Municipal council honors Randy T. Johnson…

The 8th Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council recently adopted a resolution commending Lance Corporal Randy Takai Johnson for heroism in risking his own life to secure peace, freedom and democracy for the people of Iraq. The resolution also prays for his speedy recovery from the injury he sustained in action on April 22, 2004.

Johnson is the son of Alfred Joseph and Frances Takai Johnson of Kagman I. He attended Sister Remedios Preschool and graduated from Mount Carmel High School in June 2001. He attended the University of Hawaii at Hilo and the Northern Marianas College for a year. He worked at Hyatt Regency Saipan Club Elan as front desk clerk. He was also a part-time employee at J.C. Tenorio Enterprises during high school.

Johnson enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and went to boot camp on May 28, 2003 at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. After three months of vigorous training, Johnson graduated on August 22, 2003. He also attended the Marine Corps Combat Training at Camp Pendleton, California. Johnson was assigned to be a combat engineer, 1371. He moved to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. After three months of training, he graduated and was assigned to the 1st Marine Division, 1st combat engineer battalion, Alpha Company 4th Platoon, 2nd squad.

After a two-month preparation, Johnson, together with his Alpha Company, were deployed to Iraq to conduct security and stability operation for a seven-month period.

On April 22, 2004, while walking point on routine patrol in al-Ramadi, Iraq, Johnson detected an improvised explosive device, halted the patrol, and was proceeding to confirm his findings when the IED was remotely detonated. Johnson was wounded from the explosion and was flown to Germany then to Balbao Naval Hospital in San Diego, California, for treatment. Johnson is currently at home on Saipan recuperating from the wounds he sustained.

“The Municipal Council and the people of the CNMI are extremely proud of Lance Corporal Randy Takai Johnson for his courage and determination to defend freedom and democracy in Iraq,” the resolution says.

The resolution was certified by municipal council chair Gregorio V. Deleon Guerrero and vice chair David A. Indalecio and attested by secretary Antonia M. Tudela.