SVS Airman turns burned dishes, bad attitude into award winning career

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ryan Conroy
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  For 58 years, the Hennessy Award has recognized individual excellence in food service programs across the Air Force.

This year, the winner from Region 1(East) is Hurlburt Field’s own Airman 1st Class Jonathan Martinez, 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron food services journeyman.

It all started with a few recipes, a couple burnt dishes and a bad attitude.

Turning the clock back nearly four years, Martinez was a problem child and his reckless ways were getting worse with age.

Martinez grew up in a dangerous neighborhood in Newark, N.J., where he adapted to his surroundings the only way he knew … but it wasn’t the future he imagined for himself. When asked if he was running with the wrong crowd, he answered, “I was the wrong crowd.”

His mother worked often, which left him with the responsibility of preparing food for his four younger siblings. All he had were a few recipes and pointers and at first, Martinez said he was terrible, burning and messing up everything in the kitchen and his three brothers and one sister didn’t hold back their feedback.

He learned and grew and was able to help provide for his family. But, Martinez understood that he needed to change his disrespectful nature that he learned from his town if he had any chance.

“I needed a change of environment,” said Martinez. “Simply, I needed to get out. Then someone mentioned the Air Force, and I took a chance.”

In 2013, his life took a turn when he joined the Air Force with aspirations for being a security forces Airman. Instead, he was given a services position. The first few months were a difficult transition from the hostile lifestyle of Newark to the respectful distinction of the Air Force.

“Getting used to the Air Force way of life was difficult for me,” said Martinez. “I had to learn that there were things bigger than me. I couldn’t talk back to whoever I wanted, and I needed to learn how to talk to people respectfully.”

After being misunderstood by several supervisors, Martinez met his now-supervisor, Staff Sgt. Kim Hayes, 1st SOFSS food services manager, who took the time to listen, challenge and develop her new troop.

“I knew he was a good at his job, but I wanted to have open communication and challenge him to become a better Airman,” said Hayes.

As time went by, it was apparent that Martinez was making changes in his life. His appearance was second to none, he stood at parade rest for anyone who spoke to him, and his military bearing inspired the Airmen around him.

“Martinez is now the go-to Airman in our building,” said Hayes. “He’s an excellent cook, he’s sharp and he takes the time to teach the newer Airmen and correct them on what they’re doing wrong. He earned the respect of his coworkers, his fellow Airmen and the NCOs.”

It was certainly a U-turn for Martinez, from the argumentative teenager burning food in his kitchen for his family to an upstanding, professional Airman who earned top honors in his career field.

“It’s such an honor to receive any kind of accolade for something I do every day. I never expected to be awarded for doing what’s expected of me, but it’s certainly humbling,” said Martinez.

Martinez says that he’s proud of where he comes from and the mistakes he has made because it helped him grow into who he is today.

“Since I’ve made the mistakes I made growing up and in my first few months in the Air Force, I help and correct other Airmen around me before they make the same ones,” said Martinez. “It’s been a learning experience and it’s not over yet, but I feel like it’s my responsibility, now, to help and mentor.”

Hayes and Martinez both believe that anyone in their facility could have earned the award, due to the exceptional workmanship and attitude of their coworkers.

“My favorite part of this job has been the people I work with,” said Martinez. “Everyone works hard and enjoys what they do. I couldn’t ask for a better group to share this accomplishment with.”