CNMI locals graduate from Marine Corps training

The warm weather in San Diego brought cheers to several young men of Saipan who were among the 483 graduates from the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Western Recruiting Region in San Diego, California last Friday, Oct. 21.

The ceremony recognized the graduates’ successful transition as civilians to basic Marine. All were members of the 1118 and 1119 Charlie Companies, 1st Battalion Recruit Training Regiment.

PFC Elway Castro, the son of Margaret J. Castro, is a graduate of Kagman High School’s Class of 2005. Castro’s military occupation specialty is in Aviation Mechanics. Upon completion of recruit training at MCRD, he will report to Marine Combat Training School, Camp Pendleton, California for three weeks then report to MOS school in Pensacola, Florida.

PFC Leonard Cepeda Pangelinan, the son of Paul and Maria C. Pangelinan and a graduate of Marianas High School, has a MOS in Administration and Legal Services. Upon completion of recruit training at MCRD, he will report to Marine Combat Training School, Camp Pendleton, California for three weeks then report to MOS school in North Carolina. Pangelinan was a recipient of two awards: the National Defense Ribbon and the Expert Shooting Rifle Skills Medal.

A graduate of Saipan Southern High School, PFC Julian Gijapon Ranas is the son of Nicanor Ranas and Carmelita G. Ranas of Papago. Ranas’ MOS is in Motor Vehicle Operations. Upon completion of recruit training at MCRD, he will report to Marine Combat Training School, Camp Pendleton, California for three weeks then report to MOS school in North Carolina.

Another graduate of Saipan Southern High School, PFC Adrian Elago Echon is the son of Godo Echon and Henelin Echon of San Antonio. Echon’s MOS is to become an Ordinance Weapon Technician. Upon completion of recruit training at MCRD, he will report to Marine Combat Training School, Camp Pendleton, California for three weeks then report to MOS school in Maryland

PFC Jake Tomokane Liwanag is the son of Jose Liwanag and Ana Rosa Tomokane Liwanag of Navy Hill and is a 2004 graduate of Marianas High School. Liwanag’s MOS is in Motor Transportation Mechanics. Upon completion of recruit training at MCRD, he will report to Marine Combat Training school, Camp Pendleton, California for three weeks then report to MOS school in North Carolina

Marianas High School Class of 2003 graduate Pvt. Keoni Yoshida Camacho is the son of John B. Camacho and Liza Y. Blesoch. Camacho’s MOS is in Equipment and Motor Vehicle Repairs. Upon completion of recruit training at MCRD, the Rifle Sharpshooter recipient will report to Marine Combat Training School, Camp Pendleton, California for three weeks then report to MOS school in North Carolina.

Pvt. Dirk Camacho Mag-Atas, a graduate of Saipan Southern High School, is the son of Diana Taitano Camacho. Mag-Atas’ MOS is as an Aviation Electronic Technician. Upon completion of recruit training at MCRD, he will report to Marine Combat Training School, Camp Pendleton, California for three weeks then report to MOS school in Pensacola, Florida. Mag-Atas received a Rifle Marksman Award.

CNMI Resident Rep. Pedro A. Tenorio conveyed his best wishes over the phone to each one of them during a luncheon.

“Congratulations! It was our pleasure and honor to attend your graduation, and a real opportunity for me to talk you personally. Good luck to you and your colleagues from the CNMI and thank you for enlisting in our U.S. Armed Services. Your commitment to the defense of our country is a shining tribute of the CNMI’s loyalty and patriotism to the United States. You have a grateful nation and the CNMI community behind you. God bless all our young men and women in the U.S. Armed services,” Tenorio said.

Brigade General J.M. Paxton Jr. stated: “I would personally like to congratulate you Marines for making the decision to become ‘The Few, The Proud, The Marines.’ Welcome to the Marines family. Thank you, Mr. Pete Torres, for coming to San Diego to attend this important graduation and especially to the Honorable Resident Representative Pedro A. Tenorio for his dedication and support for these local graduates from the CNMI who are now about to become America’s finest young men to fill the ranks of the world’s most elite fighting force.” (PR)