Babauta delays his own homecoming

Echo Company Commander Maj. Franklin R. Babauta of the 100th Battalion, 442d Infantry has delayed coming home to his family to ensure that all of his soldiers are processed and demobilized to Saipan and Guam first.

Babauta had noticed that the demobilization process had delayed the homecoming of some of his troops to Saipan and Guam, creating a lot of confusion for their families waiting at home.

Most of the problems are due to medical record reviews and the soldiers’ incomplete itinerary, according to Babauta.

When asked about his own out-processing, he said, “Actually, I’m all cleared and I want to go home to reunite with my families. I’m just like every soldier who is eager to come home, but as a commander, I want to help and ensure that all of my soldiers go home first.”

Right now, Babauta said he is assisting the battalion 24 hours in following up with the unit responsible for the out-processing of the soldiers to ensure that everyone will be completed by the end of this week.

Babauta said that, with the exception of about five soldiers who will be staying back in Hawaii for more extensive medical check up and follow ups, “I should be home by this week to reunite with my family. The other five is just beyond my control.” He did not mention the names of the five who are staying back, but said that their families have been contacted by the individual soldiers.

The soldiers who have already arrived on the island are on terminal leave of up to 15 days, according to Babauta.

I want to ensure that soldiers are spending time with families and I don’t foresee any military training for several months,” Babauta said. “I’m glad that we are finally all coming home and thankful that the community have been very supportive in the welcoming of the troops.”

The Echo Company has been deployed for 18 months, with a year of that spent in Iraq.

When asked to assess the tour, Babauta said, “My soldiers have performed exceptionally, and everyone knows it, but let’s not forget our two fallen comrades, SSG Wilgene T. Lieto and Derence W. Jack, who sacrificed for our freedom.”

The last group should be coming home by this week, according to Babauta. “I want to thank Cecil Blas, the FRG leader for the E Company on Saipan for her tireless efforts in coordinating families and the community to welcome the troops home.” (By SSG Fabian Indalecio, Special to the Saipan Tribune)