Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Sebastian Portieleslopez | NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Sicily – U.S. Navy Capt. Daniel Martins, commanding...... read more read more
NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Sicily – U.S. Navy Capt. Daniel Martins, commanding officer of NAS Sigonella, presented Sigonella Middle High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program cadet Nicholas Vails with the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement during an award ceremony at NAS Sigonella, Sicily, Nov. 13, 2025.
The Legion of Valor is the oldest U.S. Veteran Service Organization dating continuously from 1890. Its members are recipients of the nation’s two highest honors for valor in combat – the Congressional Medal of Honor and the individual armed services awards for extraordinary heroism in combat. Junior ROTC cadets who exemplify the highest standards of leadership, scholarship and service are eligible for the award, of which only 20 cadets nationwide are chosen each year.
Martins, a former ROTC cadet, shared personal leadership lessons and advice gathered from his 25-year Naval career, “Every cadet and Sailor is a leader from day one,” said Martins. “When you join this program, you take on the responsibility and authority to make decisions that help others and improve the world around you.”
Sigonella MHS is a Department of Defense Education Activity serving grades 6-12 with a high school population over 300 students and the high school’s Navy Junior ROTC program has earned multiple awards for excellence, most recently 2025 Navy Junior ROTC Europe South Champions.
Martins emphasized professionalism and respect as core values for any leader, “As a leader you must treat everyone around you with respect and dignity. Being professional doesn’t just help you, it makes those around you better,” stated Martins. “Doing the right thing isn’t always easy; do what is right because you represent the ideals that you swore an oath to. When you do fall short, get back up and try again, that’s how you grow as a leader.”
NAS Sigonella provides consolidated operational, command and control, administrative, and advanced logistical support to U.S. and NATO forces. The installation’s strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability throughout Europe, Africa and Central Asia.
For more news and information from NAS Sigonella, visit https://cnreurafcent.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NAS-Sigonella/ or https://www.facebook.com/nassig.official/.
| Date Taken: | 11.19.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.20.2025 05:28 |
| Story ID: | 551695 |
| Location: | SICILY, IT |
| Web Views: | 102 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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