(Edited Re-Release) A Mormon Military Story w/ Army Ranger Ross “Marty” Martin | Ep. 1977
Dec 30, 2024
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Ross “Marty” Martin, an Army Ranger, discusses his upbringing in a Mormon family, touching on his childhood in a trailer park and his military experiences. Alongside him, his wife Margie shares insights on their journey together. Marty reflects on struggling with faith during his mission in Jamaica, facing the horrors of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and dealing with personal trauma. The conversation explores themes of resilience, identity, and healing, as they navigate the complexities of faith, the challenge of military life, and the search for meaning.
Ross Martin shares his journey from a humble upbringing in a trailer park to finding identity within his Mormon faith and military service.
Marty reflects on the challenges of growing up with family turmoil while simultaneously experiencing kindness from the church community.
Enlisting in the military was Ross's way of fulfilling a perceived spiritual duty, intertwining his faith with a commitment to serve.
The complexities of war left Ross grappling with guilt and shame, influencing his understanding of morality and spirituality post-combat.
After enduring personal loss, Ross found solace in spirituality and family, reshaping his beliefs about faith and purpose in life.
Ross aims to teach resilience and strength to future generations, drawing from both his military experiences and evolving personal beliefs.
Deep dives
Introduction to Military Mormon Stories
The podcast features a discussion with Ross Martin, who served in the Army as a Ranger. He shares his experiences within both the military and the Mormon faith, highlighting the intersection of these two aspects of his life. Ross expresses a desire to share his story in hopes that his family and posterity will understand the motivations behind his actions. He reflects on the significance of his upbringing and the foundational role of his Mormon heritage in shaping his identity.
Roots and Early Mormon Connections
Ross recounts the history of his family, beginning with his ancestor Moses Martin who immigrated to the U.S. in 1848. He narrates the family's early connection to the Mormon church and their settlement in Idaho, contrasting this with the Willie and Martin Handcart Company. Ross's family lineage is steeped in multi-generational Mormon tradition. He reveals that growing up, he learned about his ancestors’ faith, which laid the foundation for his personal beliefs.
Family Dynamics and Childhood Experiences
Ross shares a memorable story from his parents' early relationship, emphasizing the serendipity of love and family. He describes the mischief of his father and the impact of divorce on his upbringing. Despite the family struggles, there was a strong connection to religion through his extended family, which influenced his upbringing. This combination of experiences fostered a sense of belonging and identity rooted in the Mormon faith.
Early Mormon Faith and Experiences
Growing up in Blackfoot, Idaho, Ross had a minimal church attendance due to his parents' wavering commitment. Nonetheless, he recalls impactful moments of kindness from the church community during challenging times. He was baptized at eight and started attending more frequently in his later childhood. Ross reflects on the chaotic family life that shaped his relationship with the church, providing him with a sense of structure amidst tumult.
Adolescence, Self-Discovery and Military Aspirations
During his teenage years, Ross struggled with feelings of inadequacy and guilt related to self-gratification. This emotional turmoil was compounded by his religious beliefs, which labeled such behavior as sinful. Despite this, he sought solace within the church. Eventually, he found a sense of belonging through church activities and those who uplifted him despite his challenges.
The Call to Military Service
Inspired by a desire to protect the church and serve as a defender of values, Ross enlisted in the military as a soldier. He perceived military service through the lens of spirituality and sought to fulfill a divine purpose amid a world of uncertainties. His military commitments provided an opportunity for personal growth and a fulfillment of the values instilled in him by his Mormon upbringing. This decision symbolized not only a commitment to his country but also a dedication to being a protector of his faith.
Experiences in Training and Deployment
Ross reflects on the rigorous training he underwent as a Ranger, characterizing it as both a physical and mental test. He recalls the adrenaline and camaraderie felt during training sessions, which were juxtaposed against the demands of military protocol. His deployment to Afghanistan was filled with momentous experiences that further shaped his understanding of war and manhood. Ross describes the complexity of emotions as he reconciled his beliefs with the harsh realities of combat.
The Fractured Aura of Trauma
Following his time in combat, Ross faced the emotional aftermath of war that haunted him, particularly regarding the lives he impacted. He recounts the guilt and shame stemming from having taken lives in the line of duty, which contrasted starkly with his spiritual ideals. This internal struggle manifested as he grappled with the weight of his actions in connection with his identity as a protector. Ross discovered that the traumas intertwined with his military service continually shaped his perspective on life and death.
Family Life, Loss, and Grief
Amid the backdrop of military life and deployment, Ross faced profound personal loss. He shares the tragedy of losing his brother, an event that plunged him into deep mourning. During this trying period, Ross reflected on his commitments as a father and husband while dealing with grief's complexities. The journey of loss compelled him to confront his beliefs about faith, redemption, and the purpose of life beyond his military service.
The Role of Spirituality and Healing
In searching for solace, Ross embraced spirituality and sought reaffirmation of his beliefs in a higher power. He experienced a pivotal moment when his wife received a divine message from his deceased brother, providing him with comfort at a critical juncture. This encounter rekindled his sense of faith, allowing him to navigate through grief and uncertainty. Ross's spiritual journey continues as he strives to balance his understanding of morality, war, and the implications of his experiences.
Navigating Beliefs Post-Military Life
After completion of his military service, Ross transitioned to civilian life while still trying to absorb the complexities of his experiences. The disillusionment he felt towards the military, coupled with his doubts about the church, caused a significant internal conflict. However, Ross endeavored to channel these experiences into teaching the values of resilience and strength to a new generation. Through his journey, he seeks to find meaning and purpose while reconciling the remnants of his past.
Embracing Dual Identities
Ross embraces a life that encompasses both his service background and his current beliefs, allowing him to multifaceted identity. He experiences the challenge of being a dedicated family man while reconciling with his past experiences in the military. The struggle to communicate his story to family resonates deeply as he seeks to protect his children's faith while navigating personal belief changes. Ross remains committed to being a loving husband and father, drawing strength from both his military service and family life.
A Warrior's Legacy
Ross reflects on the lessons learned from both his military and personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of love, honor, and duty in his warrior code. He acknowledges the ambiguity of war and its impact on humanity, advocating for a reflection on the morality of actions taken during conflict. Ross passionately desires to leave a legacy of strength, resilience, and unconditional love for his family, hoping to instill these values in his children. Ultimately, he strives for a deeper understanding of life, loss, and the meaning of family, balanced against the harsh reality of his warrior upbringing.
NOTE: We apologize for the mishap earlier. This is a re-release of the episode with Ross Martin, unedited. We hope you enjoy it!
This powerful and emotional story takes you through Marty’s life journey—from his upbringing in Mormonism, his experiences in high school and seminary, to his time in the military and beyond. Marty reflects on growing up in a trailer park, his mission to Jamaica, his struggles with faith, and his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. He candidly shares deeply personal moments: battling depression, losing loved ones, questioning his beliefs, and finding peace through family, a farm, and humanism.
Explore topics of resilience, transformation, and healing as Marty recounts leaving Mormonism, confronting the trauma of war, and redefining his spiritual beliefs. A heartfelt account of faith, doubt, and the search for meaning.
