ROANOKE, VA (WFXR) — For nearly a quarter of a century, Martin Leamy was active duty and in the reserves in the US Army. For Leamy, joining the Army back in 1986 was nothing but a benefit for him.

“I was in a position where I needed someone to slap me in the back of the head to get me pointed in the right direction and I was self aware enough to realize that I figured that the military is the best course of action for me to take in order to achieve that,” said Leamy.

Leamy’s career lead to several deployments during desert storm and other missions.
once he got out of the military he channeled his service for his country by helping his fellow vets in forming the Central and Southwest Virginia Honor Flight a local hub for the National Honor Flight Network. Twice a year, the program gives veterans a chance to visit national monuments in DC.

“A lot of the vets the women and gentlemen that go on the trip have not received thanks or appreciation on healing or closure from some of the things that they have dealt with in their military service. This is especially true with the Vietnam Era veterans, Those folks came back and they were treated very poorly by their fellow citizens. I have had to witness a Vietnam Veteran as he was gruff and tough big guy as he just burst out balling when a ten year old kid gave him a letter. That is the power of the Honor Flight,” said Leamy.

Another passion project for Leamy as he also plays a role with the local Team Rubicon group…….a veteran-led humanitarian organization that serves global communities before, during, and after disasters and crises.

“That was a hole in my life and we talked about a little bit. So getting back with working with those of like mind, veterans and also I chased deployments when I was in active duty where Team Rubicon filled that void for me too and inviting me for that opportunity to got to places on the worst day of their lives,” said Leamy.

Leamy has a lot of fondness during and post military career.

“Military service is an honorable profession. Not only are you giving to your country. Your country is giving something back to you in terms of life skills and vocational skills that you can apply in the civilian world as well,” said Leamy.

If you would like to know more about Honor Flight and Team Rubicon reach out to Martin :

martin@cswvirginiahonorflight.org

martin.leamy@TeamRubiconUSA.org