Martin, originally from Nashville and a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, has been deeply influenced by his time at West Point, his experiences in Boy Scouts, and his faith, which have instilled in him a strong belief in serving others. Across all of Martin’s volunteer service experiences, a common theme emerges: supporting organizations that focus on building people up and giving them a “hand up.” He is actively involved in his kids’ schools, and he is passionate about encouraging other fathers to be more involved in their children’s education and their places of worship. Martin firmly believes that it really does “take a village” and “we’ve all got to roll up our sleeves, as our life allows…get outside of our own…bubbles to give back.”
Since 2018, Martin has served on the Board of Directors for High Hopes Development Center in Franklin, TN. He was inspired to become involved with High Hopes by his mother, who ran a rehab center in Franklin before her retirement and then began volunteering at High Hopes. Martin describes High Hopes as an organization that “just melts your heart” because they are doing vital work that matters to families. High Hopes provides an inclusive environment where children with special needs can receive early education and specialized therapies such as physical, feeding, speech, and behavioral therapies. Since 1984, High Hopes has been a valuable resource for children and families in the community.
As a member of the Nashville Rotary Club in Brentwood, Martin has had the opportunity to serve several communities in the Nashville-area. For example, through the Rotary Club, he has volunteered at Tusculum Elementary School in South Nashville, reading to the children and providing dictionaries and other books to the library. Martin is also involved with the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home in Brentwood, which offers care and support to children facing challenges at home. The organization provides foster, residential, and family care, which has a significant impact on the lives of children. Additionally, Martin partnered with One Generation Away, an organization that aims to alleviate food poverty in the Southeast. They use mobile food pantries to serve communities in need. Martin speaks of delivering food boxes and how it impacts so many lives, particularly those in Waverly who were impacted by severe flooding in 2021. For him, it is rewarding “to go there and help serve that community in a small way.”
Martin has also been involved with Reboot Recovery, an organization that supports mental wellness and empowers people to overcome trauma and embrace a brighter future. He highlights the importance of their work, particularly for first responders and the military, stating that “trauma really is an injury to your heart, mind, and soul.” Reboot Recovery helps individuals heal and guides them “on the road to not just recovery, but success and get them back to not just surviving, but thriving.” Reports from Reboot Recovery show significant improvements in mental, emotional, and social wellness among participants.
Another organization close to Martin’s heart is Habitat for Humanity, whose mission is to provide decent and affordable housing—a “hand up, not a handout.” Habitat for Humanity’s impact extends to various aspects of people’s lives, with positive outcomes such as improved physical health, better academic performance among children, increased feelings of safety, and enhanced financial stability for families.
Martin’s personal experiences have inspired his dedication to volunteer work, particularly in the realm of mental wellness. He has witnessed the struggles of loved ones with mental illnesses and believes that we all “want to feel respected and appreciated and acknowledged.” He emphasizes the importance of showing love, kindness, and empathy in our interactions with others, as even small gestures can make a meaningful impact. Martin encourages everyone to find their own unique ways to serve and be physically present to help others, as these efforts truly matter.
