LCDR Victor Martinez
LCDR Victor Martinez, 49, passed away on January 16, 2023, in Nassau Bay, Texas. He was born on January 11, 1974, in McAllen, Texas, to Victor and Noelia Martinez. Victor is survived by his wife, Erin Downing Martinez and daughter, Emma Noelia, his brother Guillermo (McAllen, TX), and father Victor Martinez (Houston, TX).
Victor joined the Marines at age 19 and served for 5 years (1993-1998), rising to the rank of Corporal. After leaving the Marines he served in the Marine Reserves and the Army National Guard while attending college. For the past 14 years Victor has served in the Navy Reserves as a Seabee primarily with the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 28 and had an assignment as a Seabee delegate to NATO. He joined the Navy reserves as a CE3 in 2003 and was advanced to rank of CE2 in 2007. In 2008, he was commissioned as an officer. He had attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander at the time of his death. Victor was deployed to Djibouti and Iraq while serving in the Navy Reserves. He also volunteered for Navy overseas duty in Italy for 6 months and spent 4 months in Maryland at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River facility. His achievements include designation as a Seabee Combat Warfare Officer (SCW), 4 Navy Achievement Medals, and MOVSM (The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal).
Victor graduated from the University of Texas Pan American with a degree in electrical engineering. He joined United Space Alliance (NASA contractor) as an electrical engineer where he worked in the SAIL (Space Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory) for 7 years. Victor was later employed by National Oilwell Varco and was most recently employed by the Naval Air Station Patuxent River in the Public Works Department.
Victor enjoyed travel, his family, military history and military memorabilia. He was always interested in serving his country, helping others and took great pride in participating in military funeral honor guard ceremonies.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, 20th January 2023 from 4-8 pm at Crowder Funeral Home, 111 East Medical Center Blvd., Webster, Texas 77598. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Victor’s memory may do so to the Gary Sinise Foundation, which has a variety of programs to help wounded military veterans (garysinisefoundation.org).
Vic,
Thank you for all of the memories, leadership, and mentorship. The marine inside you never left and your presence was felt. I first met Victor in 2010 at NMCB 28, “Old Pros,” and he loved being a Seabee and would never settle. Everything is 7 degrees of separation because I found out he was from the Rio Grande Valley like me. One of his proudest moments was when we earned his Seabee Combat Warfare (SCW) pin and his mentorship helped so many achieve their SCW. Those days were much simpler with the TA-312 field phones…I will miss those days and I will miss you.
-“Fair Winds and Following Seas”
Victor is a brother to us, and the kindest, most generous soul I’ve ever known. He always offered words of encouragement while we worked on our career goals and motivated us to keep reaching higher. He never stopped looking forward and sincerely wanted nothing but the best for those around him. He told us his beautiful wife and daughter were his anchor, he was so proud of. And we are proud to be his friend and colleague, and honored to be in his life.
Our deepest condolences to Erin, Emma, and all Victor’s family and friends during this difficult time. You are all in our prayers.
Erin, Emma, and family – my prayers are with you at Victor’s untimely passing. I remember when Victor first came to USA and worked in SAIL. He was a real pleasure to work with and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Victor’s dedication and devotion to what mattered most – his country and his family – were evident in all that he did and are a testament to the type of person he was. After the end of the shuttle program, I enjoyed catching up with Victor at the SAIL lunches and other gatherings to hear what his latest adventures were. May God’s peace be with you in your time of mourning.
David – a fellow SAILor at USA
Victor was a pleasure to work with in SAIL. He made friends everywhere he went. He will be missed.
On behalf of NNCB 22: May we all find comfort that Mr. Martinez rests in the peace and very presence of our Lord and Savior. And, most sincere, heartfelt condolences to his precious wife, daughter, family and all those who had the great privilege and honor to know, love and serve alongside him.
Former NMCB 22 Ombudsman, Latricia Williams
Victor started every conversation with kind words of greeting and followed with asking how the family is doing. Kowing the value he placed on family, only intensifies our thoughts and prayers for his family at this time. I am sending my love to his wife and children. I hope my prayers find you and remind you that people here in Maryland are putting good vibes in your direction.
Victor, I will miss you my friend! You were one of the first friends of mine when I came to NOSC Houston and I looked forward to talking about nothing for hours in my office! You had a great spirit and positive outlook and all of our lives were better through knowing you and having your friendship in our lives!
You are missed my friend!
Alex Catsis