Borja, Romero complete chemical advanced training

The United States Army’s Delta Company, 82nd Chemical Battallion out of Fort Leonard, Wood Missouri recently held its Chemical Advanced Individual Training graduation ceremonies.

Private First Class Alvin Jesse Yangilmau Borja and Private Rabbi Aquino Romero were among the more than 260 graduates from other states and territories officially completing 19 weeks of rigorous chemical warfare training.

Borja is the son of Antonio Faisao Borja and Celerina Yangilmau Borja of Kagman II Saipan. He is a recent graduate of the class of 2005 at Kagman High School. He is a former member of Kagman High School’s National Honor Society and the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) under the command of Sgt. Burke and Sgt. King.

Romero, for his part, is the son of Nenet Romero of Capitol Hill, Saipan. Romero also recently graduated from Kagman High School Class of 2005. He has two sisters Robin and Julie Anne. CNMI Office of the Resident Representative staffer Walter Villagomez was in attendance for the graduation ceremony on behalf of Resident Representative to the U.S. Pete A. Tenorio.

Borja and Romero both successfully endured and completed the challenges of the U.S. Army Chemical Advanced Individual Training and are trained as Chemical Operations Specialist. Chemical Operations Specialists are primarily responsible for operating, maintaining or supervising the use of chemical, biological, and nuclear detection and decontamination equipment.

The long weeks of training and away from home proved to be a test for Borja and Romero.

“The reason why I joined the Army is to get help with my college education, help my family, and the Army is also a good experience in life. At first it may seem like it’s really hard to get through it, because of all the stress and the home-sickness you’ll feel, but eventually you’ll get used to it, and time will get by a little faster” said Romero on his training experience.

For Borja, “The Army is the best experience I’ve had. Just do the best of your abilities and drive on! Don’t quit and just stay on top of the game.”

“I am honored and extremely proud of Borja and Romero in their accomplishments and sense of duty and dedication to serve our nation’s Army. Like soldiers before them from the Northern Marianas, they have answered America’s call to serve our country to ensure the safeguard and protection of our American values, principles and freedom,” said Representative Tenorio.

Borja and Romero will return to Saipan and serve under the U.S. Army Reserve-Saipan Unit. (PR)