Ricardo Martinez

"Rico" nobly served his Country and Corps with fidelity, valor and a relentless commitment to excellence for 31
years. As a UH-IN pilot in HMLA-369, he was awarded the 20 Alfr«i A. Cunningham Award as the USMC
Aviator of the Year for his courageous and heroic actions in the A1 Anbar province of Iraq. A humbly devoted
husband and father, his love for the Corrs was only eclipsed by his everlasting love for his family.

MEDALS-RIBBONS: Legion of Merit (2), Defense Meritorious Service, Meritorious
Service (3), Navy Commendation (2), Navy Achievement, National Defense Service (2),
Southwest Asia Service, Iraqi Campaign, GWOT Service

BIOGRAPHY OF COLONEL RICARDO MARTINEZ USMC 

Colonel Ricardo Martinez was born in Edinburg, Texas. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1990 following his graduation from Texas A&M University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History . 
Following completion of The Basic School in the spring of 1991, Colonel Martinez reported to primary flight training at Pensacola, FL, where he was designated a Naval Aviator in June 1993. In January 1994, Colonel Martinez completed initial UH-1 training at HMT-303 and reported to HMLA-169, Camp Pendleton, CA, where he flew the UH-1 and deployed in support of a Marine Expeditionary Unit. He served as the Training Officer, Schedule Writer and Weapons Tactics Instructor (WTI) during his tour with HMLA-169. In May 1998, Colonel Martinez completed his FMF tour as the Tactical Air Controller with the infantry battalion 1st Battalion 1st Marines. 
In June 1999, Colonel Martinez reported to the Marine Corps University where he completed resident Amphibious Warfare School and upon completion was assigned to HMX-1, Patuxent River, MD. During his tenure with HMX-1 he served as the Presidential Helicopter Flight Test Team where he participated in the testing and evaluation of air vehicles and mission systems for the executive transport mission. 
From June 2004 to June 2007, Colonel Martinez was assigned to HMLA-369 during which time he completed a combat deployment in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. It was during this deployment that his service was recognized with the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during combat operations. In addition he was named the Marine Corps’ 2006 Outstanding Aviator of the Year. 
In June 2007 Colonel Martinez assumed the role of Site Commander, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA 773) at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans. Following this command tour he would report to Central Command (CENTCOM), Tampa, FL in 2009 where he served as the Executive Assistant to the CENTCOM Chief of Staff. 
Selected for Top Level School, Colonel Martinez would graduate the Inter-American Defense College in 2012. Assigned to the SECNAV Council of Review Boards, Colonel Martinez would serve within the Physical Evaluation Board, Washington Navy Yard prior to his selection to command Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. 
From June 2014 to June 2017 Colonel Martinez served as the Commanding Officer, MCAS Yuma where he oversaw the infrastructure upgrades and construction requirements to initiate the operational capabilities for the Marine Corps’ transition to the F-35. Upon completion of his successful command he would serve as the Chief of Staff, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, 29 Palms, CA from 2017-2020. In May 2020, Colonel Martinez would execute his final permanent change of station to the Washington Navy Yard where he served on the Naval Discharge Review Board. 
Colonel Martinez’s personal decorations include the Legion of Merit with two gold stars, Distinguished Flying Cross, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, Air Medal, 8 Strike Flight Awards, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.