Support pouring in for Troop Fest 2004

With the first-ever Troop Fest 2004 quickly approaching, the event, scheduled to unfold on Dec. 23 at the American Memorial Park Amphitheatre, has garnered much support from the community, as many sponsors and entertainers have confirmed participation in the one-night concert that supports all military personnel with ties to the Commonwealth.

Organizers said the campaign has already touched the hearts of many.

“Our goal is to reach those soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines with connections here in the CNMI with a message of support from the local community,” said Troop Fest 2004 co-chair Galvin Guerrero.” Troop Fest 2004 is just one way to show [military personnel] we are thinking of them and we appreciate the sacrifices they make.”

The six-hour long concert, from 4pm to 10pm, would be produced and DVD copies would be distributed free of charge to all CNMI military personnel around the world.

“We encourage family members of these service members to come to the concert and sign up their loved ones for one of these free DVDs,” Guerrero said.

Entertainment for the concert features 15 local artists and student groups, including Maggie Naputi, Split Attitude, Junior Serenaders Band, Northern Star Band, Soreen Villanueva, Nolas Kaliga, Kevin Lynch, Frozen N, Tropikool Blenz, What Ever Band, Jerry Ayuyu, Garapan Elementary School, Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School, Mount Carmel School, and the Garapan Girl Scouts.

Also to be featured are pre-taped inspirational messages from community members. It will be hosted by local personality Chailang Palacios, as well as Santi “Big Boy” Sablan of Power 99.

Meanwhile, the Garapan Street Market will merge with Troop Fest on that night. Food, drinks, memorabilia, and other merchandise would be on sale at the venue. Copies of the DVD, which would be produced by Vista Media Services would be also be available for $20.

The concert will also raise money to help defray the cost of Company E troops returning home. Excess funds generated from the concert would be donated by the Company E Family Readiness Group to a reputable charity organization currently active in Iraq to aid Iraqi children. The donation would be brought to Iraq by Lt. Col. Alan Ostermiller, battalion commander of the 100th Battalion.

Earlier, Guerrero said majority of the local troops belonging to Echo Company, 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry—who are currently training for deployment to Iraq next year—will return home for the holidays, majority of which are expected to arrive on the date of the concert.

Several families have decided to meet their active-duty family members in the mainland.

Company E members are currently training in Fort Bliss, Texas. After their Christmas leave, the reservists will move to Fort Polk in Louisiana, where they will undergo simulated combat training that goes through war games crafted based on the standards of the U.S Army.

The soldiers will start moving in February 2005 to Iraq, where they will stay for a maximum of one year.

Troop Fest 2004 is spearheaded by the Office of the Governor and the U.S. Armed Forces Veterans Association of the CNMI. The event is chaired by Edward Manibusan, who is the CNMI Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army. Corporate and individual donations for the production of the concert and DVD are now being accepted. Individuals may make a donation or obtain more information by contacting the governor’s special assistant for special projects Galvin Guerrero at 670-664-2213 or e-mailing galvin@itecnmi.com.

Additional sponsors and supporters for Troop Fest 2004 include the Office of the Lt. Governor; Bishop Tomas A. Camacho; Department of Community and Cultural Affairs; Capt. and Mrs. Franklin R. Babauta; Company E, 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Family Readiness Group; Verizon; Coca-cola Beverage Co.; Ambyth Shipping Micronesia; Kagman Elementary School; Back Pacific Ltd.; Construction & Material Supply; FAS Moving & Storage Company; IT&E Overseas Inc.; Microl Corp.; Saipan Shipping Co.; Saipan Stevedore Co. Inc; YCO Corp.; Pacific Islands Club Saipan; Saipan World Resort; Darlene Cabrera; Juan S. Tenorio (Santiago); Thomas E. Clifford, Esq.; Lucia C. Sablan; Jean D. Sablan; Rep. Heinz Hofschneider; Rep. David Apatang; Dai-ichi Hotel Saipan Beach; CNMI Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp; Rep. Janet U. Maratita; Scott Guerrero; Steve Smith; KCNM-KZMI; Power 99FM; Mr. and Mrs. Freddie Guajardo; Jocelyn A. Alvarez; Aqua Resort Club; Ernst & Young; Bank of Guam; Bank Pacific; Telesource CNMI; Saipan Golfers Association; Mr. and Mrs. Edward S. Tenorio; Juan S. Reyes (Liling); Diego C. Blanco; and George Taguchi.