Millie and Chauncey's boy a Brigadier General

ND Guard Promotes Martin to Brigadier General

by Capt. Penny Ripperger

Posted on 1/4/2008

Martin's rank is pinned by Maj.Gen. Sprynczynatyk and Norma Martin Fargo, N.D. - Patrick L. Martin, Chief of Joint Staff and Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Joint Force Headquarters, N.D. National Guard, Bismarck, was promoted today to the rank of Brig. Gen. in a ceremony at the 119th Wing, N.D. Air National Guard. Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, N. D. National Guard Adjutant General, presided over the ceremony. Brig. Gen. Alan S. Dohrmann, Deputy Adjutant General, was the master of the ceremony.

Family, friends, and fellow Guardsmen filled the room in order to witness the promotion.

As part of the promotion ceremony, Martin's new rank was placed on him by Sprynczynatyk, as well as Martin's wife, Norma and their two children.

"Pat Martin's promotion to Brigadier General is well deserved", said N.D. Gov. John Hoeven. "Mikey and I extend our sincerest congratulations and best wishes to the entire Martin family on this special day."

As part of the ceremony, The Adjutant General read Martin the oath of office, which is traditionally administered to all commissioned officers in the N.D. National Guard each time they are promoted. This oath re-affirms the officer's commitment to the Constitution of the United States and the State of North Dakota.

"As a general officer, Brig. Gen. Martin's leadership will continue to greatly benefit all of our Soldiers and Airmen of the N.D. National Guard," said Sprynczynatyk. "This promotion is direct tribute to his many years of outstanding service to the Nation and State."

Brig. Gen. Martin began his military career in 1974 when he enlisted in the Navy for five years. In 1981 he joined the N.D. Air National Guard where he held several key positions including; Commander of the Logistic Squadron , Commander of the Mission Support Group, Commander of Support Group and Vice Wing Commander.

Martin attended North Dakota State University where he graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1983. He also graduated from Squadron Officers School in 1990, he graduated from Air Command and Staff College in 1997 and he graduated from Air War College in 2002.

Martin's military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), the Navy Commendation Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2 awards), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, N.D. State Commendation Ribbon, N.D. State Achievement Ribbon, N.D. Air National Guard OCONUS Ribbon and the N.D. National Guard Emergency Service Ribbon.

Martin is a native of Pelican Rapids and is married to the former Norma Ripley. They have two children.

Congratulations General Martin from 56572