Warrior of the Week: Staff Sgt. Gilbert Martinez

  • Published
  • By Public Affairs
  • Public Affairs
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  Staff Sgt. Gilbert Martinez, 71st Medical Support Squadron diagnostic imaging journeyman, "is a crafty, professional NCO who ensures diagnostic imaging customers receive the top-quality healthcare they expect and deserve," said Master Sgt. James Moore, 71st MDSS superintendent. "He possesses leadership qualities, most notably loyalty, through his unwavering commitment to mission accomplishment. In spite of being assigned to a two-man duty section, Sergeant Martinez is still highly involved at multiple levels throughout the wing. He is a disaster team chief, squadron physical training leader and a flight sergeant with the Silver Talon Honor Guard."
For Sergeant Martinez, a Baldwin Park, Calif., native, participation in the Silver Talons is a way to honor comrades-in-arms.
"I think there is no greater recognition a military member can bestow on a fellow brother- or sister-in-arms than to honor them and their ultimate sacrifice to our country," he said. "It is the members of the Silver Talon Honor Guard who make certain valor can rest peacefully on American soil."
Sergeant Moore said assignments to Vance were a reunion for the two NCOs. "I've known Sergeant Martinez for five and a half years. I was one of his technical school instructors and distinctly remember him as an intelligent student that aspired to do his job well. Nothing has changed with him from the first day we met. He is a dedicated co-worker, subordinate and friend. Team Vance could use plenty more Warriors just like him."
When not at the X-ray lab or involved with one of his additional duties, Sergeant Martinez enjoys spending time watching basketball and boxing.
"My wife Claudia, who's also my best friend, and I enjoy watching our favorite basketball team, the Lakers, and our favorite boxers, including Oscar De La Hoya and Erik Morales, when they're on TV," he said.
The Martinez couple met while both were students at Baldwin Park High School. Shortly after graduation from there, he entered the Air Force in September 2000. He has been stationed at Vance for about a year and a half, coming from an assignment at the Air Force Academy. Sergeant Martinez is pursuing his professional certification in X-ray and a baccalaureate degree in radiological sciences.