to show that you never really know where the music will
take you.
[Roberta Martin]
Due to his current military assignment, Martin's photos may not
include a full frontal face shot. |
