Two Sablans praised for their roles in Iraq

The 8th Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council recently adopted two resolutions commending U.S. Army PFC II Alexander P. Sablan Jr. and U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Franklin Villagomez Sablan for their courage, bravery and determination to uphold the U.S. Armed Forces’ goal to secure peace, freedom and democracy for Iraq.

Alexander P. Sablan Jr. was deployed to Iraq for a tour of duty since Feb. 20, 2004. While in Iraq, he was with the 11th Bravo with the 3rd Brigade 2nd I/D 1st Battalion and 23rd Infantry Regiment (Striker Brigade). He is the son of proud parents Alexander P. Sablan and Cecilia R. Sablan.

Franklin V. Sablan, on the other hand, was deployed to Iraq for a tour of duty from January 2003 to June 2004. While in Iraq, he was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Franklin V. Sablan is the son of proud parents Joseph Mendiola Sablan and Diana Camacho Villagomez.

The United States declared war against Iraq’s dictator Saddam Hussein to destroy weapons of mass destruction, to deter potential acts of terrorism, and for the people of Iraq to enjoy freedom, peace, and democracy. Many men and women of the CNMI who are with the U.S. Armed Forces have been deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other dangerous posts to secure global peace, freedom and democracy.

The CNMI men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces who were wounded or killed in action include U.S. Army Sergeant Yinjyh “Eddie” Leng Chen, the first CNMI casualty; U.S. Army Sergeant William Ayuyu Sakisat (Jr.), wounded in Afghanistan; U.S. Army Specialist 4 Monique Guerrero Sablan, wounded in Iraq; U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Randy Takai Johnson, wounded in Iraq; U.S. Army Sergeant Nazario San Nicolas Borja (Tinian), wounded in Iraq; U.S. Army Specialist Gregory Cabrera Cing (Tinian), wounded in Iraq; and U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Dustin M. Pangelinan, wounded in Iraq.

“The members of the municipal council join the people of the CNMI in extending special recognition, congratulation and commendation to Alexander P. Sablan Jr. and Franklin V. Sablan for safeguarding and protecting the lives of his fellow Americans,” part of the resolutions read.

The resolutions were certified by municipal council chair Gregorio V. Deleon Guerrero and vice chair David A. Indalecio and were attested by secretary Antonia M. Tudela.