ABOUT
About JoAnn Speer Martin
From author to speaker, her life story is an inspiration and leaves an indelible impact.
Mrs. Martin was born September 1, 1955, in Wurzburg, Germany, and became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1957. She graduated from Grambling State University on December 16, 1977, with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in Biology. On that same day, she was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training (ROTC) Program as an honor graduate. In May of 1989 she earned a Master of Arts degree from Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana.
JoAnn S. Martin is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and a Lifetime member of many organizations; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Top Ladies of Distinction Inc., Blacks in Government, NAACP and Grambling State University Alumni. She is in Who’s Who Among American Female Executives, and Who’s Who Among Black Colleges and Universities. Mrs. Martin was selected Officer of the Year at Grissom AFB in 1990 during Dessert Storm, and in 1992 and 1993 at Vance Air Force Base, and again in 1994 at the Defense Mapping Agency (DMA) St Louis, now National Imagery and Mapping Agency. She is also the recipient of the President’s National Association for Equal Opportunities in Education Award.
JoAnn retired 1 March 1998 with 20 years and 2 months of United States Air Force service. She retired for the second time as a multi-million-dollar real estate broker after 17 years. She presently does motivational speaking throughout the United States. Her speeches are tailored to the requested topics of the clients.
Mrs. Martin is a Professional Published author. Her most recent published books are “ My Life’s Lemonade-The Bitter And The Sweet”, “Troubles Don’t Come With Age-Youth Struggles Are Real”, “Being Adopted Makes “ME” Special- I Have Forever Love”, and A Rainbow Of International Aromas-The Family Recipe Secrets”. Each book is well worth the read.
Mrs. Martin is a member of and attends New Life In Christ Interdenominational Church. Mrs. Martin is the only child of the late Mr. and Mrs. James D. Speer. She has been married to Garnel Martin of Martinsville, VA for 37 years.
