Martinez's focus is on education in health care (06-25-07)
The life vision of Dr. Richard A. Martinez O.B., M.P.H., includes eye care, politics, and health education.
"I was the second of eight children," said Martinez, who was born and raised in Blanca, Colo. His family worked in the fields all across the San Luis Valley. He received his undergraduate degree in 1956 from Adams State College. "I am currently an independent doctor for Wal-Mart Vision Centers," said Martinez, who was an optometrist in private practice for 33 years and has no intention of retiring soon. "If I do retire, I intend to have a consulting firm to travel nationally and internationally. My primary focus will be on Hispanic culture and health care."
Some of his occupations include Pueblo County commissioner, AIDS consultant to Colorado State Hospital and School District, and vice chairman of the Colorado Adult Parole Board. He said Adams State was a good place to start his adult life.
"I attribute a large part of my success to my academic and extra-curricular preparation at Adams State." Martinez received his doctor of optometry degree from Southern California College of Optometry in Fullerton, Calif. He is an advocate for health care and has received additional degrees from John Hopkins University and Harvard University School of Public Health. His interest in politics earned him another degree from Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government.
He has served many terms in various governors' appointments, including chairman of the Colorado Chemical Demilitarization Citizens' Advisory Commission, Colorado Sate Board of Health, Pueblo Army Depot Reuse Commission, and the Colorado State Board of Optometric Examiners.
"I am a registered Democrat and have held many offices here in Pueblo County," he said. He has met several presidents, including Bill Clinton.
"I was master of ceremonies when over 16,000 citizens met him here in Pueblo at the county courthouse." Martinez said he doesn't mind crossing party lines if he believes another candidate is more competent than the running Democrat.
Although it has been 50 years since Martinez graduated from Adams State College, he stays fit by playing tennis in his private, professional tennis court.
"I have been very active in sports all of my life, especially basketball in high school," he said. His high school team was named All State class C in 1952. "I lettered in tennis at Adams State College and was a class-A player in later life."
Martinez's alma mater recognized his outstanding achievements in 1989 when he received the Outstanding Alumnus Award from Adams State College. He has also been a recipient of the Beautiful Puebloan Civic Award, Colorado Optometric Association's Distinguished Professional Service Award and Optometrist of the Year, Pueblo Latino Chamber of Commerce's Businessman of the Year, Pueblo Chicano Democratic Caucus Honored Roastee, and was included in Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges while attending Adams State College, as well as many other honors and awards.
Two of his children, Deborah Martinez '93, and Brenda Hernandez '90 are also Adams State alumnae. With many interests and a dedication to humanity, Martinez served on a wide variety of boards and educational committees, and is an active member of the Adams State College Alumni Association.
"Hopefully, in the future, I can devote time to repaying Adams State for so much that I owe."
He and his wife, Mary, have been married for more than 45 years and have four children. Martinez is bilingual and enjoyes reading, music, playing the guitar, and singing.
"I love all types of music, especially classical," he said. "I love reading philosophy and am mainly interested in existentialism." He also enjoys traveling, and has been to Mexico many times.
