Coloma is new Dolphin Battalion commander

Cadet Command Sgt. Maj. John Benig, left, passes the battalion flag to new battalion commander, Chekaina Coloma. (Mackenzie Perez)

Cadet Lt. Col. Chekaina Coloma was appointed the Dolphin Battalion’s new commander during a ceremony last Friday at the Marianas High School campus. She succeeds last school year’s battalion commander, C/Lt. Col Mary Grace Tiglao.

The ceremony was led by C/Capt. Maya David, who acknowledged the entire Dolphin Battalion and mentioned that Coloma’s patriotism, valor, fidelity was the reason she got appointed as the new battalion commander.

Coloma was then promoted to cadet lieutenant colonel alongside C/Maj. Kaela Valencia who is the newly appointed battalion executive officer.

Present during the change of command ceremony was Coloma’s mother, Valencia’s parents, and the Dolphin Battalion staff.

Coloma gave remarks to the people who supported her and her old battalion commander.

“I would like to take a moment and thank my old [battalion commander], Mary Grace Tiglao, even though she is not here,” said Coloma. “I started out in this program as a simple private like most of you guys right now. I climbed my way to the top and here I am now. I believe some of you guys have the potential to be standing here someday.”

To improve the drill competitors for this year’s Drill Competition is one of Coloma’s priorities this year.

“I do plan on going into the Army, it’s really for sure because I also plan on taking up nursing but I also want to be a psychologist as well, but I’m leaning more into the Army,” said Coloma.

“Always stay true to yourself,” were the words of wisdom from Senior Army instructor Lt. Col. Ramon Ichihara to Coloma. “Carpe diem. Set the example at all times, and always take the hard right over the easy wrong,” added Army instructor Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Crolla to Coloma.

Her parents, Arnel and Rowena Coloma, said, “We’re both very grateful and very happy about our daughter’s achievement. We always knew she was capable of being a leader. When we found out that her former [battalion commander] was passing down her title to her, we were really proud of her.”

“I chose Chekaina to be the next battalion commander because of her hard work and enthusiasm she exhibited during her time as a member of my staff,” said last year’s battalion commander, Tiglao. “I believe in all of you to continue to lead the Dolphin Battalion to greater heights.”

A small gathering was done shortly after the change of command ceremony to celebrate the new battalion commander and her staff.