Local boy makes good with US Marines

About a year and a half ago, local athlete Juan Ogumoro left Saipan, trading in his track shoes for combat boots when he entered the U.S. Marines. Fast-forward to the present, Lance Corporal Ogumoro is back—at least temporarily—to spend quality time with his family.

Ogumoro, who arrived in the early hours of Liberation Day, July 4, made it in time to serve as escort for his sister, Liberation Queen Leiana K. Ogumoro.

“This is more meaningful because I’m not just escorting anyone; it’s my own sister,” he said during an interview shortly after the Liberation Parade on Sunday. “I am enjoying this.”

His visit was a surprise, as many members of his family did not know of his arrival. “No one knew, but now several people know after seeing me in the parade,” he said. “It caught them by surprise. I came out of the limo and I saw them. They looked at me and at first probably thought I was someone else.”

Ogumoro explained that throughout his visit, his main concern is to “spend time with family.”

“There are so many things I would like to do, but the main thing is for me to spend time with my family,” he said.

Ogumoro’s visit ends Thursday as he journeys off to North Carolina. Before his arrival, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California.

While at Camp Pendleton, Ogumoro said he occupied a leadership position that features teaching Marines with lower rankings on several issues, including “what to expect as a Marine.”

“I would consult with the higher-ranking officers, then teach things like ‘how to conduct yourself as a Marine’ or give motivation speeches, and even talk about the benefits,” he said.

He also expressed his hope for more local citizens to enroll in any of the U.S. Armed Forces. “I would like more to enter,” he said. “It is a very good learning experience and is an eye opener as well. The benefits are also very good.”

An alumnus of Marianas High School, Ogumoro served three years in the school’s JROTC program before graduating. He then enrolled at the Northern Marianas College and earned a degree in Criminal Justice.

He also made a name for himself as an athlete, competing in various sports. He suited up for several basketball teams in the Saipan Rotary Club Summer Youth Basketball League and the Island-wide Men’s Basketball League, but really stood out during his stint in athletics, during which he ranked among the top athletes in the 400m and high jump. He was also a member of the CNMI National Track and Field team, competing in various competitions off-island. Before enlisting in the U.S. Marines, Ogumoro suited up for the Miller Lite Barbarians in the Commonwealth Football League for two years, playing a big role in their championship run in 2002. He was also selected to the All-Star team in 2001 and 2002.

Ogumoro credited his father for inspiring him to enlist in the U.S. Marines.
“What motivated me the most to join the Marines is when my dad retired after 22 years in the Marine Corps. During his tour as a chief drill instructor for the 1st Battalion, his leadership and organizational and motivational skills set the standard for all drill instructors to emulate. His leadership styles were all unique and impossible to duplicate. I describe his leadership philosophy [as characterized] with fairness, firmness, dignity and compassion at all times. I am satisfied with what I have achieved in the Marine Corps. I encourage the younger generation from the CNMI to take up the challenge, keeping in mind that nothing comes easy and you must work hard and constantly strive to reach your goal in life,” he said.