BG William Martin ’78

General Martin was commissioned in 1978 as a Regular Army Officer through the Siena ROTC Department. During his active duty service, General Martin served in multiple military assignments across the United States and around the world, primarily as an Armor Officer within Infantry and Armored Divisions, as well as Armored Cavalry Regiments. His leadership experience includes overseeing a 24,000 member military organization with a budget in excess of $400 million.

His military assignments include:

• Deputy Adjutant General, State of New York

• Strategic Analyst and Speech Writer for General H. Norman Schwarzkopf

• Political Military Planner for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

• Program Manager for the Army’s Force XXI

• Executive Officer to the President of the National Defense University, Washington D.C. 

During his service as the Deputy Adjutant General, General Martin served as the Deputy Commander for thousands of New York State military forces responding to the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. Additionally, he served as the Chairman of the New York State Critical Infrastructure Task Force. General Martin was also principally responsible for working with Governor George Pataki and the New York State Legislature in developing a bill and law awarding a 100% tuition assistance package for New York State military members.

General Martin earned a Bachelors degree from Siena College and a Masters degree from Catholic University. He is a graduate of the State and Local Executives Program from the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government. General Martin is also a graduate of the US Army Command and General Staff College and the US Army War College. He is a Paratrooper, a ranger and a combat veteran. 

General Martin’s military awards: 

• Legion of Merit

• Bronze Star Medal

• Defense Meritorious Service Medal

• Meritorious Service Medal (w/Silver Oak Leaf Cluster)

• Joint Service Commendation Medal

• Army Commendation Medal

• Army Achievement Medal

• National Defense Service Medal

 Southwest Asia Service Medal (w/2 Bronze Service Stars)

• Army Service Ribbon

• Overseas Service Ribbon

• Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)

• Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge

• Army Staff Identification Badge

• Parachutist Badge

• Ranger Tab