Front Royal’s Lt. Col. Michael J. Marin Retires After 23 Years of Service

After more than two decades in uniform, Lieutenant Colonel Michael J. Marin of Guard Hill House in Front Royal is retiring from the United States Army. His 23 years of service included four combat deployments and assignments on some of the country’s highest military staff. His retirement becomes official on May 31.

Lt. Col. Marin’s final years in the Army were spent serving on the Army Staff at the Pentagon. Before that, he worked with the Joint Staff, which helps guide military operations across all branches of service. Earlier in his career, he deployed four times to combat zones—commitments that shaped much of his experience and leadership.

Lt. Col. Marin was honored at a retirement ceremony at Fort Myer in Arlington, Virginia—courtesy photo by U.S. Army.

On April 24, Lt. Col. Marin was honored at a retirement ceremony held at Fort Myer in Arlington, Virginia. During the event, he was presented with a very special gift: a United States flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol. The flag was flown on April 19, the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the first battle of the American Revolution. It was flown by order of U.S. Representative Ben Cline of Virginia.

Governor Glenn Youngkin also recognized Lt. Col. Marin’s retirement with a personal letter from Richmond. In it, the governor thanked him for his dedication, writing, “You are owed a debt of gratitude for helping to ensure that each of our citizens can enjoy our most cherished rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Friends, family, and fellow service members joined in celebrating Marin’s career. Those who know him say he has shown steady leadership, a deep commitment to duty, and humility in service.

Lt. Col. Marin and his family now plan to stay in Front Royal as he transitions into civilian life. After years of overseas deployments and Pentagon briefings, he’s looking forward to spending more time with loved ones in the Shenandoah Valley—his chosen home.