O’Fallon legend from ‘The Greatest Generation’ celebrates 93rd birthday
A Navy veteran of three wars, Frank Martinez is part of “The Greatest Generation” and a local legend in O’Fallon.
He turned 93 on July 27 — amid a global coronavirus pandemic — so leave it to retired Air Force colonel John “Woody” Almind to gather his church family and Rotary Club friends to honor this hometown hero with a big parade.
Despite a rainy Monday, the parade drew more than 44 vehicles, including a patrol car, fire truck and fire chief. Thirty-one vehicles were driven by members of the O’Fallon First United Methodist Church and 13 were O’Fallon Rotarians. They first gathered at the Ace Hardware parking lot before they trekked several blocks over to Frank’s house with the police and fire truck leading the parade, then they greeted him with “Happy Birthday Frank and thanks for your service!”
So how did Almind pull off the surprise?
“I stopped by his house the Thursday before to get his bio and asked him to be out front at 7 p.m. on Monday 27 July for a birthday surprise,” he said.
The plan was to wait for Frank to come out on his porch, then Almind would say ‘Happy Birthday!’ — and sing — over the PA system.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, the men and women of O’Fallon would like to thank you for your outstanding service to our great nation and the community of O’Fallon. May God bless you on your birthday and during the year ahead,” Almind said to Frank.
Fire Chief Brad White said O’Fallon Fire Rescue was honored to participate.
“Our department has several active duty and prior service military members within its ranks. We take pride in recognizing true American heroes living in our community, such as Mr. Martinez. We wish him many more years of happiness,” White said.
Almind, who organizes the national Wreaths Across America program in December every year for the Rotary, was happy to help set it up for Martinez. Together they serve as ushers and belong to the men’s fellowship at the church. Frank’s culinary skills are also known far and wide, and he helped cook at church breakfasts as well as meals at the Scottish Rite and Shriners.
“I’ve always been impressed with Frank’s work ethic and ability to get the job done,” Almind said. “We wanted to show our appreciation.”
About Frank Martinez
Frank was born in Moberly, Missouri, one of five children. They were placed in a St. Louis orphanage during the Depression.
Frank joined the U.S. Navy when he was 17, started as a cook and served aboard aircraft carriers, destroyers, oilers and minesweepers during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He retired 24 years later as a senior chief petty officer.
Frank and Terry, his wife of 63 years, moved to O’Fallon in 1968. Frank worked in the civil service at Scott Air Force Base, first as an assistant manager at the NCO Club, then manager of the commissary until he was 68 and decided to officially retire.
‘He’s a humble guy’
Even with many honors over the last few years, Frank still isn’t one for fanfare, but Almind and his friends wanted to honor him for his service to the country, his community and the church.
For his 90th birthday, Scott AFB Base Fitness Center personnel threw a surprise party for him at the base gym in 2017. Before the public health crisis hit in mid-March, Martinez used to work there several days a week, arriving about 5 a.m.
“He’s a humble guy,” Almind said. “But he’s a great American hero and a card-carrying member of America’s Greatest Generation!”
Frank was all smiles outside on his driveway.
“Frank really enjoyed it and sent me a great thank-you note stating: ‘Nothing says thank you quite like the words Thank You ... Thank you. Woody, thank you for a great birthday,’” Martinez wrote.
Mission accomplished for great birthday
“It felt really great. It brought such joy to Frank and his family. And the people in the parade absolutely loved it. It warmed my heart to see the outpouring of love during these trying times with the coronavirus pandemic,” Almind said.
“As I’ve learned more about Frank by doing this special event for him, it reinforces my belief that America is the land of opportunity. And you can accomplish any dream you have in this great Country that we’re so privileged to live in. Frank is a living example of that. He was raised in an orphanage in St Louis, joined the U.S. Navy as a 17-year-old and rose through the ranks to Senior Chief Petty Officer. Only in America!” he said.
This story was originally published August 4, 2020 at 12:25 PM.