FORT STEWART, Ga. - Assistant coach, Staff Sgt. Johnnie Martin, 87th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, Third Infantry Division, helped lead his team to the State Championship Playoffs after a four night District II Classic Tournament in Nahunta, Ga.
The team scored an average 50 points per game and advances with a 4-0 record.
The tournament held in Long County hosted eight counties and three cities from coastal Georgia, with the 11-to 12-year-old Bryan County youth All-Star team advancing to State.
The multi-faceted team is comprised of both Bryan County and military youth whose parents are stationed at either Fort Stewart or Hunter Army Airfield.
"It's a rewarding experience to be able to coach youth," said Staff Sgt. Martin,"especially those in the military. We are Family and, when a father is deployed, it's up to us who are behind to be that father figure."
Several military youth involved in the sports program said sports is a great outlet and helps them to keep their mind off the current deployment while forming bonds with other children in their community.
Staff Sergeant Martin has been a mentor for members of the all-star team like 12-year-old Terry Peagler.
For Peagler, the league has been an outlet.
"Basketball helps me to relieve stress," he said. "If only my dad were here to see me do the things he taught me, I know he would be so proud of me. Coach Martin is cool, and he keeps me in line while I'm on the court, just like my dad would."
Other members of the team and their Families face similar situations. Retired 1st Sgt. Lori Brandon, whose spouse is currently a contractor in Afghanistan, said that she appreciates Coach Martin's sacrifice.
"He's going down range soon, and for him to take time from his Family to coach the boys is outstanding. We can't thank him enough," Brandon said. "All the coaches have helped my son Stanley; I can't thank them enough."
Staff Sergeant Martin not only teaches other boys how to explore their talents on the court, but his 12-year-old son Justin Martin also shines on the court. He has played a significant role, averaging 15 points per game. With the team heading to state Friday, Staff Sgt. Martin said his feelings are bitter sweet.
"Duty calls, and I won't be there when the boys go to state," he said. "But, I know Coach Mobley and Coach Mock will lead the team to victory."
For Craig Mobley, a former service member, this is an exciting moment.
"Last year, we made it to state, but this year we are going to win state," Mobley said. "Coach Martin has been a tremendous help, he has the offensive game down, and I strategize defensively while Mock gives the team that extra support."As the team heads to Dawsonville, Ga. Friday to compete for the State Championship, Coach Martin urges parents to pay it forward "If I could say one thing to parents that would be to volunteer," Martin said. "I would urge parents to get involved, coaching has helped me to touch many lives and you never know what differences you'd make within our Military Family."
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