Commander-in-Chief Biography

Commander-in-Chief (2024-2025)

Commander-in-Chief Kevin L. Martin first joined the SUVCW in 1998 and became a life member in 2011. He was elected Commander-in-Chief at the 143rd Annual National Encampment at Lexington, KY on August 3, 2024.

At the camp level with Antietam Camp No. 3 in Frederick, Maryland, Commander-in-Chief Martin held the elective offices of Junior Vice Commander, Senior Vice Commander, and two separate terms as Commander.  He has also fulfilled the role of Counselor of the Antietam Auxiliary since 2015.

With the Department of the Chesapeake, he was elected Secretary/Treasurer for 3 years, Junior Vice Commander, Senior Vice Commander, Department Commander, and three times to the Department Council.  Commander-in-Chief Martin was an integral member of the 2011 and 2015 National Encampment Host Committees, including co-design and production of the Encampment polo shirts. He also served as the 2015 Chief-of-Staff to Commander-in-Chief Tad Campbell.

At the national level, Commander-in-Chief Martin attended every National Encampment since 2008 (17 years), and served on numerous Encampment and Visitation Committees.  He served three years as chair of the Standing Committee on Fraternal Relations, one year as chair of the Lincoln Memorial Centennial Committee, and as a chair of Program & Policy and Civil War Memorial Grant Fund committees.  He served three years on the National Council of Administration, one year as Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief and then as Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief.  Commander-in-Chief Martin is also a graduate of the SUVCW’s Memorial University.

Commander-in-Chief Martin earned a B.A. degree in Information and Computer Science from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland.  In 2024, Commander-in-Chief Martin retired as an IT professional for over 44 years with more than 27 years as a contractor for the Department of Defense (DoD) Defense Health Agency (DHA).  He was born and raised in the town of Frederick, where he lives with his wife of over 36 years, Rosemary. Of special note, Rosemary currently serves as the National President, Auxiliary to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (ASUVCW).  They have a son, Tyler, who is also a member of the SUVCW. 

Commander-in-Chief Martin honors his direct ancestor, Capt. Adam Benjamin Martin of the 6th Maryland Volunteer Infantry, Company H, who served under the Union banner and paid the ultimate price.  Capt. Martin’s brother, Sgt. Stephen G. Martin, served under his command and survived the war.

Commander-in-Chief Martin also belongs to the following organizations:

• The Maryland Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) since 1998
• Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS) Life Member
• Sons of Veterans Reserve (SVR) – Lt. Col., 2nd Military District Commander (retired)
• Member, Descendants of the Mexican War Veterans (DMWV) since 2008