TUKWILA, Wash. –
Defense Contract Management Agency honored two former employees, a daughter and her father, by naming a conference room after them at DCMA Fixed Wing Puget Sound Aug. 20.
Air Force Col. Daniel Stupinski, commander of the Washington-based organization, presided over the dedication ceremony.
“From its inception, this initiative was a grassroots effort by the DCMA Fixed Wing Puget Sound team to properly honor a family dedicated to the warfighter and DCMA's mission,” said Stupinski. “Marsha and George Martinez’s service to the nation is a storied part of our contract management office’s proud heritage. This conference room will serve as a daily reminder for our current and future teammates.”
Marsha Martinez, who was an industrial specialist at DCMA Boeing Seattle before the office changed its name in June, passed away at the age of 45 in November 2023. Her father, George Martinez, was a packaging specialist who retired from DCMA Seattle in 2009. He could not attend the ceremony, but his wife, Connie, and his daughter and Marsha’s sister, Lucy, attended. The room is now named the Martinez Family Conference Room. Christian Castro, an industrial engineer, facilitated the planning of the ceremony and served as an agency liaison to the Martinez family. He was the event’s master of ceremony.
Castro was also Marsha’s friend and colleague.
“Marsha was a work friend turned dear friend to me,” he said. “I was privileged to know both Marsha and George, and it’s my honor to commemorate this moment for a cherished friend and her family.”
“This conference room is dedicated in honor of Marsha Martinez and George Martinez,” said Castro, as he read the plaque dedicated to the two former employees. “Marsha, with her unwavering dedication, tirelessly worked to ensure the timely delivery of aircraft components, all while bravely battling a serious illness. Her father, George, a Marine veteran of Vietnam and devoted servant to DCMA for over 30 years, inspired her with the values of duty and service. Together, they embody the spirit of commitment to our mission and serve as a reminder of our privilege to support those who protect our nation.”
Jeff McBride, the Manufacturing Team supervisor and Marsha’s former supervisor, described Marsha as “a highly respected industrial specialist and loyal civil servant.” She began her federal career as a summer intern in 1996 and joined DCMA full time after graduating from the University of Washington in 2001. From starting out as an office automation clerk to later becoming an industrial specialist, she served DCMA for 23 years until her unexpected passing in 2023.
McBride said four days after being diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition, Marsha shared her intent to return to duty. But her condition progressed rapidly, and she passed away 41 days later.
“Marsha profoundly wanted to continue executing the DCMA mission and provide service to the warfighter, and she could look to her father’s DCMA career and know the role of every functional specialist is important,” said McBride. “We honor not only Marsha, but her father, George Martinez, by dedicating the Martinez Family Conference Room.”
George served eight years in the Marine Corps, working in supply for much of the time. He served in the Vietnam War, which included a year at Da Nang — in an area known as “Rocket Alley” from 1970-71.
“When scrolling through his military record, you’d see his superiors described him as energetic, versatile, tenacious, and continually taking initiative to go above and beyond,” said McBride. “These qualities would bring George to the rank of staff sergeant, and these qualities would continue beyond his discharge from the Marine Corps.”
In 1976, George transitioned to the civil service. This career change brought him and his wife to Ohio for his intern training, and then to Seattle, where they eventually settled and had two daughters. He started as a supply management intern in the acquisition office at the Sand Point Naval Air Station in Seattle, now known as Magnuson Park, and he spent the next 33 years as a packaging specialist and as a transportation specialist. When George retired from DCMA Seattle in 2009, he had a combined 42 years of military and civil service.
“Marsha could look to her father’s service in Vietnam to know those who protect our nation need quality equipment on-time,” McBride said. “George Martinez’s devotion to duty, and his devotion to the people around him impacted Marsha, and in turn, he and Marsha continue to serve our country by being honorable examples of public service for us. This formal recognition is not only to honor individuals, but also to communicate to others what our office at DCMA Fixed Wing Puget Sound values. We value our people, and we value our duty to support the warfighter.”
DCMA Fixed Wing Puget Sound was formerly known as DCMA Boeing Seattle. It changed its name as part of DCMA Vision — an agency restructuring effort to strengthen and enhance its warfighter support. DCMA Fixed Wing Puget Sound provides acquisition oversight and ensures delivery of aircraft such as the P-8A Poseidon for the Navy and the KC-46A Pegasus for the Air Force.