Veteran Spotlight: Philip and Pam Martin

Married now for almost 40 years, Pam and Philip Martin met during their service in the United States Army in October of 1987.

“We met at Ft. McClellan, Alabama. We got married in January 1988, after our one and only date in November and long-distance relationship which lasted until February of the same year,” Pam Martin said.

As a couple, they both relied on faith as they grew their relationship, even during a period of long distance.

“God directed and orchestrated our relationship every step of the way,” Philip Martin said. “We married in January, instead of August, so that we could be enrolled in a joint domicile, giving us a greater opportunity to work within 50 miles of each other.”

Both entered the Army near their college careers, at a time of peace for the GI Bill. Philip Martin was a junior in college when he entered service in 1986. Pam joined the Army after graduating from high school.

While in the Army, Pam served as a field medic and Philip served as a supply sergeant.

“While at Ft. McClellan, we were support services for deployment to the Persian Gulf War,” Pam Martin said. “We were both held over for one year during Operational Stop Loss during the Persian Gulf War. Unfortunately, this base contained several toxic chemicals in the soil and water which affected our health.”

As a result of the exposure to these toxic chemicals, both Philip and Pam Martin are disabled veterans.

“It is, of course, very unfortunate, but we are glad to have served,” Pam Martin said.

The Army taught the couple many key skills. It also helped to form their careers later in life too. They apply these key skills to their work.

“Phil used his supply skills in his career as a truck driver and warehouse manager for Core & Main, a water supply distribution company,” Pam Martin said. “I learned to adapt and gain skills needed to succeed.”

Those skills were useful in her over 20 years in private education, and now as a wealth advisor for the past 15 years.

Service for the country runs in the family. The couple’s younger son, Joel, is a captain in the Illinois National Guard. He also currently serves as an ROTC instructor at Olivet University.

Most of their children and grandchildren live near the couple’s home. All of their children and grandchildren live in Indiana.

“We get to see them fairly often,” Pam Martin said. “It’s nothing short of a blessing. We absolutely love it.”

Both Philip and Pam have given so much to their county. While serving in different capacities, the two have made a difference not only for lives in La Porte County, but across the globe too. Now, with a son in service, the family continues to actively give to the community.