Ayuyu Battalion hosts JROTC military ball

The three CNMI MSU Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps Programs on Saipan recently held their second combined JROTC Military Ball this year, with the Ayuyu Battalion of the Kagman High School taking on the honor and challenge of hosting the annual event for the JROTC program at the Aqua Resort Club.

At this year’s affair, Ayuyu battalion commander cadet Lt. Col. Justin Santos asked for a moment of silence to recognize and honor the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are currently fighting in different parts of the world.

“Their selfless and personal sacrifices are absolutely the reason we now so freely enjoy the freedom only existing in our proud country of the United States of America,” Santos said.

He encouraged cadets to be proud to wear their uniform as it signifies the image of young people wanting and desiring to contribute positively to the United States.

Over 300 persons attended the ball, including Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela; Education Commissioner Rita Inos; CNMI Board of Education vice chair Dino Jones; BOE secretary/treasurer Marja Lee Taitano; BOE member Frances Diaz; PSS associate commissioner for administrative services David M. Borja; PSS finance director Richard Waldo; MHS principal James Denight and vice principal Karen Borja; KHS vice and acting principal Maria Pangelinan; University of Guam’s Army ROTC professor of military science Lt. Col. David S. Okada; UOG Army ROTC instructor MSgt. Mikel Chapman; and Army Recruiter SFC Abadam. The guest speaker for the occasion was retired Sgt. Maj. Jesus Muna.

According to CNMI MSU JROTC’s CSM Doroteo Q. Aguigui, everyone appeared to enjoy the entire evening.

“The Ayuyu Battalion’s Color Guard and Cordon of Saber Teams performed outstandingly well, including the entertainers. The emcees, cadet Maj. Alvin Borja and cadet Capt. Fogata, did a fantastic job in their duties for the evening. With the super charged energy and professionalism on the part of Senior Army Instructor Jim Burke, the top cadre leader of the Ayuyu Battalion, and Army Instructor SFC Juan King, the difficult and challenging tasks of conducting the military ball performed by the hardworking and dedicated cadets of the Ayuyu Battalion was quickly simplified, resulting in a highly successful and enjoyable ceremony,” Aguigui said.

Adding to the success of the military ball was the excitement during the drawing for raffle and door prizes donated by many local businesses in the community, and the introduction and recognition of all the graduating seniors from Marianas, Kagman, and Saipan Southern High Schools.

The first combined Saipan JROTC Military Ball for the three schools—Marianas, Kagman, and Saipan Southern high schools—was hosted by the Manta Ray Battalion, brought on by the new concept for CNMI Multiple Unit, which was authorized by cadet command and established in the CNMI in 2003, consisting of all five schools, including Tinian and Rota.

Prior to the 2003, the JROTC military balls on Saipan were all conducted by Marianas High School. The Tinian and Rota programs were part of the event, with cadets represented by their incoming and outgoing commanders.