36th CRG resiliency day features USAF Ret. Col. Martinez

U.S. Air Force Ret. Col. Melchizedek “Kato” Martinez, a purple heart recipient, speaks to the Airmen of the 36th Contingency Response Group for resiliency day at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 25, 2025. Resiliency events aim to help strengthen connections between units and build foundational resiliency skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Audree Campbell)

36th CRG resiliency day features USAF Ret. Col. Martinez

A U.S. Air Force Airman with the 36th Contingency Response Group asks a question to the Martinez family during a resiliency day at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 25, 2025. After the brief, Airmen were allowed to ask military and personal questions to the Martinez family to increase their understanding. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Audree Campbell)

36th CRG resiliency day features USAF Ret. Col. Martinez

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 36th Contingency Response Group give a standing ovation to the Martinez family during a resiliency day at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 25, 2025. Airmen were reminded of the importance of strength and the ability to remain resilient during hard times. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Audree Campbell)

36th CRG resiliency day features USAF Ret. Col. Martinez

Noelani Martinez sings "Warrior" by Demi Lovato to the 36th Contingency Response Group during a resiliency day at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 25, 2025. Noelani's story, voice, and the lyrics emphasized overcoming challenges to military members and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Audree Campbell)

36th CRG resiliency day features USAF Ret. Col. Martinez

U.S. Air Force Ret. Col. Melchizedek “Kato” Martinez receives a gift from 36th Contingency Response Group commander Col. Daniel Mendoza and senior enlisted leader Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Flanagan during a resiliency day at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 25, 2025. 36th CRG thanked the Martinez family for sharing their story. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Audree Campbell)

36th CRG resiliency day features USAF Ret. Col. Martinez

U.S. Air Force Ret. Col. Melchizedek “Kato” Martinez and 36th Contingency Response Group commander Col. Daniel Mendoza embrace during a resiliency day at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 25, 2025. 36th CRG thanked the Martinez family for sharing their story. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Audree Campbell)

36th CRG resiliency day features USAF Ret. Col. Martinez

U.S. Air Force Ret. Col. Melchizedek “Kato” Martinez and his family pose for a group photo with 36th Contingency Response Group leadership during a resiliency day at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 25, 2025. Resiliency events aim to help strengthen connections between units and build foundational resiliency skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Audree Campbell)

36th CRG resiliency day features USAF Ret. Col. Martinez

Published June 29, 2025
By Senior Airman Audree Campbell
36th Wing Public Affairs

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --

The Martinez family's journey is one of loss and love. Learn more about his story here>