Luis Martinez III

Luis Martinez III enlisted into the U.S. Air Force in November 1996, serving for nearly 16 years as a member of the 820th Red Horse Squadron and the 99th Civil Engineering Squadron, including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. In February 2009, while deployed to Tikrit, Iraq, Martinez was wounded when the vehicle he was traveling in struck an IED.

Along with the Purple Heart with two oak leaf clusters, SSgt Martinez was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, and more.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Luis Martinez III represented his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Texas’ honoree during the 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project Mission.