From Military Service to Public Service, U.S. Air Force Veteran BreAnna Martinez Shares Her Path to USDA

Imagine you are 18 years old, from a rural town, and figuring out your next steps. You want opportunities to learn, meet new people, and travel the world.

This is exactly what BreAnna Martinez was experiencing when she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2003. What started as a way to pay for college, quickly turned into a lifelong mission of serving her country in the military and in public service.

"I quickly understood what an honor it is to be a part of the 1% of the population that volunteers to serve my country through active-duty military," said Master Sergeant Martinez.

Martinez specialized in Command-and-Control Operations, where she played critical roles in logistics planning and coordination for Air Force missions. From securing air space clearances, to ensuring the right crew and cargo are on the plane, to providing inflight pilot support-Martinez worked behind the scenes to ensure each mission was a success.

Her military service gave her a chance to work on critical missions across the globe-like active combat situations, nuclear command and control, humanitarian relief, and natural disaster recovery.

Now in the Air Force Reserves, Martinez serves as a Senior Enlisted Leader and Mission Manager at Travis Air Force Base. In 2016, she embarked on her civilian career at USDA's Farm Service Agency.

"After my active-duty service, I sought a role that would allow me to contribute to a team-oriented, mission-critical environment," said Martinez. "USDA was the perfect fit."

Last Fall, Martinez took another leap. She saw an opening for an International Affairs Advisor in USDA's Office of the Chief Scientist and applied.

Just a week later, Martinez landed the job. She now helps coordinate USDA's international science and research portfolio. This involves analyzing international policy issues, advising USDA leadership on global science initiatives, and preparing key resources to support decision-making.

"My time in the military taught me the importance of adaptability and effective communication, especially when working with people from diverse backgrounds," said Martinez. "These skills have been invaluable in my role at USDA."

Martinez's work at USDA not only aligns with her military experience, but it also pays homage to her family and the small Nevada town where she grew up. Learning the ropes from her sheepherding and cattle ranching grandparents, she developed a deep appreciation for agriculture. Now, at USDA, she applies her military expertise and agricultural knowledge to make an impact.