MAJ Orlando Martínez

MAJ Orlando Joel Martínez Kianez is from Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. He graduated from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico in Fajardo with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education (early childhood, K-3) in 2007. MAJ Martínez was a distinguished military graduate of the University of Puerto Rico–Rio Piedras ROTC program and earned his commission as a second lieutenant in the Adjutant General branch with a branch detail to the Infantry. He began his military service in the Puerto Rico National Guard as an infantryman from 2002 to 2007. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from Fayetteville State University in North Carolina in 2017.

He has completed numerous military courses, but he is most proud of graduating from the Basic Airborne Course in 2008 and the Advanced Airborne School (Jumpmaster Course) in 2014, earning the Parachutist and Senior Parachutist badges, respectively. During his 18 years of federal active-duty service, MAJ Martínez has served as a mechanized infantry platoon leader (forward, Iraq), assistant battalion S-3 (forward, Iraq), battalion S-1 (forward, Iraq, and garrison), brigade assistant S-1, battalion S-1, company commander (forward, Iraq), infantry brigade combat team S-1, and brigade combat team observer, coach and trainer (OC/T) S-1. His most recent assignment was as an OC/T at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California.

MAJ Martínez’s duty stations include Fort Benning, Georgia (four assignments); Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Drum, New York; and Fort Irwin, California. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Iraqi Campaign Medal (bronze star device), Global War on Terrorism Service and Expeditionary Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon.

He has been married for 27 years to Isabel Martínez (née Rodríguez). They have three children: Génesis, 26; Orlando Isaac, 24; and Dorcas, 22, all current college students.

MAJ Martínez is regarded as one of the best baseball umpires in the Hudson Valley. He lives in West Point, New York, with his wife, dog and cat. His hobbies include umpiring baseball, working out—especially running—and reading Spanish literature, as well as books on sports and military leadership.

He has taught at West Point for three years. His courses include LS203, LS204, LS371, LS372 and LS475, covering basic, intermediate and advanced Spanish.