By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff

CONGRESSWOMAN Madeleine Z. Bordallo has offered her condolences to the family of U.S. Army Specialist Leeroy Apatang Camacho who died in the line of duty in Iraq.
Camacho was the second CNMI soldier killed in Iraq so far this year and the fifth since 2004. He was killed last Friday and had been in Iraq since 2003. He was working in a merchandising shop on Saipan when he was called to active duty as a reservist.
“The loss of U.S. Army Specialist Leeroy Apatang Camacho of Saipan is difficult news for all of us in the Marianas. Our community on Guam grieves with our brothers and sisters in the Northern Marianas and our thoughts and prayers are with the Camacho family during this difficult time of loss,” Bordallo said.
She praised Camacho for unselfishly answering the call to duty and paying the ultimate sacrifice for the nation’s freedom. In the days ahead, Bordallo said Guam will join the CNMI in honoring Camacho’s service and his sacrifice as both islands mourn his passing.
“I join Leeroy’s parents Jose R. Camacho and Maria A. Camacho, his wife, Velma Matagolai Camacho, his siblings, and all of his extended family and friends, in honoring Leeroy’s life and in paying tribute to his service on behalf of the United States of America,” Bordallo said.
Bordallo also recalled that Camacho grew up on Guam and maintained strong ties to the Guam community. He spent two years of middle school in Guam and he was recruited to join the military in Guam three years ago
Camacho was a member of Bravo Company 1-12, First Calvary Division, based out of Fort Hood, Texas.
Bordallo said both Guam and the CNMI should renew their support for the men and women in uniform who are deployed in harm’s way.
“In doing so, we are reminded of the courage, the strength, and the commitment to duty exemplified by Specialist Camacho. His service will undoubtedly serve as a source of pride for our communities in Guam and in the Northern Marianas. Let us never forget his sacrifice and the sacrifices of all of our fallen heroes. God Bless Leeroy Apatang Camacho, God Bless his family, and God bless our communities on Guam and in the Northern Marinas,” Bordallo said.
Camacho was the fifth soldier from the Northern Marianas to die in Iraq.
Last month, Marine Lance Cpl. Adam Quitugua Emul, 19, died from wounds he received while conducting combat operations in Iraq’s Anbar province. Emul was laid to rest at the CNMI Veterans Cemetery in Saipan yesterday.