Martin J Kiewel was born in a small town in Minnesota in late 1956. He grew up on a farm, raising sheep, cattle, and training horses. He spent his youth doing horse and livestock shows, winning many trophies. Graduating from Belle Plaine High School going on to Southwest State University and then onto Providence University while on active duty with the United States Army. He enlisted in the military in December 1977: went to Officer Candidate School and became a 2nd Lieutenant in 1979, 1st Lieutenant in 1982, Captain in 1986, Major in 1992, Lieutenant Colonel in 2001, retired in 2002. 

Throughout his service he earned many awards and medals: Bronze Star, 5th Meritorious Service Medals, 3rd Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, MeritoriousUnit Commendation, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal W/Silver Hourglass (20 yrs.) & M Device for Mobilization, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal W/2 Stars, Saudi Arabia Liberation of Kuwait Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Overseas Service Bar, Army Service Ribbon. 

After retiring he went on to study Pastoral Care at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary graduating in 2007; as well asPastoral Care at Princeton Baptist Medical Center (2005-2006).  He began work for the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital in 2007 and Corporate Chaplains of America for many years. 

His service for the VFW began in 2010, and is a Lifetime/Legacy Gold member. serving many positions and aiding many veterans. His illustrious career consists of Chaplain for 2 posts and 2 districts, Post and District Veteran Service Officer and 1 yr. as the State Service, Post Trustee, Post Junior Vice, Post Commander, District Commander 5 years, All American District Commander 2018-2019, VFW VA Volunteer Service Representative 10 years, National Aide – Decamp 2019 -2020. Currently the Post Veteran Service Officer, and District Inspector.

Alabama VFW Military Order of Cootie pup tent founding member.