JoAnn Martin

Lt Col Martin was born September 1, 1955, in Wurzburg, Germany, and became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1957.  She graduated from Grambling State University in Louisiana on December 16, 1977, with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in Biology and Chemistry.  On that same day, she was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training (ROTC) Program as an honor graduate.  In May of 1989 she earned a Master of Arts degree from Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana. 

Her professional military education includes completion of the Supply Officer's Course; Squadron Officer's School; Air Force Mortuary School; Morale, Welfare, Recreation and Services Commander's School; Marine Command and Staff College, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College.

She was promoted to Major one year below-the-zone and promoted to Lt Col on April 1, 1994. Lt Col Martin retired in May 1998.

Lt Col Martin served almost 21 years in the United States Air Force before retiring.

She has seen many parts of the world and has been a guest speaker many times throughout the United States. 

After retiring her talents brought many new endeavors. She taught elementary school for a while, worked as customer service for the YMCA, went on the speaking circuit, and was a secretary and graphic designer for First Baptist Church in O'Fallon.  She recently retired a second time after 17 additional years as a multi-million dollar realtor for Nester Realty in O'Fallon, IL.

 Adding to her resume is her newest book "My Life's Lemonade, The Bitter and The Sweet" which will have you laughing and crying all in one read. It has sold over a thousand copies. She tells of how God turned her life's lemons into sweet Lemonade.

Lt Col Martin is a member of New Life in Christ Interdenominational Church. She holds lifetime memberships in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., Blacks In Government; Grambling State University Alumni and NAACP. She is a past Post Commander of VFW Post 11064 and lifetime member and presently active in Post 4183. She is also a member of Tuskegee Airmen, Outstanding Young Women of America and American Business Women Association, Golden Royalties Chapter.  She is currently the chapter Vice President and CWOTY. She has been married to Garnel Martin fondly called "Marty" for 36 plus years.