Isaac B. Martinez becomes first Latino Brigadier General
By ANA ROMERO VIGIL
The Colorado National Guard promoted La Junta-born Col. Isaac B. Martinez to the rank of Brigadier General on Sept. 13, 2025 after a 25-year career with the Army. He is the first Latino to ever serve in this position. He will be the next assistant director of the Army National Guard for aviation, intelligence, and information.
Brigadier General Martinez comes from a long line of military men such as his Vietnam War Veteran father Joe Martinez, and several aunts and uncles. Parents Gloria and Joe Martinez currently reside in Colorado Springs; Gloria is the president of the Autobee Historical Society and worked for Ft. Carson for 25 years.
Although he was born in La Junta to Joe and Gloria Autobee Martinez, he went to Fountain Fort Carson High School, then to community college in Lamar, and transferred to University of Northern Colorado to play baseball.
When he graduated in 1996, he entered the Colorado National Guard, earning his commission in May of 1996 as a second lieutenant in the Military Police Corps. His first call to action was leading a security detail at Columbine High School after the tragic shootings in 1999.
When he was promoted to Chief of staff for the National Guard, CSB News reported that he was only the second Latino chief of staff for National Guard in 20 years.
At the promotion ceremony, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Laura Clellan, the 44th adjutant general of Colorado and executive director of the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, served as the presiding official. She said, “His leadership has left a lasting impact, from overseas deployments in support of Operations Joint Forge, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, to critical domestic responses like Columbine, 9/11 airport security, Hurricane Katrina, and state cyber emergencies.”
His education includes a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice and minor in Mexican American Studies from UNC, a Master of Education and Human Resources Studies from Colorado State University. In addition, In 2017, he graduated from the U.S. Army War College with a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies.
As chief of joint staff, Martinez is responsible for managing joint operations, coordinating interagency activities, and ensuring readiness across both the Colorado Army and Air National Guard. This role provides strategic direction, oversees the development and implementation of joint plans and policies, and supports the adjutant general in achieving state and federal objectives. The chief of joint staff also facilitates collaboration between senior leaders and external partners to enhance the CONG’s operational effectiveness.
In 2013, Colonel Martinez commanded the 193rd Military Police Battalion. Soon after taking command, he immediately was called to support the largest flood relief effort in Colorado history, leading 500 Soldiers and Airmen as one of the Task Force commanders while simultaneously preparing his unit for a deployment to Cuba.
Colonel Martinez currently serves full time as Chief Information Officer for the Colorado National Guard. Colonel Martinez has been married to his wife Michelle for 17 years and they have two daughters Alexi and Jasmin. His family are avid baseball fans; they have visited 24 Major League Baseball stadiums in the last 10 years. He is 54 yers old.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with 1 OLC, Meritorious Service Metal with 1 OLC, the Army Commendation Medal with 2 OLC, the OIF and OEF Campaign Medals. He has earned the Combat Action Badge, German Armed Forces Efficiency Badge and Order of the Marechaussee.
Thank you for including the piece about Brigadier General Martinez in your publication. I also also want to extend my gratitude to him for his service to our country and for being such an inspiring a role model to our Latino community.