From Sailor to Teacher to Author; No Thanks Necessary

By: Chase Bauer

It’s a snowy Friday night. The hometown stands are filled, readying for the big game against the cross-town rival. Smells of popcorn fill the air, energizing music keeps fan buzzing, cheerleaders bounce along the sidelines. Before the ball is tipped and the shoes begin squeaking up and down the floor, there is a moment that unites the entire gym in recognition of freedom, paying tribute to the United States, and to those who have proudly, respectfully served their country.

Hats come off, hands cover hearts or fold behind backs. The band plays. Small children fidget and giggle. Players and coaches alike sway left and right. And in the middle of it all, in the middle of the home stands, there is one man, arms at his sides, hands cupped into loose fists, standing stock still as he stares deeply and solemnly into those stars and stripes. This is Mr. Steve Martin, U.S. Navy, Retired.

Martin, who is also retired from a storied 39-year teaching career at Cascade High School, recently published his first book; a work of autobiographical fiction that tells tales of a naïve serviceman in the U.S. Navy during the Cold War.

The Incidental Veteran is told by the fictional Amos Jones, a young man who joins the Navy at 18 just to have a job. After graduating high school with grades one would be questioned to call mediocre, Jones shuffles through his early adult life as many young men do…eating junk, drinking beer, driving fast cars and chasing girls. And to keep this lifestyle afloat, he worked a string of, well, mediocre jobs that perpetually led to dead ends. So, he hit the recruiting office.

In the early days of boot camp, while wondering what he’d gotten himself into, Jones realizes that among those joining up because they were running from something, he was running to something; a life.

In his real-life experience, Martin says he was not driven by patriotism to join the military. It really was a combination of needing a paycheck and needing some sort of direction. He did find it. And with that direction came something greater.

“I needed a job. But I developed the sense of pride of belonging the longer I served,” said Martin. “My years in the service gave me self-worth. No matter what I did later in life, this gave me purpose.”

Throughout the book, young Amos struggles through the initiations, the rituals and the

psychological transformation alongside his fellow recruits in his new company of brothers. There are moments of intensity, uncertainty, comedy and there is an honest look at dumb-luck patriotism.

Martin served in active duty on two ships homeported in South Carolina and had various

assignments around the country as a reserve. He depicts his experiences through Jones. Some are comical, like haircuts not for the faint of heart and boot camp pushups on a freezing, dark snowy morning. Some are more serious, like the days-long storm in the North Sea, fearing the ship would capsize and sailors would go into water they would not likely survive.

Martin officially retired from the Navy in 1996 after a combined service of more than 20 years, separating as a petty officer first class (E6). His master plan came to fruition after serving, graduating from college with two degrees, teaching and coaching high school students before retiring in 2020.

The veteran and beloved educator is quick to say that the most influential aspect of his service was the people he met along the way. “Some were vile, and some were the most selfless people I’ve ever known. My life was enriched by my service because of who I served with,” he said.

Martin is reluctant to tell the tale of his own success throughout his journey, which is perhaps why telling this story through the eyes, ears and voice of the fictional sailor Jones was necessary. Having a story to tell when the narrator feels incidental is complicated. The conflict of pride in humility is confusing. With this book, Martin has realized the space for these things to coexist.

“I wasn’t tested in battle; I didn’t save anyone’s life. I will admit there were times I was flat-out scared. But I tried to do my part,” said Martin. “I am proud of my service, but I’ve always felt uncomfortable being thanked for serving. I received so much more than I gave. This book has helped me come to terms with that.”

Here is 19-year-old Steve Martin aboard the USS Glennon in 1976.