KINGS POINT, N.Y., February 28, 2025 – Five midshipmen from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), representing Second Rotation regimental leadership, participated in the 32nd Annual National Character and Leadership Symposium (NCLS) at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on February 20-21, 2025.

The symposium, one of the Nation’s premier leadership conferences, focused on the theme “Warfighters to Win” and featured discussions about leading with integrity in the face of adversity and developing mental and physical strength.

This year’s event featured an impressive group of speakers, including Chief Master Sgt. Robert Gutierrez Jr., a highly decorated Air Force combat controller and recipient of the Air Force Cross, who shared his experiences leading through adversity and emphasized the importance of maintaining a mission-first approach.

Throughout the symposium, the USMMA midshipmen engaged in discussions with military leaders, scholars, and professionals, gaining valuable perspectives on leadership and ethical decision-making. The experience provided them with new insights into character development and the responsibilities of serving in leadership roles.

First Class Midshipmen who participated included, MIDN Laura Sherrill, MIDN Cameron Taylor, MIDN Christopher Cinocco, MIDN Joseph Soliz-Martinez, and MIDN Josh Beavis. They were joined by LT Kyleigh Kappas, USN, Company Officer for Fourth Company.

MIDN Cinocco said it was a “great opportunity to gain insight into leadership across all branches of the U.S. military, instilling the mentality of courage in the face of combat,” adding, “the best part was interacting with members of every military branch at all levels - Cadets, Enlisted, Active Duty, and Retired.”

NCLS gave the midshipmen the opportunity to learn from some of our Nation’s most respected leaders, strengthening their commitment to serving “the national security, marine transportation, and economic needs of the United States as licensed Merchant Marine Officers and commissioned officers in the Armed Forces.

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The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, located in Kings Point, N.Y, educates and graduates leaders of exemplary character who are inspired to serve the national security, marine transportation, and economic needs of the United States as licensed Merchant Marine Officers and commissioned officers in the Armed Forces. President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the Academy, which was established under the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1943. It is administered by the Maritime Administration under the auspices of the Department of Transportation.

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