Goddard FFA Reporter Dustin Martin.
Dustin Martin of the Goddard FFA Chapter in New Mexico is using vital skills learned from being a volunteer firefighter to be a leader in FFA. Martin currently serves as his chapter’s reporter.
“Being part of the fire department has taught me some of the best leadership skills I’ve ever learned,” says Martin. “I’ve learned how to stay calm under pressure, make quick and smart choices, and communicate clearly when it matters most.”
Martin has also learned about responsibility. “Being a junior firefighter means I have been pushed outside my comfort zone and taught what real responsibility looks like,” he says. “It’s not just about showing up — it’s about being ready to act in high-pressure moments, putting others first and being someone your team can count on no matter what.”
Martin uses these skills to improve his time in the FFA jacket. “I’ve learned to be dependable, to think beyond myself and to take initiative, even when things get hard,” he says. “Overall, I’ve learned what true service and commitment really mean. Every time I zip up my FFA jacket, I carry those lessons with me. When things get tough — whether it’s during a contest, on a trip or at a chapter event — I fall back on what I’ve learned through FFA and firefighting.”
He also expressed his love and passion for FFA. “Through this jacket, I’ve made a name for myself,” he says. “I’ve found something to truly be proud of. It’s more than just blue corduroy — it represents growth, leadership and commitment. This jacket not only shaped who I am today, but it gave me the foundation to keep building.”
Looking ahead, one of Martin’s biggest goals is to serve as a state officer. “I want to use the leadership I’ve built, both in my jacket and out of it, to serve members all across the state,” he says.
His advice for members is to “take pride in where you come from — and in the things that make you different.”
