Mary Martin, a retired U.S. Army Colonel, embodies the spirit of patriotism and dedication to her country. She has lived in her custom-built home in Traditions for almost four years. Originally from Comer, GA, she moved to Jefferson after retiring from Patrick Air Force Base, FL. Her family, including her parents Leroy and Barbara Martin, who moved in May 2022, and her nephew, Simeon Freeman, who moved in November 2021, lives with her. Mary, cherishes her close relationship with her nephew and her five godchildren.

Ms. Martin is well-known in her neighborhood for her active community involvement. She volunteers with various committees, participates in social groups, works out at the gym, and is dedicated to being a good neighbor. Her parents, Leroy and Barbara, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on August 15th, adding to the family's legacy of commitment and love.

Mary’s military career is a testament to her patriotism and dedication. She joined the U.S. Army in 1985 as a Private, with her first duty assignment at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. This was followed by an assignment to Chuncheon, South Korea during the 1988 Olympics. She departed active duty in 1988 to pursue her college degree and joined the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps as well as served in the Army National Guard. After commissioning at Georgia Military College and completing her degree requirements, she returned to active duty in January 1993 as a Second Lieutenant in the  Army's Adjutant General Corps (Human Resources) with an assignment at Fort Bragg, NC. Fast forward three-plus decades, she officially retired in May 2020 at the rank of Colonel. Over the years, she served in various locations across the USA and overseas, including Alabama, Washington, D.C., Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and internationally in Egypt (with time in Israel), Germany, Haiti, Iraq (with time in Kuwait), and Korea.

Mary holds an Associates degree in General Studies from Central Texas College, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Georgia College and State University, a Masters of Public Administration from Old Dominion University, a Masters of  Military Operational Art and Science, and a Masters of Strategic Studies both from Air University. Since retiring in May 2020, she has embraced a fulfilling life in Traditions, staying active with water aerobics, yoga, pickleball, movies, and Netflix series. She also enjoys preparing creative meals for her family and friends and loves sightseeing, travelling, and occasional glamping.

Colonel Martin’s distinguished service has earned her numerous awards, including:

Legion of Merit (her highest award for service)

Bronze Star Medal (her highest award for combat)

Meritorious Service Medal

Army Commendation Medal

Army Achievement Medal

While serving as Commander, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, Germany, Colonel Martin also received a Bundeswehr Silver Cross of Honor from the Landeskommando Hessen for her commitment to the professional cooperation between American and German soldiers.

Her dedication to the military is shared by her family; her youngest brother, John Martin, retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force after 23 years of service in 2014.

Mary recalls her time as a young officer at Fort Bragg, NC, with great fondness, especially her experience jumping out of airplanes. However, her favorite assignment was in Egypt, where she had the opportunity to conduct missions and travel to iconic locations like the pyramids in Cairo and Jerusalem in Israel.

The American Legion (Post 56) in Jefferson, GA is one way that Mary continues to support service members. She has also served on various committees in the neighborhood, including the Welcome and Hospitality Committee and the Decorating Committee. Additionally, she is a proud member of the Jefferson Woman's Club, a Board Member of Adult Literacy Jackson, and a mentor for Legacy Youth Mentoring.

Mary advises new residents to engage with their neighbors, saying, "Get out and meet as many neighbors as you can; you may be more alike than different. Whatever the case, enjoy the beauty in every aspect of the neighborhood." She enjoys the camaraderie and genuine kindness in her community.

Reflecting on her Army career, Mary acknowledges that while it was sometimes stressful, complicated, and scary, it shaped her into the person she is today. She joined the Army under the slogan, "Be All You Can Be," and she certainly achieved that. Mary's life is a testament to patriotism, dedication, and community spirit, making her an invaluable neighbor of Traditions.