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Remembering Julian
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Posted on Oct 23 2008
I’m here in Ft. Hood Texas, and we all can sense that Staff Sgt. Julian Manglona’s spirit is still with us. We are all affected by his passing last Oct. 9. There is not a day that passes without mentioning his name and the good memories we have of him. Julian will be missed by all of us with Echo Company, Infantry Battalion.
Julian was among the few good soldiers I could say I established a close friendship with. This is what I remember of Julian: The minute we sit down, he always talked about his ambition to be a Mayor of Tinian. He would joke that he will appoint me as his public information officer. Julian’s dream was to be a politician one day. Whenever Julian and I meet, I would say “ Hey, Mayor!” and he would turn and laugh and say, “That’s why I like you Indy!” Also, I used to call him “Airborne” for his passion for physical fitness. He will push himself to the limit of physical endurance. He would always say, “Indy, if us old [men] can do it, why not the young?”
Julian was a role model. He would always volunteer for any task that needed to be done. Julian was assigned as a squad leader prior to his promotion to staff sergeant for his leadership ability, among others. Julian was a competitor, as well as a mentor among his peers. He was not afraid to take on challenges for higher leadership responsibilities.
I once sat down with Julian, and I remember him talking so proudly about his children. He would mention that his parents taught him the traditional Chamorro culture and that’s what he wanted to instill in his children. He would talk about investing houses and properties for his children. I remember once, he would shop for toys and put them in huge boxes to mail home so his kids will have good Christmas. I told him, “All this big boxes cover half of your barracks room!” and we’d laugh.
I’ve known Julian for so many years while serving in the Army Reserve. I have seen so much change in him. He had always shared how happy he is now and that he would want to continue to better his life. Julian, you were with us, you will always be with us in spirit, and may God bless you always.
[B]Fabian Indalecio[/B] [I]Fort Hood, Texas[/I]
