Previous Story
Briefing for reservists, their families held today
|
Posted on Aug 06 2004
Hawaii Army Reserve officials are now on island to hold a meeting with CNMI reservists and their families today on Iraq deployment issues.
Public Information officer Pete Callaghan said yesterday that the Army Reserve commanding officer from Hawaii will lead the briefing, which will be held from 8am to 4pm today at the Multi-Purpose Hall in Susupe.
“This is for soldiers and families of soldiers deploying to Iraq. All kinds of issues regarding their deployment will be discussed,” said Callaghan.
He said that Gov. Juan N. Babauta, who arrived from a weeklong off-island trip yesterday, may join the meeting.
The CNMI sent 83 reservists to Honolulu last month for training in connection with the deployment. Most of the 83 personnel, including Rep. Ray Yumul, have reportedly received deployment orders from the White House. Such deployment typically lasts for up to 18 months.
In related development, Sen. Henry H. San Nicolas introduced a bill Thursday that aims to provide for the temporary replacement of some CNMI officials called to active duty in the Armed Forces.
He said that if an official or member of a governing body is called to active duty, he or she may elect to temporarily resign. A temporary replacement may be made, who shall serve until the official’s return or until the expiration of the official’s term of office.
The bill defines “governing body” as multimember board, commission, committee, council or other policy- making body of a public agency, or any committee thereof when the committee acts on behalf of the governing body, conducts hearings, or takes testimony or public comments.
The bill said that agencies with no apparent governing body such as the Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Public Safety, are nonetheless subject to the provisions when they have a policy-making body with the power to carry out actions on behalf of the agency.
