[1] During the 2011 legislative session, Martin was successful in obtaining a pardon for John Gordon, an Irish immigrant who was hanged in 1845 for the murder of Amasa Sprague, a Rhode Island mill owner.
In addition to this pardon, Martin was able to get legislation passed to assist the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to expedite its investigation of traders of child pornography and other cybercrimes.
Martin was chosen for "his consistent work in the legislature for matters of importance to the association and especially for his legislative and personal efforts in the areas of homelessness and mental health issues".
A former student at the Boston College School of Social Work, he served for many years on the board of directors at the Newport County Community Mental Health Center.
In April 2013, Martin was awarded a plaque as the Legislator of the Year at the 78th Annual Disabled American Veterans Department Convention in Warwick, Rhode Island.
Following his retirement from the House of Representatives Martin worked with author Ken Dooley on producing a book, Relentless Pursuit - The Untold Story of the U.S. 5th Air Force's 39th Fighter Squadron.