Lindsay Martin was just 11 years old when her brother enlisted in the army. His bravery inspired Martin to embark on her own journey, to serve those who served.

Martin, of Albrightsville, joined the Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors Inc. and shortly after became the youngest ambassador in the organization’s history. At a young age, Martin was an ambitious leader and quickly organized fundraisers. In eighth grade, Martin proposed an annual dress-down day fundraiser to the school board, and raised more than $800 for PAWW.

Ten years later, at 21 years old, Martin still persists as an active member of PAWW.

In 2006, Helen Sajer founded PAWW with her late husband, Major General Gerald Sajer. Now acting as the president of PAWW, Sajer reflects back on 10 years with Martin as an ambassador.

“It was the most interesting meeting because she was a very young girl,” Sajer said about the first time meeting Martin. “Now here she is as a graduate, and honor student. All of these years since the beginning of this wonderful relationship. She’s an extraordinary girl.”

Through her journey with PAWW, Martin developed a stronger grasp for the impact the organization has. When she sat down with veterans and heard their stories, Martin was shocked at what they’ve been through.

“It’s made me realize how fortunate I am.” Martin said. “I chose to go to college, a path that’s not for everyone, and I’m proud of it. I see their service is something they’re proud of, and I want to honor that.”

Martin’s dad, Patrick Martin, served in the army for several years and PAWW helped the Martins, too and fully renovated their home for free.

“I asked Miss Sajer if I could get help to insulate my basement, she said ‘Let me check that out for you,’ ” Patrick said. “The following Saturday, 23 cars pulled up outside our house and there were volunteers from three different home depots. It was unbelievable.”

Patrick has been a proud dad through 10 years of his daughter’s volunteering.

“She was only 11 years old, and she did it all on her own. I didn’t encourage her, she came down and told me about it,” Patrick said, “I’m so proud of her.”

In her years of volunteerism, Martin did fundraising for PAWW with her high school softball team. Every year, Martin leads PAWW’s participation in Boscov’s “Friends Helping Friends” fundraising event, a one-day event where a $5 donation to a participating nonprofit gives shoppers a 25% discount. And yet, she’s still looking for more ways to raise awareness and fund raise.

“Most people don’t think they can do much to help, especially if they’re from a small town,” Martin said. “But anything helps. Just setting up a donation box is helpful. Bringing awareness helps.”

Working through a bustling college schedule, Martin continues to promote PAWW at Alvernia University, where she is pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in marketing economics.

She visits the on-campus veterans center and shares resources where she can, but Martin wants to do more. After graduating from Alvernia University in Spring 2026, Martin wants to use her degree to help expand PAWW. Her goal is to volunteer for as long as she can and increase PAWW’s reach.