06/20/2026
The ET Brisson Detachment 063 is honored to announce Colonel Martin B. Spann as the Guest Speaker for this year’s Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Hilton Naples, Naples, Florida.
Colonel Spann’s distinguished career of service began right here in the sandbox. The son of a career Air Force Master Sergeant, he chose a path of ultimate independence after high school by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, rising to the rank of Sergeant.
Following his honorable discharge, he utilized the G.I. Bill to attend college, joining the California Army National Guard to support his education. In 1982, his leadership potential led him to the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate and was commissioned as an Infantry Officer. Over a spectacular military career that spanned decades, he commanded at every level from a rifle squad to an Infantry Battalion, ultimately retiring from the U.S. Army Reserve in 2016 as the Chief of Staff of the 76th Operational Response Command.
During the Global War on Terror, Colonel Spann deployed for three high-impact combat tours across Iraq and Afghanistan:
• Combat Advisor (Iraq, 2004–2005): Guided the growth of the Iraqi Special Police Commandos from 500 to 18,000 personnel.
• MNF-I Liaison Officer (Iraq, 2008): Hand-picked by the Commanding General to advise and mentor the Iraqi Minister of the Interior.
• Senior NATO Advisor (Afghanistan, 2010–2011): Synchronized nationwide advisor teams to train and develop the 13,000-man Afghan National Civil Order Police.
His highly decorated service includes three Legions of Merit, the Soldier’s Medal for heroism, three Bronze Star Medals (one with Combat "V" for Valor), the Purple Heart Medal, and the Master Combat Infantryman Badge. In recognition of his exemplary leadership, he was inducted into the United States Army’s OCS Hall of Fame in 2010.
Parallel to his military service, Colonel Spann dedicated 30 years to law enforcement in Southern California—spending five years with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and over 26 years with the Los Angeles Police Department. At the LAPD, his diverse assignments included Patrol, Gangs, Internal Affairs, and flying helicopters for the Air Support Division. Most importantly, the LAPD is where he met his wife, a fellow officer. They have been blessed with two wonderful children.
Please join us in giving a warm Marine Corps League welcome to one of our own as we celebrate the birth of our Corps!
