The CNMI Soldier

Liberty, peace, and freedom.

These are key elements in the American way of life, propelling our country to undreamed-of heights of prosperity, power, and strength. Such a historic achievement, however, did not come without a price because even now, there are groups and people who want to take that away from us. It is then that we turn to our soldiers to defend us and keep us safe.

While we sit at home and watch our TV sets, take a stroll through the park, enjoy our crystal beach waters, celebrate birthdays with loved ones, or even party until the sun rises, our men and women in uniform are quietly guarding the front, turning away from their lives so that we may have one.

We sometimes tend to forget this, forgetting that the lives we have shaped for ourselves are made possible in large part because of the men and women in uniform who have taken on the burden of making sure that we go through our life with lesser worries. They have chosen to face the dangers and the possibility of getting or hurt or even making the ultimate sacrifice so that the rest of us need not worry about that.

Pfc. Chris Cepeda, who just came home from training in Texas, said as much, relating that he originally had no intention of joining the U.S. Army but when 9/11 happened, it bothered him so much that he decided to become a soldier. “For my kids,” he said, “I’d rather go there and fight the enemy, [rather] than let them come here.” His children have been his motivation ever since. “I’m doing this for their safety.”

Our CNMI soldiers face death at every turn in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other hot spots in the world—something that we cannot imagine being part of our daily lives—putting their lives on the forefront of danger, with the hopes of preventing danger and harm from reaching our backyards. They display sheer discipline, so that even when the going gets tough, their minds and hearts remain focus on their mission and goal. While we enjoy the flashy fireworks above us tonight and tomorrow in celebration of the New Year, many of our soldiers will see different flashes of fireworks, ones that are far more deadly and with greater potential for harm.

These, and a host of other reasons, are why the Saipan Tribune has chosen the CNMI soldier as its 2004 Person of the Year.

Reports of the war in Iraq, search for Osama bin Laden, and disaster relief assistance, among others, hit newsstands and television sets everyday, and the sons and daughters of the CNMI are at the forefront of these events, whether in the U.S. Army, Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, or Marines. Regardless of the politics surrounding some of these events, such as the Iraq war, our soldiers continue to acquit themselves admirably, rising to the occasion magnificently in ways that could only bring pride to the CNMI.

“We have committed ourselves in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, a job that is demanding not just only of mind and body but of heart and spirit as well,” said Echo Company Commander Franklin R. Babauta, whose company will be deployed to Iraq in February. “When we complete our training, we will not walk away to take our place behind a desk or behind a service counter. We will step up and out to take our place as American citizens and in the front lines of danger, a job that is hard, but a job that is necessary, nonetheless.”

“Among our responsibilities, we will put our lives on the line to serve, protect, and defend the United States,” he added.

Among those who put his life on the line and will always be kept in the hearts of many was Sgt. Yihjyh “Eddie” Chen, a CNMI police officer from Sept. 25, 1995, to Dec. 23, 1999, who was killed by hostile fire in Sadr City in Baghdad last April 4 at the age of 31.

Several others sustained injuries and returned home for a brief stay but have chosen to go back. According to Military and Veterans Affairs deputy special assistant Ruth Coleman, many have recovered and have returned to their units to continue to serve and protect, again showcasing their passion to fulfill a responsibility chosen for them not by others, but themselves.

As we say goodbye to 2004 and greet 2005, may we remember, recognize, honor, and support our soldiers as they stand with their backs against the wall, protecting us and our children.