By Milo Marquez
Posted September 18, 2025
Colonel Isaac B. Martínez, Chief of Joint Staff for the Colorado National Guard, was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General during a ceremony on September 13, at the Marriott Hotel in Lone Tree, Colorado. The event included an 11-cannon salute, underscoring the historic milestone in Martínez’s long and distinguished career.
A seventh-generation Coloradan, Martínez was born in La Junta and attended high school in Fountain, Colorado before beginning his service in the Colorado Army National Guard, where he has spent his entire military career.
His first call to action came in 1999, when he led a National Guard security detail at Columbine High School in the aftermath of the tragic shooting. Shortly thereafter, he deployed for a nine-month assignment to Taszar, Hungary, serving as deputy provost marshal with U.S. forces from 1999-2000 as part of Operation Joint Forge.
After returning home, Martínez was tasked with leading the Colorado Army National Guard’s statewide force protection mission. In the immediate aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, he directed efforts to establish airport security across the state, helping safeguard critical infrastructure at a time of national crises.
In 2003, Martínez deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2005, he was recalled to serve as acting commander of the 220th Military Police Company in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, guiding his unit on a 1,700 mile convoy to New Orleans to provide law enforcement and humanitarian relief.
In 2010, while serving as executive officer for the 193rd Military Police Battalion, he mobilized to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Martínez’s education reflects both his dedication to service and his commitment to lifelong learning. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Sociology and a minor in Mexican American Studies from the University of Northern Colorado. He later completed a Master of Education in Human Resource Studies from Colorado State University. In 2017, he graduated from the U.S. Army War College with a Master of Strategic Studies, preparing him for the senior leadership responsibilities he holds today.
“Today’s promotion reflects not only his years of service and leadership, but also his dedication to Colorado and to the nation,” said state officials present at the ceremony.
Outside of uniform, Martínez is known for his devotion to family and community. A proud Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies fan, he also coached youth softball, including teams for his daughters, Alexi and Jasmin, both of whom are now students at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.
Surrounded by family, military personnel, Guard members, and community leaders, Brig. Gen. Martínez’s promotion was celebrated as both a personal triumph and a reflection of Colorado’s proud tradition of service. Members of Colorado’s Latino and Hispanic communities also expressed pride in Martínez’s accomplishments, recognizing him as a leader whose success represents both cultural heritage and military excellence.
Colleagues describe Martínez as a humble, steady, and compassionate leader, someone who leads by example and treats those around him with respect. Friends and family highlight his loyalty, sense of humor, and deep pride in his roots. To many, his promotion is not only a recognition of his military achievements but also of the character and values that have defined his life.
Milo Marquez is a fifth-generation East Denver resident dedicated to advancing equity and opportunity in his community. He serves as the Director of the Latino Research and Policy Center at the University of Colorado Denver, where he leads initiatives to address education and social disparities. In addition, Milo is the Chair of the Latino Education Coalition, advocating for policies and programs that improve educational outcomes for Latino students in public schools.
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