Hometown hero on his way back home

1st Lt. Alexandro “Alex” Buniag, son of Angelita and Alejandro Buniag, will be arriving this evening on Saipan after almost a year and a half in Iraq.

Among his many accomplishments during his tenure in the Middle East was his receiving a Meritorious Service Medal on Jan. 8, 2005, through an executive order of President Bush for his exceptionally meritorious service as Platoon Leader of the horizontal and first general construction Platoon of the CO, C11 Battalion during Operation Iraqi Freedom. This award is so prestigious that it is typically reserved for soldiers with at least 20 years of service.

Since March 2004, Buniag has served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in one of the most deadly regions in the world. Not only has he survived the ordeal, but through his efforts he has helped many other U.S. soldiers arrive home safely.

Buniag, a graduate of Grace Christian Academy and University of Guam, conducted the first tactical convoy mission for Company C, which involved traveling from Camp Liberty, Baghdad to Camp Cooke, Taji through some of the most treacherous and vulnerable areas in Baghdad for enemy ambush and improvised explosive devices. That first mission and all that followed were a success.

As his success and leadership qualities grew, so did his responsibilities. After seven months in Iraq, Buniag’s company commander placed the Saipan local into the position of a General Construction “vertical” Platoon Leader, a position that saw his potential as a soldier really begin to bloom. In addition to helping conduct projects such as the Abu Nuwas Park renovation, with the help of the Mayor of Karada and the Engineer Brigade Command of the 1st Cavalry Division, Buniag led the timely completion of force protection upgrades for major entry/exit checkpoints leading into the International Zone. His efforts helped ensure the safety of U.S. and Iraqi soldiers, as well as Iraqi citizens who pass through those checkpoints.

Buniag’s success was recognized with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Brigade Commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. In addition, in 2004 Buniag was nominated for the “Grizzly Award” in recognition of his competence and leadership ability. This prestigious award is given to only a few soldiers each year.

Buniag’s work as a soldier was not strictly limited to engineering work, though, and demonstrates true compassion. He often encouraged soldiers to have team-time outside of missions and projects. Being the “island boy” that he is, he planned barbeques and get-togethers to improve soldier morale. Buniag also ensured that all of his soldiers had an opportunity to go on two-week Environmental Leave from Iraq before him. In addition, he always personally ensured that everyone of his soldiers received recognition or an award where merited.

Given his military accomplishment and his work with the “Make A Wish” Foundation on Guam, in addition to his work as an elementary school educator, the Military and Veterans Affairs Office, as well as the people CNMI “are glad and proud to welcome home one of our few native son arriving today for his many accomplishments and bravery.” (PR)