Owensboro native Travis Martinez is on his way to Lackland Air Force Base to begin his journey in the Space Force, the newest military division of the U.S. Armed Forces. He joins a shortlist of other locals that made the transition to become Guardians in the recent past.
Martinez performed well on the ASVAB and was swore into the Air Force in October. His skills and interests led him to pursue a cyber job or something related to technology and computer.
“The Air Force is a sister branch of the Space Force, and they had already begun branching out some of their tech jobs,” Martinez said. “They only accept 500 Guardians per year. My recruiter, TSGT Shultz, helped me write the application and guided me through the entire process, which took a few months.”
Martinez selected a job in client systems, where he will be maintaining integral software, ensuring things are collected, prepared, and secured for various faucets of military operations.
“I’ve always liked technology,” he said. “I built computers when I was younger. I’ve always been around technology, and it’s been a big part of my life. Working with it in the military is a great opportunity.”
While pursuing an associate’s degree in business at Owensboro Community and Technical College – which he obtained last spring – Martinez noticed an advertisement for the National Guard outside one of his classrooms.
“I saw the ad that said $20,000 bonus and other incentives, so I started doing my own research,” he said. “I decided to go active duty in the Air Force. This is a great stepping stone for me as I continue my education. I hope to come back and go the officer route.”
Martinez will complete his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio as part of an all-Guardian flight. From there, he will transition to Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Keesler Air Force Base in Gulf Port, Mississippi, for 67 days.
After training, he stands to be stationed at one of the eight Space Force bases across the country.
Martinez graduated from Daviess County High School in 2019. He said his family and friends had played a significant role in supporting him on his journey.
“I believe strongly in what the Space Force stands for and their mission of keeping and maintaining our satellites in the air,” he said. “It’s a very contested air space, and I think many people don’t know that. I think the addition of the branch will lead to greater technological advancements for the military as a whole.”
