At A Glance: Ricardo Martinez
- Name: Ricardo Martinez
- Total Service: 50 Years (Combined Federal Service)
- USACE Service: 18 Years
- Key Locations: Canyon Lake, Fort Sam Houston, Randolph AFB
- Specialties: Surveying, Civil Engineering, Logistics
- Notable Project: Surveying burial sites for moon rocks & space program assets
After five decades of dedicated service, Ricardo Martinez is retiring—and what a journey it’s been. From living in U.S. Army barracks to working in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ offices, his story is one of grit, patriotism, and unwavering commitment.
A Legacy of Service
Born in New Braunfels, Texas, the youngest of 10 children, Martinez grew up in a family steeped in military tradition. All five brothers served, following in the footsteps of uncles who fought in World War II and relatives who served in Korea. When the Vietnam War came calling, Martinez didn’t hesitate. Despite being initially rejected due to hearing issues, he returned the following year and insisted on serving. “There were people burning draft cards,” he said. “I wanted to do my duty.”
He joined the Army in 1975, completed his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, and eventually served with the 2nd Armored Division as a surveyor. His time in uniform laid the foundation for a lifelong career in public service.
From Canyon Lake to Civil Engineering
Martinez’s first civilian role came in 1978 with the Army Corps of Engineers at Canyon Lake. “That was probably the best job I ever had,” he recalled. Whether surveying, maintaining roads, or patrolling the lake as a park ranger, Martinez embraced every task with his signature attitude: “Whatever you need.”
One of his most vivid memories? Descending into the dam control tower to replace seals floor by floor, with the roar of water echoing around him. “The sound and pressure of the water—it was unbelievable.”
Building Bases and Breaking Ground
Martinez took the next step in his career less than a year after working at Canyon Lake and joined the San Antonio Real Property Maintenance Agency, a U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force combined civil engineering branch, located at Fort Sam Houston, overseeing civil engineering for five military bases. He started as an estimator and quickly became chief surveyor, eventually managing contracts from start to finish. “I came to look for a job, not a position,” he said. “Whatever you need me to do.”
His work took him from Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, where he helped shape infrastructure projects across Texas. When Congress closed the agency in 1989, Martinez chose Randolph Air Force Base—closer to home in New Braunfels—and continued his service there until 2007.
Full Circle
Wayne Carter, an old U.S. Army Corps of Engineers friend, let Martinez know he needed some help. In a poetic twist, he accepted the position and returned to Fort Sam Houston where he would finish his career with 18 years of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers service and 50 years of combined federal service. “I feel like I made a complete circle, I was here 30 years ago and now I’m retiring here,” he said. “It’s awesome.”
His career highlights include surveying secret burial sites for moon rocks and monkeys sent to space, and orchestrating security logistics for President George W. Bush’s visit to Randolph Air Force Base. When asked about his legendary stories, Martinez had this to say, “My kids tell me I should write a book, but I’d never get it finished!”
Words of Wisdom
Martinez’s advice to the next generation is simple yet powerful: “Serve your country first. Join a branch of the military and then walk into a federal job. It’s been a rewarding experience for me.”
As Ricardo Martinez hangs up his Corps of Engineers hard hat, we salute his extraordinary career and thank him for his service, humor, and heart. His legacy will echo through every base, dam, and blueprint he’s touched.
Happy retirement, Ricardo—you’ve earned it!
Frequently Asked Questions: Ricardo Martinez’s Career
How long did Ricardo Martinez serve in the federal government?
Ricardo Martinez served for a total of 50 years in combined federal service. This includes his time in the U.S. Army (starting in 1975) and 18 years specifically with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
What was his role at Canyon Lake?
Starting in 1978, Martinez worked as a surveyor, maintained roads, and patrolled as a park ranger at Canyon Lake. He describes this period as “probably the best job I ever had.”
What is Ricardo Martinez’s advice for future engineers?
His advice to the next generation is to serve the country first: “Join a branch of the military and then walk into a federal job.”
