NY Army National Guard Col. Dave Martinez, an Albany resident, retires after 35 years of service

Martinez served as a battalion and brigade commander and is a veteran of the Iraq War

Latham, NY (03/02/2019) — New York Army National Guard David Martinez, an Albany resident, was recognized for 35 years of service during a retirement ceremony at New York National Guard headquarters on Friday, March 1.

Martinez, a veteran of the Iraq War, was awarded the Legion of Merit, a federal award presented for exceptional service, and the New York State Conspicuous Service Medal by Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General of New York.

Shields praised Martinez for his commitment to his duties and the fact that he commanded at so many different levels.

"He reached the absolute pinnacle within our organization," Shields said.

Martinez last assignment was as the Director of Intelligence and Security for the New York National Guard.

In his remarks, Martinez praised the officers and enlisted Soldiers he has worked with over the years, and thanks his family for their support of his military career.

Martinez was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Reserve Office Corps Training Program at SUNY Albany in 1984.

He has served in a number of positions during his career to include commander of the 369th Sustainment Brigade, the famous "Harlem Hell Fighters", and as commander of the 642nd Military Intelligence Battalion in Tikrit, Iraq in 2005. He served also served as the Headquarters Company commander of the 1st Battalion 201th Armor in Albany.

Martinez worked as a federal technician with the New York National Guard, holding down a number of staff positions at various units.

His assignments include Director of Joint Operations for the New York National Guard, theChief, Weapons of Mass Destruction for New York National Guard Joint Force headquarters, mobilization readiness officer, executive officer for the Adjutant General, director of Army National Guard Operations and Training, maintenance manager for the New York Army National Guard, operations officer for the Empire State Military Academy, plans intelligence officer for the 42nd Infantry Division, battalion maintenance officer, and security rear area control officer for the 205th Support Group.

Martinez holds a bachelor's degree in political science from SUNY Albany and a master's degree in public administration from Marist College.

He is a graduate of the United States Army War College, the Intelligence Officer Basic Course, the Ordnance Officer Advanced Course, the Combined Arms and Services Staff Service Course, the Army Command and General Staff College, the Forces Command Intelligence Course, and both the intelligence and sustainment pre-command courses.

Martinez's awards include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Army Overseas Service Ribbon, The Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge and the Air Assault Badge.

Martinez is married to Paula Anne Martinez and has two sons: Steven and Richard.

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