MAJ Orlando Martínez

MAJ Orlando Joel Martínez Kianez is from Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. He graduated from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico (Fajardo), earning a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (Early Childhood K-3) in 2007. MAJ Martínez was a distinguished military graduate in the University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras’ ROTC program and earned his commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the Adjutant General branch with a branch detail in the Infantry branch. He started his military service in the Puerto Rico National Guard as an Infantryman from 2002-07. MAJ Martínez earned a Master of Business Administration at Fayetteville State University, North Carolina, in 2017.

He has completed several military courses during his time serving, but he is most proud of completing the Basic Airborne School 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 performed as a mechanized infantry platoon leader (forward Iraq), assistant battalion S-3 (forward Iraq), battalion S-1 (forward Iraq & Garrison), brigade assistant S-1, battalion S-1, company commander (forward Iraq), infantry brigade combat team S-1 and brigade combat team, observer, coach & 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 assignments include Fort Benning, GA (four times), Fort Hood, TX; Fort Bragg, NC; Fort Drum, NY; and Fort Irwin, CA. His military decorations include the bronze star medal, the meritorious service medal (1 x OLC), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (3 x OLC), the Iraqi Campaign Medal (bronze star), the Global War on Terrorism Service and Expeditionary Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon. 

He has been happily married for 27 years with Isabel Martínez (née Rodríguez) and together they have three children, Génesis (26), Orlando Isaac (24) and Dorcas (22), all current college students.

MAJ Martínez is considered one of the best baseball umpires in the Hudson Valley. He lives in West Point, NY, with his wife, dog, and cat. Among his hobbies are umpiring baseball, working out (with an emphasis on running), and reading Spanish literature, as well as books about sports and military leadership.

He has taught for three years at West Point. Courses include: LS203, LS204, LS371, LS372, and LS475, basic, intermediate, and advanced Spanish, respectively.