Martin B. Pierce served five years in the United States Army (2003–2008), attaining the rank of Captain (O-3) as a Field Artillery Officer. His military journey included time stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, and a year-long combat deployment to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom (November 2005–November 2006).But his path to service began long before he ever stepped into uniform.

By high school, Martin already knew he wanted to serve his country. With family members who had served in the military, he understood both the honor and the cost of service. When West Point entered the picture, it represented more than an education—it represented challenge, discipline, and purpose. He was also recruited to play Division I football for the U.S. Army, giving him a rare opportunity to pursue academics, athletics, and service all in one place.

“There wasn’t one dramatic moment,” he recalls. “It grew on me through high school. West Point was the hardest path I could find—and it also allowed me to play the game I loved while serving something bigger than myself.” The events of 9/11 during his junior year at West Point made his commitment feel even more real.

Martin’s time in Iraq as a Field Artillery Officer placed him in a position of immense responsibility—leading Soldiers in combat and ensuring they returned home safely. Of all his accomplishments, none matter more to him than this:

“Every Soldier I was responsible for came home. That’s what matters most.”

But service came with personal sacrifice. During his 2005–2006 deployment, Martin missed the birth of his son, Bo, and his daughter Gabby’s first birthday. His wife, Michelle, carried the weight of family life at home, even moving in with her parents for support. He learned of his son’s birth through a phone call from halfway around the world. “She paid a price the Army and the country never saw,” he says. “Twenty years later, that’s still what I owe her most for.”

One of his most defining memories is returning home after 344 days away.“I had only seen Bo once before during a short R&R. Coming home and seeing my wife and children together at the welcome-home ceremony is something I’ll never forget.”

Martin credits much of his leadership philosophy to the Army: clarity under pressure, accountability, and service above self.

“Leadership is about serving the people you lead, not being in charge of them,” he says. “You have to make decisions without all the information and live with the consequences.”One moment that stayed with him came when his Battery Commander quietly learned that Michelle was hospitalized with pregnancy complications. Without hesitation, he pulled Martin from a field training exercise so he could be with his wife.“That act of leadership shaped how I’ve led ever since,” Martin says.

Martin’s West Point story is also deeply personal. He met his future wife, Michelle, during his Plebe year when she was visiting from upstate New York. They built their relationship throughout his time at the Academy. He proposed during his junior year. The couple was married the day after his graduation in a military wedding at West Point, officiated by Michelle’s father, who was a pastor.

Athletically, Martin was recruited as a quarterback but spent four years playing defensive back for Army (1999–2002 seasons), competing at the Division I level while balancing the demands of West Point life.

One of the most meaningful chapters of his service was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado.

Living in Colorado Springs left a lasting impression—daily views of Pikes Peak, endless access to mountain trails, and a strong sense of community among military families. “It was an extraordinary place to be stationed,” he says. “We have so many family memories tied to that time.”

Today, Martin and Michelle have been married for 23 years and have raised five children in Greenville, South Carolina, over the past 13 years.

Professionally, Martin is launching Pierce Strategic Advisors (www.piercestrategicadvisors.com) following his tenure as CEO of a national workforce solutions company. His advisory work includes the Commanding Growth Program (www.commandinggrowth.com), focused on helping business owners and leaders unlock growth and improve performance.

He also serves on the board of 3GEN Ministries, mentors emerging leaders, coaches youth sports, and remains active in his community. Outside of work, he is an avid runner, having completed three marathons and three half marathons in the last 18 months.

Martin says the military shaped nearly everything about how he leads today. “I learned to make decisions without all the information. I learned that integrity is not optional. And I learned that excellence comes from doing small things right every single day.”

When asked what he wants younger generations to understand, his answer is direct: “Freedom is not free. The people who serve are ordinary men and women who raised their hand when the country asked. They don’t want recognition—they want to do their job well and come home to their families. The best way to honor them is to live a life worthy of what they gave.”

For Martin Pierce, service did not end when he left the Army. It continues through leadership, family, faith, and the quiet commitment to live a life built on purpose.