Embry-Riddle Army ROTC Program and Officer Recognized As Among Nation’s Best

For the third consecutive year, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s Army ROTC program on the Daytona Beach, Florida, campus has earned a General Douglas A. MacArthur Award, placing it among the top programs of its kind in the nation.

“This historic accomplishment marks the first time in U.S. Army Cadet Command history that any program has won the MacArthur Award three years in a row,” said Lt. Col. Jerome Reitano, professor of Military Science with the Daytona Beach Campus’ Army ROTC program. “Adding to our previous awards in 1996 and 2018, this is Embry-Riddle’s fifth MacArthur Award and its fourth in the past five years.”

Only eight of the 274 senior Army ROTC programs nationwide are selected each year for this prestigious honor, which has been awarded annually since 1989 by Cadet Command and the Gen. Douglas MacArthur Foundation to recognize the ideals of duty, honor and country. Programs are judged on criteria that include achieving the school’s commissioning mission; cadets’ performance and standings on the National Order of Merit List; percentage of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) degree candidates; and cadet retention rates.

“This achievement is a direct result of the dedication and leadership of Embry-Riddle’s cadets, cadre and staff,” said Reitano. “It is a direct reflection of the investment this university makes in our future military leaders.”

Capt. Joana Martinez, currently serving as the Army ROTC program’s operations officer and an assistant professor of Military Science at the Daytona Beach Campus, was chosen for an individual General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award. She is one of only 27 officers across the Army to receive this honor. (Photo: Embry‑Riddle/Capt. Joana Martinez)

Captain Named Among Best Officers

Additionally, Capt. Joana Martinez, the Army ROTC program’s operations officer and an assistant professor of Military Science, was chosen for an individual General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award. She is one of only 27 officers across the entire Army to receive this honor.

“When I commissioned, there weren’t many women in the ranks,” she said. “But I always encourage women to be comfortable with taking up space. If you are doing your job and doing it right, it makes an impact.”

The annual General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award recognizes officers who demonstrate exceptional leadership, uphold Army values and exemplify a profound commitment to their soldiers and mission success.

After growing up in Puerto Rico, Martinez moved to San Antonio, Texas, when she was 15. When she was in high school, she needed a physical education credit, so on a whim, she signed up for Junior ROTC.

“I come from a rough background and grew up in the projects. My mom and I really struggled,” she said. “The military changed my life and paid for my schooling.”

Martinez joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 2015 and earned her bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in International Relations.

While in the Army Reserves, she has worked in engineering companies in Missouri and Idaho, and has served a tour in Afghanistan. She is currently in the Army Reserves’ Active Guard Reserve program. In 2022, she was nationally recognized by Latina Style, Inc. magazine for her distinguished military service.

Martinez, who came to the Daytona Beach Campus in July, said her current role allows her to work with cadets who were once like her, encouraging and sharing her experiences with them.  

“I love what I do,” she said.

Reitano said Martinez is a leader who consistently gives back to others by providing mentorship and helping with several nonprofit initiatives.

“Capt. Martinez’s inclusion in this elite group is a testament to her dedication, leadership and vision,” said Reitano. “We are incredibly proud of her achievements, both at Embry-Riddle and within the U.S. Army, and look forward to seeing her continued contributions to the military and the broader community.”

Posted In: Institutional News