Name:  Sonserae Martinez

Where were you born and raised?
I was born in York, Pennsylvania and grew up in the little farming town of Felton, Pennsylvania.

What’s a short story around the biggest transition you’ve faced in life?
One of the most significant transitions in my life came when I made the difficult decision to resign from my teaching position to stay at home with our newborn son. This wasn’t just a career shift; it meant learning to navigate the challenges of new parenthood and managing a household, all while my spouse faced the demands of a revolving-door deployment schedule. I quickly realized that it takes a village and found support in my tribe, both near and far. During this time, I embraced the vital role I played as our son’s constant, a steady presence that became essential for our “home team.” Though my priorities had shifted, I remained committed to my personal growth, earning a Master’s degree while stepping away from traditional teaching. This accomplishment allowed me to stay connected to my passion for education, even as I took a break from being in the classroom.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give a younger you?
Cherish the simple moments. Take a step back, slow down, and find joy in each day. Life moves so quickly, and in the rush, we often overlook the moments that matter most. Even in the challenging valleys of life, try to embrace them. It is in those moments, when you pause and reflect, that joy has a way of revealing itself.

Your Personal Why?
My personal “Why,” is living a life of service. Dedicating my time, resources, empathy, and compassion to uplift others and support them in navigating their own journeys.

How does your Why drive you to be a part of the THF Ecosystem?
My personal “why” is deeply intertwined with THF and its mission to serve others for life. Marrying my Marine inspired me to help others navigate the unique challenges of the military lifestyle. The incredible mentors who guided me laid a strong foundation, equipping me to support and empower others within this community. I believe in the transformative power of continuous learning, and providing our fellows with the tools and knowledge to navigate their transition which ensures they can move forward with confidence and purpose. What makes this work truly special is that the learning is mutual, every class teaches us as much as we teach them. Growth is only possible when we embrace the journey together.

Military Connection or Why do you respect Special Operators?
I have had the honor of being the wife of a United States Marine for over 20+ years and experiencing various commands up and down the East Coast, including numerous tours within the SOF community. The SOF community is a close knit group, deeply committed to the values of family and mutual support. I greatly admire the fierce loyalty they have for one another, always showing up for each other in any circumstance. My other military connections include my father who served in the United States Army and my father-in-law who served in the United State Marine Corps.

Favorite THF Value, and why?
My favorite THF is “Be You.” It is essential to remember that being true to oneself is the key to fulfilling life. By doing so, you’ll be able to live an authentic life, unapologetically being who you are without pretenses or attempts to fit into someone else’s mold. Ultimately, it is essential to remember that you are one-of-a-kind, with a distinct set of talents, experiences, and perspectives which allows you to grow, learn, and evolve into the best version of yourself.

Area/Industry of expertise:
Education | Curriculum | Planning | Military Family Advocacy and Spouse Mentorship

Contact Sonserae directly at sonserae@honor.org