“Let the outside world fade away, it means nothing today. This moment right here is all that matters.”
MotionWorks was honored to be included in a group of vendors that worked together on a wedding for the Wounded Warrior Project, under the coordination of Britt Smith Events at the Morning Glory Inn in Pittsburgh PA.
In October of 2000, at the age of 19, James enlisted in the United States Marine Corps out of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. Upon completion of recruit training and Marine Combat Training in early 2001, James was assigned to Fort Sill, Oklahoma for Artillery School. After the completion of his training, James was assigned to Headquarters Battery, 10th Marines at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina as a Field Artillery Meteorologist. While at 10th Marines, James was deployed for seven months for the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003 and deployed again in 2005, serving in Falluja where he incurred multiple IED blasts injuring his back. James was able to deal with his injuries over the next several years and in 2012, James deployed to Afghanistan where he served as the Operations Chief for Golf Battery, 2nd Battalion 10th Marines. After his third deployment, James was assigned to 1st Battalion 12th Marines in Hawaii.
Shortly after his arrival to Hawaii, SSgt Martin’s life would take a dramatic turn. Having already suffered multiple injuries from IED explosions and the rigors of training and combat, his C4 to C7 vertebrae slid forward pinching off the spinal cord. This rendered James paralyzed from the chest down. After spending nearly two grueling years undergoing extensive medical procedures and therapy at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, HI, we are delighted to say that James is able to walk again. In July of 2015, after fifteen years of active faithful service and at the age of 34, SSgt. Martin was retired medically from military service and returned home to Beaver Falls Pennsylvania.
SSgt Martin is a recipient of a Presidential Unit Citation, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, NATO Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and a Combat Action Ribbon.
Planning: Britt Smith Events
Officiant: Honorable Mayor Dwan B. Walker – Mayor of Aliquippa
Venue: Dave Eshelman – Morning Glory Inn
Catering: Chef Dale Hawkins – Head Chef at Morning Glory Inn and Owner of Fish Hawk Acres
Cathy Burnheimer – Frosted Envy
Photographer: Amberlee Christey – Amberlee Christy Photography
Photobooth: Berlee Booths
Lighting: Amanda Ditch – E.F. Lighting
Shannon Cole – Shannon Cole Makeup
Rentals: Beth Reed Dawson – The Mustard Couch
Stationery: Molly Nagowski – Misty Mountain Calligraphy
Reception Entertainment: The Soul Miners – Band
Erica VanGilder – The Color Bar Salon
Attire: Mary Beth Ryfun – Koda Bridal, Skye Douglass-Casey – House of Couture Design, Liberty Formals
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