Guam Guard present donations to CNMI soldiers

Service members of the Guam National Guard, airmen and civilian employees pulled together after learning CNMI was hit hard by Typhoon Soudelor, causing a trail of destruction on Saipan on Aug. 2, 2015.  A team was put together to organize a boot drive donation to assist CNMI soldiers and their families serving in the Guam Army National Guard. Last week, members of the Family Readiness Support Group, including team leaders from the Guam Army National Guard and Guam Air National Guard, traveled to Saipan and presented their generous donations to the soldiers at Kanoa Resort on Sept. 21, 2015.

Guam Army National Guard soldiers that reside in the CNMI pose with members of the Guam Guard’s Family Readiness Group after accepting donations at the Kanoa Resort on Saipan on Monday, Sept. 21. (Contributed Photo)

Most of the 19 soldiers and their families on Saipan were present and were very appreciative as they received the donations. Soldiers that live on Tinian also received the donations.

SPC Andrew Delos Reyes and SPC Andrean Reyes, who are both currently off-island attending the Wentworth Military Academy to commission as officers, were informed of the boot drive by CNMI FRSG Coordinator Marie Salas-Igitol.  Although they couldn’t make it to the presentation, their parents were present to receive the donations on their behalf.  

“With their faithful contributions over the past few weeks, they have demonstrated a deep commitment in helping our affected families.  Their support has repeatedly played a key role in our efforts to restoring our island community back to normal. There are no words to fully express my gratitude to the civil employees and Guam National Guard soldiers who took the time to answer the call for help from our affected families and service members,” said Delos Reyes.  

SPC Ken Orejola said the donations he received helped a lot and he won’t have to think about restocking his house with food for awhile because he got about a month of supplies.  

SPC Ken Mojica, from Alpha Company, who resides on Tinian, also received a bag.  “I received canned food, laundry soap, insect repellants, hygiene supplies, flashlights and batteries. It is always good to stock up on canned food as they have a long shelf life. …Another thing I really liked about the bag of donations are the flashlights and extra batteries, which I think are one of the most essential things to have during a storm.  So, I thank the Guam National Guard, airmen, civilian employees and FRSG volunteers for their continued efforts to help their fellow soldiers and their families. I look forward to seeing them when I go back to Guam for our monthly training.”

Salas-Igitol, who is currently the CNMI Family Readiness Support Group coordinator and spouse of one of the soldiers, SPC Ivan Igitol, is a full time volunteer.  She continues to go beyond the call “anytime, anywhere.”  

“I love our soldiers. When civilians sign up for military or anything that involves protecting our country, our people and our freedom, that’s sacrificing your own life and should be respected with honor. I can never repay them for what these soldiers have done and continue to do. This is why I do what I do—answer the call and go beyond the best I possibly can. To me, they are all the same…serving the same purpose. …On behalf of the CNMI soldiers and families, we extend our profound gratitude to the Guam Army and Air National Guard and everyone involved for your generous donations and support,” said Salas-Igitol.