Soldier Spotlight: Sgt. Norkelly Martin

Photo By Maj. Travis Mueller | U.S. Army Sgt. Norkelly Martin, unit supply specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, poses for a photo in his office at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa.  

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PA, UNITED STATES

06.03.2019

Story by Capt. Travis Mueller 

28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – The 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade spotlights Sgt. Norkelly Martin, unit supply specialist and property book non-commissioned officer for the 28th ECAB.

Martin has served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard for three years and is originally from Philadelphia. He is in charge of property management for the brigade and his duties include looking up all the equipment the brigade has on hand and comparing it with authorizations. He also manages the return of excess equipment back to the Army and, if there are shortages, manages the fulfillment and order of necessary equipment.

“Just since last month, over $150,000 of excess equipment was identified by Sgt. Martin,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joey Stoltz, the brigade property book officer and Martin’s immediate supervisor. “That excess equipment will be turned in to the Army to be redistributed.”

Maintaining accurate accountability of all equipment is important to ensure 28th ECAB Soldiers have what they need to conduct their missions safely and successfully, while also providing the most cost-efficient brigade for American taxpayers.

“What I like best about my job is making sure my unit has what they need to accomplish the mission, because if they don’t have what they need they can’t accomplish the mission,” said Martin. “I have a good day when chief [Stoltz] gives me a list of things to do and I get it all done. I like staying busy and with this brigade I’m actually learning a lot, like what I’m actually supposed to do, and they show you how you do it and give you hands-on training.”

Before joining the PAARNG, Martin worked in retail for 15 years. He said he wanted to join the military so he could go to school, provide his family with good health care and show his support for his country. He is married with one child and has another on the way. He currently attends Gwynedd Mercy University in Philadelphia, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business management, and expects to graduate in Sept 2020.

“After I get that degree, my wife is going to go back to get her degree, then I’m planning to get my master’s degree and I’m thinking about becoming a chief like my good chief right here,” said Martin, referring to Stoltz. “I’m hardworking and I don’t quit until the job is done.”

• Date Taken: 06.03.2019
• Date Posted: 06.03.2019 14:51
• Story ID: 325145
• Location: FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PA, US
• Hometown: PHILADELPHIA, PA, US