Veteran Spotlight: Christine “Chris” Martel

Christine “Chris” Martel served as a Legion Plus 94 Commander in the Navy for a total of four years, from 1986 through 1990.

She entered the Navy after starting college in southern Indiana and ended up finishing school locally after serving. Her service in the Navy Martel was mainly in the Pacific region, namely in Hawaii. All the while serving nationally, she worked toward our country’s safety.

“There is work to be done both overseas and here at home in the United States of America,” Martel said. “I never had the opportunity to tour with the Navy internationally, but I was honored to serve in the capacity in which I was needed at the time. Which was nationally, and mainly in the Pacific in Hawaii.”

While her service in the Navy kept her stateside, it made an impact on who she is today and the mark she continues to make on the lives of others through her work, her friendship, and her caring nature.

“All of my service was domestic, but it still shaped and formed me into who I am today. The experience I had serving is something that I’ll always be very proud of and I’ll always pour into everything I do, including my work.” Martel said.

Martel’s love of learning, leadership, research, and history led her to pursue a career in genealogy. Today she serves in the genealogy department of the Porter County Public Library System.

“I really love what I do,” she said. “Its fascinating work. You’re always discovering and learning and helping others do the same.”

She is actively involved in the American Legion second district and participates in many of their events. Martel takes further part in the community here, and has many lifelong friends at her post.

“My friends that I’ve made through the Legion and I all share the common thread of serving,’ she said. “There’s something to that. It brings you closer together almost automatically.”

Originally from Indiana, Martel loves the people of Porter County. Within her work at genealogy, she is able to work with many members of the community.

“It’s a pleasure to work with them and help them with their genealogy studies and research,” she said. “In a way, it’s an act of community service and I enjoy that very much.”

Martel will always be honored to have served in the Navy. She felt called in the moment many years ago and carries that with her to this very day.

“If it’s not me, then who; If not now, then when,” she said.

A true U.S. patriot, Martel embodies loyalty on many levels. She is not one to forget her loyalty to her country. She remains loyal to her local service members through her involvement with the American Legion second district and she remains loyal to her local community through her work within genealogy at the Porter County Public Library System.