Aguon completes basic Army training

U.S. Army Pvt. Frankie Muna Aguon of San Vicente, Saipan now proudly wears the pin of a member of the United States Army after overcoming 14 weeks of grueling physical and mental military training.

Aguon joined his peers on July 2, when the U.S. Army Engineer School held its Basic Training graduation for Foxtrot Company, 35th Engineer Battalion, 1st Engineer Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Aguon was among 163 soldiers receiving their Engineering pin for successful completion of Basic Combat and Engineer-specific military skills training.

Aguon is the son of Francisco Concepcion Aguon and Tina Marie Muna.

Aguon, a former Corrections Officer with the CNMI Department of Public Safety, said he felt the need to challenge himself and explore careers and found that the U.S. Army was one option.

“I encourage students to consider a career in the military. It has a lot to teach and offer, and I saw the Army as one way to get out of the ordinary and improve my life,” Aguon said.

Another important reason why Aguon chose the Army was the encouragement of his uncle, retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jesus C. Muna, who urged him to follow in his footsteps.

Aguon credits the support and care of his family on Saipan while away during training.

“I am very proud of Private Aguon for his commitment and sense of duty to serve in our nation’s Army. I have no doubt that Private Aguon will join the ranks of honorable and fine professional soldiers from the Northern Marianas,” said Resident Representative Pete A. Tenorio.

Walter F. Villagomez of the Washington office was on hand for Aguon’s graduation ceremony on behalf of Tenorio.

“Private Aguon’s enlistment in the U.S. Armed Services is yet another example of the loyalty and dedication of our CNMI people toward the security and freedom of our nation, and although the CNMI has yet to be represented in the U.S. Congress, we honor our role as American citizens and encourage our young men and women to stand up and be counted in the defense of our nation,” Tenorio added.

During the ceremony, Aguon received the National Defense ribbon, War-time enlistment ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism ribbon as well as medals for Grenade Expert and Sharpshooter Rifle marksmanship.

Aguon will continue two more weeks of training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, before heading to South Korea as part of his first active duty station deployment.