Brothers in arms

One for all and all for one.

Throughout the many interviews conducted with the CNMI’s military personnel, one thing that all agree on is the importance of trust among fellow soldiers, especially those who surround you during hardship and battle.

With all the training and experience shared amongst each other while serving away from family, friends, and loved ones, a sense of brotherhood is formed, one that is forever remembered in the hearts of the soldiers. From living quarters to the battle fields, one feels a sense of security knowing that your pack of brothers are by your side.

For 10 men on Echo Company, 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry, that sense of brotherhood takes on a literal meaning, as they are actually going to war with a brother at their side.

For these five pairs of brothers, the sense of serving together is an honor. Being able to relate to one another, picking the other’s spirit when one feels mahalang or homesick, and the protectiveness that one feels for each other is just several aspects that comes out of standing side by side during this call to arms.

The Kaipat, Maratita, Sablan, Manglona, and Chargualaf brothers from the Commonwealth have each expressed they feel honored to serve with their brother by their side.

Here, they were asked about their thoughts on serving the military with their brother just before they were due to fly to Kuwait for eventual deployment to Iraq:

SGT JULIAN A. MANGLONA

“Having my brother in the same company is very special because I have someone to talk to and share my feelings or problems with, such as missing my families. We can help each other if there is any hardship with this deployment. I feel that my brother care about my feelings. We know that our mother is having a hard time over having both of us going to the war at the same time.”

Military job: Not specified
Civilian job: Police officer on Tinian and businessman.

SPC PATRIC A. MANGLONA

“It is very good to have a brother in the same unit because we share good moments together and we take care of each other. We help each other in coping with this deployment. Only one thing: Our parents are scared and worry about the two of us being deployed. I would like to say thanks to my wife for supporting me during my deployment and being a strong woman and for taking care of our children while I am away.

Military job: Not specified
Civilian job: Police officer on Tinian and councilman in the 10th Tinian Municipal Council

* * *

PV2 CLEMENT S. KAIPAT
“Well, being with my brother Rud is great. I think it’s really good having him around because its just makes me feel a little bit of home. But still I have to deal with the feeling of mahalang, meaning homesickness for my wife, Kina, and three sons. Though it’s real tough to be apart, we understand and we know that I will be back. And we’ll all be back to our families. Go for broke.”

Military job: Not specified
Civilian job: Clerical specialist at the Division of Parks and Recreation.

PFC RUDY S. KAIPAT

“Knowing that my brother will be next to me in combat is more than an honor. I know that all these trainings we’ve been through gave me no worries because I know he will be watching my back while I watch his. It’s very sad to leave our loved ones behind, especially for one year or more. We’ll be back to be with you. It’s sad I’m leaving my lovely wife and my two beautiful children behind, but I promise them that I’ll be back.”

Military job: Not specified
Civilian job: Personnel assistant at the Office of Personnel and Management.

* * *

SSG NOEL CHARGUALAF

“It is great to have a brother next to you facing this kind of situation when fighting for the freedom of the Iraqi people and against terrorism. I would like to tell my family and friends, ‘Thank you for their continuous prayers and support until we come home safely.’ To my wife Rita and kids, Nathan, Brandon and Rinel: Be strong and have faith in the Lord. I will be home soon. I love you very much and take care of each others. Go for broke.”

Military job: Weapon squad leader
Civilian job: Retired CNMI Customs/Currently working as property manager for a local business.

SSG SEVIO CHARGUALAF

“ It’s like having with you your best friend from school. We watch each other’s back and make sure that we come home safely.

Military job: Not specified
Civilian Job: FEMA public special assistant

* * *
SSG BARRIE R. MARATITA

“Being with my brother in this deployment is great. Having my brother beside me makes me feel at home. Whenever I feel homesick, I talk to my brother about home and it tends to relieve the homesickness. As for having to leave my families behind, it is hard, very hard, but they understand and support both of us. I love my family, especially my wife Sharee, for supporting me and believing in me and I will return home safely. Go for broke.

Military job: Not specified
Civilian job: Not specified

PFC KEVIN R. MARATITA

“Being in the same unit with my brother makes me feel stronger in the heart to get the mission done. Because we are together in this unit, I feel that the family bond is stronger and he will always be there when I need someone to talk to. Likewise, I will always be there for him whenever we miss home. I feel that it is rare to have a unit with brothers together.

Military job: Squad rifleman
Civilian job: Police officer II on Saipan

* * *

SPC SONNY C. SABLAN

“Going with my brother is something that is hard for our parents but it is good to be with him because we both support each other during this deployment.”

Military job: Not specified
Civilian job: CUC administrative assistant

PFC ERIC C. SABLAN

“Every experience will be hard, especially being with my brother in Iraq, but with prayers, it makes it easier and I would like to thank my families, friends, and especially my fiancé for all their prayers.”

Military job: Not specified
Civilian job: Tour coordinator

Interviews by Sgt. Fabian Indalecio