For almost six hours Thursday, military personnel, as well as reservists from the Echo Company were treated to live entertainment, courtesy of various local artists and students.<\/p>\n
Before calling it a night, the troops surprised everyone and took center stage for a special number to cap Troop Fest 2004 at the American Memorial Park.<\/p>\n
Clad in camouflage military wear, the members of Echo Company, 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry closed the night by singing their \u201cGo For Broke\u201d song, and just before walking off the stage, the troops were in for a special treat themselves as family members joined them on stage for a special number dedicated to the soldiers. <\/p>\n
With hands waving in the air, wives, moms, children, and organizers rocked the speakers with the song entitled \u201cVoices and Care.\u201d<\/p>\n
The song even featured a brief solo by Special Assistant for Special Programs Galvin Deleon Guerrero. <\/p>\n
Before singing, Company E Company Commander Capt. Franklin Babauta said a few words about his company and expressed thanks to all supporters. He also asked everyone to support those soldiers who weren\u2019t able to come home for the holidays.<\/p>\n
Troop Fest wound up attracting a solid response from the community, with people taking time off from busy schedules to display support.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been doing concerts\u2026this is the best event ever,\u201d Deleon Guerrero said. \u201cThe community response was great. On a night like this, where there are many company parties, novenas, or family gatherings, people took time to make it here and show their support, and that was great for all.\u201d<\/p>\n
U.S. Marine Private George Fleming, who arrived a couple of days ago after completing combat training, was astonished at the amount of support the troops are getting.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just very heartwarming,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m going to be leaving on [December] 31st\u2026seeing something like this, it\u2019s a good feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fellow Marine Private Kenneth Ichihara was also proud of the turnout and the event, citing that \u201cit\u2019s very gratifying.\u201d Ichihara will be leaving for Camp Pendleton on Jan. 11, 2005 for advance training. <\/p>\n
Marines Pfc. Victor Diaz, Pvt. Jason Cepeda, and Pvt. Guil Lifoifoi were also pleased with the event. During their brief stay, the group assisted in recruiting for the U.S. Marines. Diaz is scheduled to leave for MOS training in North Carolina on Dec. 29, while Lifoifoi leaves on Jan. 3 for Camp Pendleton as well. <\/p>\n
Family Readiness Group advisor Celina Babauta was all smiles, citing that the event was a success. \u201cEverything is going great,\u201d she said. \u201cThe soldiers are kind of tired, but they\u2019re staying and enjoying. They\u2019re savoring every moment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Local artist Candido Taman took the stage earlier in the evening, and blew the audience away with an a cappella version of \u201cOh Holy Night\u201d. <\/p>\n
Other groups that performed were Split Attitude, What Ever Band, Sebastian Camacho, Nolas Kaliga, a group organized by Sam Joyner, Garapan Girls Scouts and more.<\/p>\n
The event also featured filmed messages from various organizations and families expressing their feelings for the troops. <\/p>\n
The event was recorded on DVD and copies will be distributed for free to all military personnel with ties to the Commonwealth. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward defraying airfare costs for the troops as well as contribution to Iraqi children.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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