1. Ryan Carlson
229 Lincoln St
W Lafayette, IN 47906
February 22, 2014
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am writing on behalf of Martina Sternberg. Martina and I worked together in the past as she
was my Administrative Operations Director at the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue
University. During that time, I got to know Martina as a trusted colleague and a friend. I am
fully prepared to vouch for her character and abilities.
Martina is a pleasure to work with and for. When I first met Martina, she instantly gave me trust
to help her on a project that through her efforts and vision led to receiving a $5.8 million dollar
grant to help student veterans and service members. This grant ultimately created Operation
Diploma, a program based at Purdue University and has help create programs and start student
veteran organizations at various colleges and universities across Indiana.
Her enthusiasm is infectious. After starting Operation Diploma, she went on to organize what is
now an annual conference, bringing together government agencies, community partners, non-for-
profits, and healthcare professionals to help returning service members reintegrate into society.
The first conference was the Battlemind to Home Symposium in Indianapolis in 2009 and has
been a reoccurring event since.
Beyond professional activities, Martina also engages the community. In 2011, she took her
compassion for the dispossessed and disadvantaged and again organized a community to create
another annual event, Stand Down for Homeless Veterans. Of course veterans are the target
demographic, but under Martina’s guidance, no one will be turned away. This has created a
positive experience where over two hundred organizations, agencies, and thankfully to many
volunteers than is needed take part to really help those who need it. For Martina, it is not about
pity, but respect for ones circumstance.
I honestly cannot speak highly enough about Martina as she mentored me, worked with me, and
guided me professionally and personally. This is who she is: She supports and organizes and if
there is a need, she solves it. It is hard to say how many people owe her a debt of gratitude; I
know it is extensive, and I also know she would deny it, but I am one of them. I know that she
would bring the same commitment and concern to your organization and if you have any
questions, please feel free to contact me at the above address.
Kindest Regards,
Ryan Carlson