U.S. Senator Jerry Moran spoke this week on the floor of the U.S. Senate congratulating Major General Joseph M. Martin on his military career which includes his recent nomination to the rank of Lieutenant General.

Martin is the commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley. Shortly after assuming command of the division in October 2016 he deployed with his division headquarters to Iraq and assumed leadership of the Joint Forces Land Component in Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Moran stated, “Major General Martin’s combat leadership was remarkable in Iraq. During the nine-month deployment he led the fight alongside the government of Iraq against the Islamic state in Iraq and Syria in Mosul. His efforts and the efforts of the brave soldiers of the U.S. Army and all of our troops led to the defeat of Isis in Mosul and the destruction of their territorial hold.”

Moran said when Martin returned to the United States he demonstrated his leadership on Fort Riley and led the 100th anniversary of the division. “He has been an outstanding partner to me and fellow Kansans on a number of initiatives to support the Big Red One. He’s been involved in the communities of Manhattan and Junction City, and those other communities that surround Fort Riley. It is no surprise to me that he has been selected for promotion to Lieutenant General. He is a proven leader capable of completing the most complex challenges under the most stressful situations. The Army has made the right move with his promotion and furthermore by placing him in a position of greater responsibility. I am confident that Kansans will join me in congratulating soon-to-be confirmed Lieutenant General Martin on his promotion.”