Honoring Those Who Served: Mike Martin
May is National Military Appreciation Month in the United States. MSCI has been celebrating by featuring member company employees — our MSCI Metals Veterans — who have served their country in uniform. Click here to find our past features.
Name: Mike Martin
Company: Infra-Metals
City and State: Tampa, Fla.
Current Position/Job Title: Saw operator
Education: Community college
Military Branch: Marine Corps
Years of Service: 6 years as a Marine; 27 years at Infra-Metals
Job/MOS in the military: Heavy equipment and communications
Unit and where you were stationed: Second Maintenance SSFG, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Two 6-month back-to-back service tours and then another that was 3 months in Germany, Italy, and Spain.
What memorable phrase or word will never be the same now that you served? Semper Fidelis, “always faithful,” which doesn’t seem to be the case in our country these days. That principle is something we cherish until the day we die. It should be this way across our country and seems to be lost on some its citizens and sometimes even its servicemen.
What is something new you learned about yourself from serving? Commitment. Once I endeavor any job, friendship, or relationship I give 100 percent commitment to it. The military help forge and solidify my values and belief system when it comes to commitment and discipline. It shaped me.
How have you applied lessons in the military to your job/career? I take pride in what I do. I don’t make excuses for myself and I do hold myself accountable. I take great personal satisfaction in a job well done.
Do you have a favorite quote, mantra, or personal motto? “Do what you love and love what you do.”
How can the metals industry do a better job connecting with veterans? If the metals industry took a page out of the military core values, it would help to align, motivate and capture the spirit of it in the workplace.
Anything else that you would like to share regarding your experience? o I serve my country and that comes first. No matter who is in charge I have to put my personal beliefs aside and honor the decisions made by the leadership in place.
Through my years of service, I met people from all walks of life, and many of them I have continued to stay in touch with. I have deep bonds with them regarding serving and our dedication to our country.
My serving meant a lot to me and if I was younger and capable I would go back in and continue to serve. I’d do it all over again without a doubt.
Thank you for your service, Mike! Remember to share these stories on social media using #MSCIMetalVets and to join the Military Appreciation Month conversation on MSCI’s Community Forum.