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Salem receives boot camp top honor
Ricardo Salem holds up his son’s, Nicko Salem’s, award and stands beside various awards in honor of his two sons’ achievements at Winner’s Apartment in San Antonio. (Jayson Camacho)
Lance Corporal Nicko S. Salem became the first recruit from Saipan to earn the coveted company honor graduate for Company M after completing his boot camp training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California.
CNMI Marine Recruitment Center recruitment officer Sgt. Gregorio Comeo presented Salem’s father, Ricardo Salem, with his son’s award.
“This is the first time a recruit from Saipan has received the highest honor,” Comeo said.
Salem received the award from Chesty Puller Recruit Company. It was presented to him by the Marine Corps Association & Foundation last April 25.
According to Ricardo Salem, Comeo brought the trophy along with the other awards for Nicko Salem and another son, Nevin Salem.
In an interview with Saipan Tribune, Ricardo Salem said he is proud of Nicko Salem for completing his training and taking home the award.
“I am excited and I want him to continue to study so he can receive more achievements,” the elder Salem said.
According to him, Saipan Southern High School officials came to him and presented medallions for Nicko Salem and his brother Nevin Salem, who also joined the U.S Army.
Nicko S. Salem graduated from SSHS in 2012 and had recently worked for the Pacific Islands Club Saipan before choosing a career in the U.S. Marine Corps.
