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| Brig. Gen. Sharon A. Martin, assistant adjutant general - Army, delivers her first remarks after being ceremoniously promoted to brigadier general in the Missouri Army National Guard, in Kansas City, Mo., July 14, 2018. In addition to her National Guard service, Martin serves as a fire apparatus operator and emergency medical technician with the Kansas City Fire Department. |
07.14.2018
Story by 2nd Lt. Molly Talmadge
Missouri National Guard Public Affairs Office
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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Maj. Gen. Stephen L. Danner, the adjutant general of Missouri, presided over the promotion and ceremonial pinning of Col. Sharon A. Martin, assistant adjutant general-Army, to the rank of brigadier general in the Missouri Army National Guard, on Saturday, July 14, in Kansas City, Mo.
Family, friends, civilian colleagues and many members of the Missouri Army National Guard were in attendance to honor Martin’s career milestone. Danner highlighted Martin’s performance and the outlook for the future of the Missouri Army National Guard with the newly promoted assistant adjutant general.
“No one gets to this pinnacle without hard work, dedication, and knowledge of what they are doing,” Danner said. “As assistant adjutant general, I look forward to working with Brig. Gen. Martin in the future as we continue to shape our National Guard.”
Martin’s goals include: ensuring the organization is inclusive and promotes a safe and health work environment for all to succeed, and guiding and mentoring Guard soldiers to effectively perform their state and federal missions in an ever-changing environment.
As a trailblazer in the Missouri Army National Guard, is the first female to hold her position as assistant adjutant general, Martin provided career advice to young Soldiers in the service.
“Do the things that are in your control, military and civilian education, meet and exceed the Army standards, be a good role model and mentor, but most importantly worry about the job you have now and be the best at it,” Martin said. “Be the best at whatever you are doing, take care of you Soldiers that work under you and build a good team.”
In her civilian capacity, Martin serves as a fire apparatus operator and emergency medical technician with the Kansas City Fire Department.
“The Kansas City Fire Department has been extremely gracious when it comes to my military positions over the years,” Martin said. “In my nearly 23 years as a firefighter working for the city of Kansas City, it has provided me great experience working with public safety, understanding the emergency response and working with the public. It is truly challenging to balance both careers, and I could not do it without their support.”
A graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, Martin began her career as an enlisted soldier, serving as a combat medic, and has more than 27 years of military service, including command of the 110th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, based in the Kansas City area, and has deployed in support of overseas contingency operations.
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