Soldiers eager to reunite with families

SSG FABIAN M. INDALECIO
Special to the Saipan Tribune

The majority of the troops from the 100th Battalion, 442D Infantry, Echo Company and an attachment from Bravo company, made up of soldiers from Guam and the CNMI, arrived earlier in the month at Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu Hawaii.

The troops have been living at the Scholfield Barracks and undergoing out-processing as part of the troops’ demobilization phase.

The out-processing phase, which will last a week but may take longer, is an extensive process that consists of medical, finance, personnel record review, and a variety of information briefing—from family reunion, Tricare benefits, veterans benefit, suicide awareness class, as well as drug and alcohol awareness class—intended to prepare soldiers for reintegration back to their families as well as back to civilian life.

When asked when will the troops be returning back home to Guam and Saipan, Company Commander Major Franklin Babauta was non-committal.

“According to the demobilization process, each soldier will be released back to ‘home of record base’ after each soldiers’ completion of the review of personal and medical record, and attending all mandatory briefing,” he said.

Major Babauta also said to his knowledge, he is not aware of any special homecoming event meant to greet the soldiers upon their arrival at the airport. He also expressed that the fact that the soldiers being home and safe is already a celebration in itself.

“The community has been very supportive to the troops and we are very grateful for that; however, I’m very much aware of troop morale, that they just want to come home and reunite with their loved ones and go home, so my decision is to release them back to their families to reunite them as soon as possible,” he said. “I understand that the families have long endured waiting the arrival of their loved ones. I will not obligate any soldiers for any unnecessary hold back at the airport upon arrival, however, transportation will be provided for those soldiers needing a ride, but I don’t see any problem on this.”

Major Babauta said that he has instructed the Familiy Readiness Group leader-CNMI representative, Cecilia Blas, her counterpart from Guam, Carmen Almandres, and reservist administrator, SSG Daniel Quituqua, to prepare a schedule plan for the homecoming dinner ceremony event at one of the hotels.

“We will have the Army as well as the civilian dignitaries that will be invited to be present to recognize all of our ‘reservist heroes’ who returned home from Iraq at the expense of the Army Reserve Unit,” he added.

When asked, how is this event sponsored, Major Babauta said, “The soldiers are our heroes, and they deserved a special treat with their families. I want the community to know that the Army appreciates the service and their contributions in fighting the war on terrorism, so the Army will fully pay for all expenses on all approved schedule activities.”

Major Babauta also gave an overall assessment on how local troops performed in Iraq.

“First I want to thank the community for all their support; sending letters and gifts; especially all the prayers for our safety during our mission. I want to thank the Family Readiness leader helping the soldiers’ families. Again, my condolence to the family of SSG Wilgene T. Lieto and CPL Derence W. Jack, our two fallen comrades who will not be coming home with us; God bless you,” he said. “I want to say that your husbands and sons have performed their mission magnificently. They are heroes. I want to thank each and every soldiers and their family for a job well done. As their commander, I can say that they are true leaders, who have shown loyalty, courage, honor and respect while performing their duties in Iraq. I’m certain that the people of Guam and the CNMI will be proud to be represented by these heroes.”

Editor’s note: The Saipan Tribune confirmed yesterday from Yellow Ribbon Committee chairperson Tanya Misa that they were expecting between 10 to 15 soldiers to arrive from Honolulu last night at 8pm.