Richard “Rick” Alan Martin, age 63, of Fargo ND died in hospice care on December 25th after a difficult struggle with a serious medical condition. Rick was born in Valley City, ND, on 21 November 1962, the sixth child of Vernon C and Bernice A (Kalland) Martin. Rick was a proud American, who spent much of his life serving in the military and in law enforcement roles.
Rick was raised in Valley City and graduated from Valley City High School. His sense of duty and service led him to enlist in the United States Army, where he served a tour as a logistical specialist. When he separated from the active duty force Rick continued to serve by joining the North Dakota National Guard, with a brief time period in the Iowa National Guard. Rick eventually retired from the National Guard as a Sergeant First Class, having served in a range of roles and responsibilities, including communications, combat engineers, and military police.
After his initial active duty tour Rick pursued his education, earning an associate degree from North Dakota State College of Science and a bachelor’s degree from Valley City State University. Rick also earned his North Dakota Peace Officer Certification. He proudly served in a series of law enforcement positions in Eastern North Dakota, and as a security officer with the Veterans Administration.
Rick’s true contributions to national security came in extended active duty assignments in the challenging security environment after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and the Global War on Terror following the 9/11 attacks. Rick voluntarily served in a ND National Guard unit that deployed to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield, and he was part of the support forces during the liberation of Kuwait in Operation Desert Storm. Rick served as a part of the security forces unit protecting Grand Forks Air Force Base and then assisted the US border patrol on the Canadian Border. Later, he deployed with his National Guard unit and engaged in security operations within Iraq. Rick completed his overseas service with an extended deployment with United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in Kosovo (KFOR). Due to his valuable contributions, Rick was extended for two years at the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Joint Force Headquarters in Pristina, Kosovo.
Rick had 34 years of military service.
As a proud member of the Armed Forces, Rick was an active member and supporter of the VFW, American Legion and AmVets. He truly enjoyed providing Honor Guard services for fellow veterans.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law Gary Soules (Carol). He is survived by his siblings and their families, who all miss him dearly: Jerry and Suzi Martin (Johnston, IA), Carol Soules (Prineville, OR), Ron and Barb Martin (Fargo), Joe and Renee Martin (Valley City), and Jean and Bob Broad (Fargo). Aunts Joanne Goplen (Fargo) and Ardis Martin (Valley City).
Funeral: Wednesday, January 31, 2025 at 1 PM at West Funeral Home Chapel, West Fargo, ND with visitation one hour prior.
Burial: Fargo National Cemetery, rural Harwood, ND.
West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center