Martinez Honored for Service

Dino Martinez of Colton was given one of the most memorable gifts a father could receive on Father’s Day. His two children Kimberly and John along with their families and Mayson Maestas gave Martinez the picture of the banner for the City of Colton Hometown Heroes Military Banner Program the week before Father's Day to honor him. The installation ceremony took place on June 10th, on the corner of Valley and 7th Street in front of McDonald's. Martinez grew up in San Bernardino with his two older brothers, John and Mike, and his parents, Arlene and John C. Martinez. Martinez graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1977 and joined the Navy soon after. He shared, “My father put us all into the military and we had no choice. When my brothers and I graduated from high school, he signed us all up and we were all in the navy at the same time. He believed in it, and it’s not like we didn’t want to go in. My father was a navy guy, he was on a Destroyer and he thought that was the best way to start your life after you got out of school, and I agree with [him].” During his time in the Navy, Martinez was an electrician stationed at the Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego and the Naval Air Station Miramar, now called, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Martinez shared, “My brothers were on the same carrier in San Francisco, the USS Coral Sea (CV-43).” During the three months Martinez was in boot camp, he did not see family members other than his two brothers. He shared, “Every once in a while I would spot my brothers coming onto the base and that was fun, it was the only family I saw in boot camp.” Martinez spent time in two squadrons, the VF 1285 and HS 84 and was in the military from 1977-1984 until he was honorably discharged. He met his wife, Rosalie, of 32 years because his brother, John married Rosalie’s sister and they met each during his time in service. After he was discharged, Martinez and Rosalie were married and he started work as an electrician and is currently working with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, IBEW Local 477. During his time in the navy, Martinez shared, “I learned maturity and responsibility, that’s why my dad put us in. When we got out, we were ready to go to work. I have a respect for the military and understand the people who are in there now, I really understand the guys who are out there and the troubles they have to go through.” Before Martinez was honored with a banner he stated, “My wife and I talked 6 months to a year ago and I said, 'I would like to put a banner up for my brothers because it would be nice to do' and my brother, John Martinez lived in Colton. Time went by and my children a week before Father’s Day gave me this gift and said it was for Father's Day. When I opened it up, there was a picture of the banner in the bag. There were no words, there was too much emotion; I don’t get really emotional and that really surprised me. I’m pretty blessed I have a family that does that.” Martinez says, “I know there are many veterans there and I believe in the servicemen, no matter what their job is, it’s still important and it’s a team. We have people who are out there now still helping out, and they should all be recognized.” After receiving the banner, Martinez mentioned, “I don’t really need anything anymore, I’ve got great kids and great grandchildren, with great friends and we all live in Colton and it’s a good thing. It was pretty deep, I couldn’t believe it. Just being recognized, that was pretty touching for me. It was too nice of them.” Martinez stated of what he finds entertaining nowadays, “Me and Rosalie are enjoying the grandchildren and look forward to retiring one day and [spending time] with my family and grandchildren who keep us busy.”