Although he never served in the Army, Michael M. Martin's life has been embedded in military culture ever since his childhood. At a young age, Martin was stricken with polio and received motivational letters, each including the insignia of the letter writer's unit, from high ranking Army officers, all friends or classmates of his father. Thus began his collection and interest in military insignia and military heraldry. After retiring from a successful and rewarding teaching career at the University of Michigan, Martin dedicated his attention to his military memorabilia. He currently resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he continues to explore his passion for military organizational history and writing.