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Guardsman works in the same battalion as his father

Sgt. Christopher Martin is always ready

Sgt. Christopher Martin stands ready with his wife, Daniella, and son, Gavin. Photo credit: Gary Lott

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Sgt. Christopher Martin has a typical commitment of a servicemember to state, country and family. However, whether his uniform is on or off, Martin goes above and beyond living and breathing that dedication. He is also one of a few soldiers in the military working alongside his dad.

"I truly believe that everyone owes it to themselves to give 100 percent at everything they do," he said. "When you are able to give yourself 100 percent, you are able to truly give others 100 percent as well, which everyone truly deserves."

Martin enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in 2004; he joined the Washington National Guard three years later.

He enlisted into Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation (Security and Support), a unit that is responsible for providing support and security for Washington state missions including fires and floods.

He is currently working as the operations budget analyst for the Joint Services Support Directorate (JSS) for the Washington National Guard. This directorate provides complete continued support for servicemembers and their families and also promotes a "fit and resilient" life.

"Sergeant Martin's expertise in the contract realm has afforded the JSS to perform at optimal speed," said his operations Noncommissioned Officer, Master Sgt. Dana Trakel.  "His knowledge and ability to research the fiscal guidelines has helped us maximize our opportunities and to reach out to the Guard and their families in every program that we offer in the JSS."

Martin works in the same battalion as his father.

"I'm always proud to say that I'm able to serve alongside my father - (Sgt. 1st Class) Joe Sommerfeld," Martin said. "He has always been a true inspiration in my life, (and) now that we are in the same battalion, I have had the opportunity to literally serve alongside him."

Martin is truly grateful to have been positively influenced by his father to be a better man, soldier and overall better human being.

He also believes in and inspires others to live a life of complete fitness.

"Sergeant Martin is the driving force for physical conditioning and eating healthy," Trakel said.  "He reaches out to all in the building and outside our community in order to give the right example and to help educate all in health and nutrition."

Martin strongly believes being physically, mentally and emotionally fit are key.

"Having balance in these areas of your life (is) paramount to being Army strong, and being the best you, day in and day out," he said. "The stronger you feel, the better husband, wife, mom, dad, soldier and friend you can be."

Martin's wife, Daniella and young son, Gavin, have been a blessing, and they are what truly make him tick.

"My life has changed profoundly; there isn't anything more in this world I could have asked for," he said. "My wife and son are my motivation to always give 100 percent, so I can give them my best me."

"I'm in the business of helping others," he continued, "and there isn't anything that I would rather be doing. I truly believe that there is nothing more honorable than serving those who serve our country in various capacities. I also get satisfaction from being exposed to great leaders. I think every leader has something to share, which I take and put it in my toolbox to be the best leader I can possibly be."

That can-do attitude has not gone unnoticed.

"Sergeant Martin is a hero for the Washington Army National Guard," Trakel said. "He embodies the spirit, image and mindset of what we want in our NCO core. (He) is an on-task individual who strives to be a strong, honest young leader and has a very bright future ahead of him."

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