In his own words: Roger Martinson, Marine, of Delmar

Roger Martinson came to Delmar as a baby and never found a reason to call anywhere else home. The Marine Corps veteran, a financial adviser in town, has been part of the Greater Delmar Chamber of Commerce since 1997 and has chaired the Delmar Christmas Parade since 1998.

Delmar's mayor pointed the Ledger to him. Martinson answered four questions in writing for Veterans Day. His answers are printed as he wrote them, with one spelling corrected.

Your time in the Marines

"My time in the Marine Corps was a pivotal point in my life! The discipline, camaraderie, brotherhood and sense of pride in defending our country, has stayed with me all these years!"

What brought you to Delmar, and what keeps you here

"We moved to Delmar when I was just a baby. My uncle Cal owned a photo mat where the Delmar Police Station is now. I was a famous baby because he put my picture around town. LOL. What keeps me here are family, friends and a community that is unlike any other that I have ever had the pleasure to call home. The people of Delmar really care about each other! They don't just say they do; they actually do. People here don't just say, I'll pray for you. They stop right then and there and pray for you! Delmar is not just a place, it's home!"

Your work with the Chamber

"I have been with the Greater Delmar Chamber of Commerce since 1997. I am involved in all aspects of the chamber. I have been the chairperson of the Delmar Christmas Parade since 1998. When Tony Triglia, of Triglia Transportation handed me the reins. I am also involved in the Bi-State Ruritans, Parks and Recs and I am the Commandant of the SSgt Cohee Detachment Marine Corps League in Salisbury, MD."

What people should think about this Veterans Day

"What I want people to think about is all those who have gone before. Those who are still serving, who have served and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms for God and Country. I want people to know that Jesus gave us all the calling to serve one another. Not to be served. This Veterans Day, don't just say thank you for your service. Say thank you for your service and is there anything that I can do to serve you."

Tell the Ledger about your veteran

Every Sussex County veteran has a story, and the Ledger wants to print more of them in the veterans' own words. Send a name, branch, town and a few lines through the Tell us page, or write to [email protected].