Previous Story
Guam National Guard honors Saipan soldier
The Guam National Guard’s 1st-294th Infantry Regiment held a memorial ceremony at the Guard’s Readiness Center in Barrigada to remember and honor a brother in arms.
-
- A makeshift memorial for the late Specialist Christopher Del Rosario is erected at the Guard’s Readiness Center in Barrigada. (Contibuted Photo)
-
- Family members of the late Specialist Christopher Del Rosario attend the memorial ceremony. (Contributed Photo)
-
- Members of the Guam National Guard’s 1st-294th Infantry Regiment take part in the memorial service for the late Specialist Christopher Del Rosario at the Guard’s Readiness Center in Barrigada. (Contributed Photo)
-
- Members of the Guam National Guard’s 1st-294th Infantry Regiment salute the late Specialist Christopher Del Rosario during a memorial ceremony at the Guard’s Readiness Center in Barrigada. (Contributed Photo)
Hundreds of soldiers from the Guam National Guard’s 1st-294 Infantry Regiment gathered Sunday morning, Jan. 11, to honor the late Specialist Christopher Del Rosario, 21, who died in a tragic and fatal motorcycle accident on Saipan, on Christmas Eve. His wife, Svetlana Sasamoto, was in attendance to mourn her late husband and thank the Guard for the military honors given to her husband during his funeral on Jan. 2 on Saipan.
Del Rosario was born on Saipan on April 16, 1993, and joined the Guam Army National Guard as an indirect fire infantryman on Sept. 10, 2010. As a member of the 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry Regiment, Del Rosario deployed with Task Force Guam in 2013. He served in various positions, including machine gunner, mini resistant ambush protected vehicle driver, and dismounted personal security detachment team member, all of which contributed to the success of the battalion’s mission.
Sunday’s memorial opened with a prayer by Chaplain John Tomada, followed by remarks by the Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Romeo Delfin, who talked about “…the many layers of Chris Del Rosario—a son, a husband, a father and a soldier.” Delfin told Svetlana Del Rosario, “Always know that you will always be part of the 1st-294th Infantry’s family, and we will never forget Chris.”
SPC Del Rosario left behind his wife of threee years, Svetlana Sasamoto, his son, Londan Christopher Del Rosario, 3, and his daughter Savannah Sasamoto Del Rosario, 1.
SPC Steely Dan Mapote gave a moving eulogy, remembering how hardworking and passionate Del Rosario was. “Chris was a very sociable person, he had many friends. It wasn’t hard to get along with Chris as he was well liked and well respected. Someone you can trust and confide in, someone who always had your back! He was someone we all had the privilege of knowing. He will be missed!”
After reading several scripture verses, Chaplain Richard Kelley gave this message about Del Rosario’s life. “As we reflect on Christopher, let us celebrate the wonderful life he led. He was one of ours, one of our soldiers!”
The roll call by First Sgt. Marlon Cruz concluded with a solemn salute by all in attendance as Taps played in the background—a final tribute to their brother in arms. (PR)
