Sonja M. Martin
Born in Chicago, Illinois, her family moved to Henderson, Texas at the age of 3 where she was raised and graduated High School. After attending college where she earned a degree in Education, she enlisted in the Regular Army serving from Sept 1987 until her retirement in June 2008.
Her husband Christopher also served and retired from the Army after 25 years. They live in Highland Park with their three children, AeKacia, Elijah and Christina. Sonja was deployed and served in Saudi Arabia, Mogadishu, Somalia, Iraq (3 tours). She loved serving her numerous and leading and training numerous soldiers who have all had great, successful Army careers.
After retirement, Sonja worked as a Program Support Assistant at Army Community Service in Heidelberg, Germany. She taught Army Family Team Building to military spouses to help guide them in understanding how to navigate being a military spouse and how and why the Army does what it does and how it affects them. This is one of things she is most proud of- being able to help. young Army spouses.
Her family moved from Heidelberg, Germany to Highland Park, IL in 2011 due to her husband being stationed at U.S. Army MEPCOM in North Chicago. Upon his retirement in 2013, they decided to stay and live in Highland Park because they enjoyed working, living and volunteering on the North Shore.
Sonja is currently serving as the Jr. Vice Commander for Highland Park American Legion Post 145. She has also been serving as the President of the Highland Park American Legion Auxiliary Unit 145 since 2017. Sonja has a passion for giving back and being of service to others.
In 2018, Sonja decided to attend Worsham School of Mortuary Science where she obtained her degree and is now working as a Funeral Director/Embalmer. "I take it as an honor with great pleasure and pride in being entrusted to help families at one of the most difficult times of their lives".
Now she looks forward to working and giving back as a Rotarian and has continually lived a life of Service above Self.