Previous Story
‘Proud to serve the troop’
|
Posted on Jan 31 2006
“I’m very proud to serve the troop.”
Thus stated Franklin R. Babauta, commander of the Echo Company, which just completed its one-year deployment in Iraq.
The troop was like a family as members were very supportive of each other during their tour of duty, said Babauta, who led the 143-man Echo Company, including 89 soldiers from the CNMI.
Babauta is commander of the CNMI Army Reserve. He is also the deputy commissioner for administration for the Department of Public Safety.
He arrived together with nine soldiers on Saipan last Wednesday night from Hawaii. Only two members of the CNMI contingent are still in Hawaii processing their papers.
In a telephone interview with the Saipan Tribune yesterday, Babauta said everyone in the Echo Company participated in the multiple missions of his battalion.
The commander recalled that a lot of times, they were worried that something might happen to them anytime but, like a big family, the company members supported each other.
“We felt safe among the group. We felt better because we’re all together. We supported one another,” he said.
He said he is very happy to be home and seeing his family again. Babauta is father of four children.
He said the troop is very thankful for the overwhelming support the community has given them.
Babauta said that whenever he is on the road, he couldn’t help but stop and read every sign that were put up by the community and family members in welcoming their arrival.
“I can’t stop looking at all the ribbons and flyers. They’re very attractive to me. I really see that the people got together and united to support the troop,” he said.
The troop was fielded to Iraq in January 2005. On Jan. 1, 2006, the company completed its duty and proceeded to Kuwait. On Jan. 3, the CNMI soldiers proceeded to Hawaii before coming back, in batches, to the island.
Babauta said that, although they are happy to be back at home, it is just unfortunate that they lost Sgt. Wilgene T. Lieto and SPC Derence Jack.
“I really respect the two soldiers. They’re one of the good soldiers in the unit. They never complained. They’re very cheerful. They set the morale high for the troop. They will always be remembered,” said Babauta, his voice quivering.
