Soldiers, civilians given awards

The 9th U.S. Army Regional Readiness Command yesterday gave awards to NMI soldiers who completed their one-year mission in Iraq. Some civilians were also recognized for their volunteer works in supporting the troops.

CNMI Army Reserve commander Maj. Franklin R. Babauta who led the 143-man Echo Company, was handed the bronze medal award for his “excellent performance as commander of the company” during the ceremony held at Hyatt Regency Saipan’s garden.

Staff Sgt. Ignacio Palacios received the Purple Heart, a medal given to soldiers who were injured or wounded in the line of duty.

Brig. Gen. John Ma, commander of the 9th U.S. Army Regional Readiness Command, along with Sgt. Maj. Joven Miranda, Maj. Mike Peeters and other officials from the Hawaii-based command, presented the awards during the event dubbed “Welcome Home Warrior Citizen Award Ceremony.”

All NMI soldiers were given the Armed Forces reserve medal with mobilization device, the national defense service medal, the global war on terrorism—expeditionary medal, and the global war on terrorism—service medal.

The troops got a framed American flag, a campaign banner, coin and certificate for their “dedicated service in Iraq.”

Some civilians who volunteered their time by preparing the banners, ribbons, flyers and other works in supporting the soldiers were recognized and given commemorative coins.

Brig. Gen. Ma, in his speech, called the troops the “Pride of the Pacific.” He was all praises with the leadership displayed by Maj. Babauta and 1st Sgt. Joseph Santos.

“You have carried on the proud tradition of the citizen-soldier. When our country needed you—you were there! I am sure most of you who joined the Army Reserve had little thought of getting mobilized and going off to Iraq. And yet, you answered the call to duty, rose to the challenge, and accomplished each task with outstanding results,” Ma said.

Ma also hailed the support given by the community.

“Your support has been vital. The e-mails, letters and care packages help to lift their spirit. Most important, your prayers sustained and protected them and I thank you for your tremendous support,” he said.

In his remarks, Babauta recalled their difficult mission in the battalion, yet the troops, he described as family, accomplished every task.

“It is an experience that will remain with me with the rest of my life,” Babauta said.

Babauta said, however, he is deeply saddened that they lost two of the best soldiers in their troop—Sgt. Wilgene T. Lieto and SPC Derence Jack.

“They embraced patriotism to the end. They will always have a place in my heart,” said the teary-eyed Babauta.

Before the ceremony, the troops attended a Mass at Mt. Carmel Church administered by Bishop Tomas Camacho yesterday at 9am. After the Mass, the troops and their families and supporters held a motorcade toward Hyatt.

After the presentation of awards, the soldiers sang “Remember Pearl Harbor” and their own composition “100/442 Is Back Again.”