Authored by: SAI LTC (R) James Ruzicka
Photos by: C/SGT Juris Cabarles & C/1LT Sofia Del Rosario (Public Affairs Officer)
On May 20, 2024, the Tinian JROTC Stallion Battalion had its 31st Annual Change of Command for its new leadership for the upcoming year 2024-2025. The ceremony was kicked off at Napu field with the battalion forming up and attendees take their seat. As the heat of the sun falls before all cadets, they all persist through the daunting heat showing their commitment to the ceremony.
The event started with 19th CNMI Youth Congress Senator, Legislative Secretary Ysabella Palacios, reading the resolution recognizing the Stallion Battalion’s Recycle Project. Then was followed by promoting the new Top 3, Change Of Responsibility, Change Of Command Ceremony, Trooping Of the Line, Presentation Of the Colors, Ceremonial Swearing-In, and after came the plaque awarding for the academy bound cadets.
The “ceremonial swearing-in” was for cadet Jesus Manglona (U.S. Navy), along with the “plaque awarding” for cadets Edgard Acollador, Jaedon Lenteja, and Joseph Santos.
Lastly were remarks from the Honorable Mayor Edwin Aldan, instructors, and the upcoming and outgoing Battalion Commanders, Pass-In Review, and a motivational check from the whole battalion.
We interviewed a few cadets to share their thoughts and opinions on this year’s Change Of Command.
“This year’s COC was very different. We may not have had big numbers like previous years, but in a sense, it made the ceremony more intimate,” said C/LTC Ysabella Palacios. “We were reminded of the dedication of these cadets despite the many road bumps of the school year. I think this year’s COC was also very humbling to everyone.”
“As a freshman, I am elated to have participated in this year’s COC. Witnessing various individuals step forward for leadership positions has been inspiring. Being part of the Stallion Battalion COC is a long-awaited achievement, and I am honored to contribute to this prestigious event,” said C/SFC Iris Lin.
We then asked the former leadership about their thoughts on stepping down from their positions.
Former Special Projects Officer, C/MAJ Clarize Rodriguez, replied, “Reflecting on my journey, it feels emotional to know that after four transformative years in JROTC, I am now leaving this life-changing program. My involvement has been deep, especially as an S3 NCO and then S3 during my sophomore and junior years. Although my duties were lighter as a Special Projects Officer in my senior year, I am grateful for the opportunity to remain part of JROTC and participate in various events, while still holding significant positions outside the program. This experience has been incredibly enriching and impactful.”
“Being a battalion commander was not an easy position. Although it was hard, it was a great experience I’ve had as it taught me how to become a better leader and contributed to making me a better person as well. It was one heck of a year but I’m glad I had the opportunity to serve as the battalion commander,” said the former battalion commander C/LTC Edward Tirona.
CPT (Ret.) Joseph A. Santos, the Senior Army Instructor, and 1SG (Ret.) Jose King constantly reminded the cadets of their achievements, their sincere gratefulness, and for all cadets to persist in their motivation and diligence. With that, the incoming Battalion Commander, C/LTC Ysabella Palacios also gave her short remarks.
“I have witnessed the work that goes on behind the scenes, out in the field, and in the classrooms. I can attest that this role of the Battalion Commander will not be easy,” she said. ‘Just as any other club or group, cooperation, communication, and collaboration are the Three Key C’s to make it successful. I am grateful to have the Instructors, incoming leadership, and our cadets by my side as we go on this new journey filled with new experiences. Before I end my speech, I would like to say something that my dad once told me: “You can’t have a million-dollar dream with a minimum-wage work ethic.” We won’t be sitting around waiting for opportunities to come to us. We will make them. Together, we can work for what we want and deserve for this battalion and I have no doubt that we can work hard to achieve greater heights next year.’
The Stallion Battalion has shown their perseverance and determination on executing this year’s Change Of Command. Congratulations to all the incoming Battalion Leadership, Staff, and Company Leadership. We’d also like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the departing seniors, as their hard work and dedication were never unnoticed. We wish the best for their future endeavors and best of luck for the academy-bound cadets.
The Stallion Battalion would like to give big thanks to the Tinian Mayor’s Office, the Tinian Delegations, and the parents of the cadets for showing up to our annual ceremony. We would also like to thank JC Café, KTown, Mr. Derek, and Mrs. Dolores Palacios for catering our light refreshments. We are excited to see what the future holds with the incoming leadership, Hooah!
The New Stallion Battalion Leaders
Battalion commander: C/LTC Palacios, Ysabella
Battalion Executive Officer: C/CPT Lenteja, Adriel
Battalion Command Sergeant Major: C/CSM Ong, Abbygaile
Adjutant Officer: C/1LT Dosalua, Isa
Security and Intelligence Officer: C/1LT Tirona, Edmar
Training and Operations Officer: C/1LT Santos, Geremy
Logistics and Supply Officer: C/MAJ Kiyoshi, Annabel
Public Affairs Officer: C/1LT Del Rosario, Sofia
Staff Sergeant Major: C/SGM Gomez, Mary
Cadet names:
C/PFC Jesus Manglona
C/CPT Edgard Acollador
C/MAJ Jaedon Lenteja
C/LTC Ysabella Palacios
C/SFC Iris Lin
C/MAJ Clarize Rodriguez
C/LTC Edward Tirona