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Cruz takes over Dolphin Battalion commander post
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- New battalion commander Reaven Cruz, left, Senior Army Instructor Lt. Col. Ramon Ichihara, right, battalion CSM Samuel Borja, far left, and outgoing battalion commander Chekaina Coloma, far right, during the passing of the battalion colors. (Mackenzie Rae Perez)
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- Battalion cadets and staff pose for a picture after the ceremony. (Mackenzie Rae Perez)
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- Cadet Lt. Col. Reaven Cruz and her mother Paulette Sablan. (Mackenzie Rae Perez)
The Dolphin Battalion of Marianas High School held its change of command ceremony last April 28, 2017, with upcoming senior cadet Lt. Col. ReavenJei Cruz taking over as the battalion commander alongside cadet Maj. Isabel Palacios as the battalion’s executive officer.
Cruz and Palacios will be succeeding outgoing battalion commander Chekaina Coloma and executive officer Kaela Valencia.
Leading the ceremony was cadet Sgt. Kenisha Roque, who acknowledged the battalion’s cadets and cited Cruz’s patriotism, valor, and fidelity or being chosen as the new battalion commander.
Present during the turnover ceremony was Cruz’s mother and Palacios’ parents.
In his remarks at the change of command ceremony, Dolphin Battalion senior Army instructor Lt. Col. Ramon Ichihara said: “I hope one of you aspires to be one of the two in the future, you guys have a lot of potential. I hope to see every one of you try to be one of them” said Ichihara.
In her last speech to the battalion, outgoing commander Chekaina Coloma said: “It was an amazing school year. ..Without you guys as cadets in the battalion, we wouldn’t make it through the school year.”
Cruz gave thanks to Coloma “for her leadership, guidance, and for trusting me to take over the battalion. Without her, my family and friends, my fellow staff and drill team, my sabre guard team, and my instructors, today will not be possible, they all helped be the person I am today. …Leadership comes with many skills that require commitment, passion, and the desire to be an inspiration to others.”
Passing the annual JPA inspection for next school year is Cruz’s goal as she and some the cadets want to continue learning in the program.
A small gathering was held after the ceremony to celebrate the new battalion commander and battalion executive officer.
