Buck Battalion changes command

The Rota Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps held its change of command last May 22 at the Man’Amko Center in Sinapalo, Rota, with cadet Maj. Queeny Ayuyu directing the entire formation of cadets in the ceremony.

Standing in formation for a long time, the cadets stood tall and looked sharp in their uniforms at the parking lot of the Rota Man’Amko Center, with complete disregard for the hot sun.

The formation was made up of two companies: Headquarters commanded by cadet Capt. Ivan Mereb, and Alpha Company commanded by cadet Capt. Leonard Aveina. The Color Guard team was commanded by cadet 2nd Lt. Steven Masga.

The ceremony began with the sounding of the bugle signaling the start of assembly, followed by the inspection of the cadet formation led by Education Commissioner Rota H. Inos, Rota High School acting principal William Aguon, and the Rota Mayor’s representative. They were joined by outgoing battalion commander cadet Lt. Col. Michele Manglona and incoming battalion commander cadet Lt. Col. Nadia Manglona.

In a statement, the Rota Buck said that its spirit and motivation were lifted with the attendance of Inos; Sens. Paul Manglona and Paterno Hocog; the Rota Community Council; and CNMI State Board member Marja Lee Taitano, as well as other distinguished guests.

During the ceremony, cadet Lt. Col. Michele Manglona was presented a plaque of appreciation by SGM Herman Atalig, Rota Buck Senior Army Instructor; and MSG Juan C. Salas, the Buck Army Instructor, for her outstanding performance of duties as battalion commander of the Buck.

Cadet Lt. Col. Nadia Manglona also received her promotion to her current rank and assumed command of the battalion.

This traditional ceremony was performed with the symbolic passing of the Battalion Color between the two commanders. In this ceremonial ritual, the principal passes the Color from the old to the new commander. The passage of the Color relinquishes the responsibility and authority from the old to the new commander.

Both commanders, Michele and Nadia, gave inspirational speeches.

Michele reflected on the design of the JROTC Program and apologized for the times she appeared to be hard and demanding on the Buck Battalion cadets, but thought it had to be done to ensure that the battalion’s mission is accomplished.

Nadia pledged to the battalion to do her best to maintain the proud heritage of the Bucks, and vowed to even try harder to make it better than what it is today.

Both expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the two Buck Army instructors for their continued selfless and effective guidance and directions they have given the cadets. Michele and Nadia ended their speeches thanking their parents for their part in helping them in their successes in the JROTC Program.

Nadia is not only the new Buck Battalion commander but also the Queen candidate for this year’s 4th of July festivity representing the island of Rota and the Buck Battalion JROTC Program.