Sgt. James Martinez, a native of West Penn Township, was deployed to Afghanistan on Oct. 28. He is the son of Alfonso and Margaret Martinez.

Martinez enlisted in Sept., 2000 after graduating from Tamaqua Area High School in June, 2000. He served in Iraq during the initial attack on Sadam's forces in March, 2003. He was discharged from active service in Aug., 2004 and attended Pa College of Technology, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering in Aug., 2008.Martinez was hired as an engineer for Victulic Corp in Easton, Pa. until he was recalled to active duty in August of this year. He is a platoon sergeant with Co.B, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) BN, 4th Marine Division. His tour of duty is expected to be for eight months.