TINIAN – On April 25, 2022 the Tinian Jr/Sr HS Stallion Battalion hosted their annual change of command ceremony for the incoming leaders in the JROTC Program for School Year 2022-2023.
Standing under the blazing sun, the cadets stood firmly as they began the ceremony. The day started off with the battalion in formation, on the field, as guests approached their designated seats. Despite the weather, the battalion showed their dedication by maintaining their bearing the entire ceremony.
The event began with a brief “Change of Responsibility” ceremony. This was followed by a trooping of the line, a few promotions, a ceremonial swearing-in, the actual change of command ceremony, brief remarks and concluded with a pass in-review.
We interviewed some cadets to share their thoughts about this annual event.
“I think the change of command ceremony or COC went well, I got to have a bigger role in the Stallion Battalion as the new Charlie Company commander. The ceremony could have been a bit better if we had more practice so that we could’ve done better in our marching. Overall, I would say we did a pretty good job during the COC,” says C/CPT Vergara, Gio.
Former Alpha Company Commander C/CPT Malinao Palacios was also asked to share his thoughts.
“I feel a little bittersweet about leaving my position as Alpha Company Commander. I learned so many things about myself during my time as the commander. But most importantly, I learned how to lead well. It’s definitely going to be funny going from cadet CPT to an active Army PFC. I trust the new commander will do an even better job.” says Palacios.
The “ceremonial swearing-in” was for Cadets Malinao Palacios, Emiliana King, and Matt Soliva, who enlisted into the military.
Palacios says “it was an awesome gesture for the battalion to include a ceremonial swearing-in for me and the other recruits. They should do it every year.”
Cadet CSM Chit Acollador was accepted into the U.S. Air Force Academy Prep School.
Senior Army Instructor CPT (Ret.) Joseph A. Santos and 1SG (Ret.) Jose King continued to remind the cadets to continue their motivation and hard work.
The incoming battalion commander, C/LTC Ciara Santos, also acknowledged the cadets for their hard work. She said in her speech, “You can do what I cannot do, I can do what you cannot do, but together we can do great things.”
She was also interviewed about her new position. “Well,” she says, “it’s still pretty early into my position, but so far it’s been good. Definitely adjusting to this role very quickly, and I look forward to what’s in store for next school year. Some of the plans that I have in mind are definitely having more service learning projects, activities, and to host events here on Tinian such as JCLC.”
Overall, the Stallion Battalion put in a lot of effort to host this event. Congratulations to all the incoming battalion leadership, battalion staff and company leadership!
We would also thank the outgoing senior cadets who were a big part of the JROTC Program these past few years. Congratulations to the cadets that were sworn-in during the ceremony, and we bid them good luck in their future military careers.. A big thank you to the Tinian Mayor’s Office for their kind donations, as well as for the many veterans for showing up to our annual ceremony. And special thanks to Mr. Joe Kiyoshi for representing U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan.
The Stallion Battalion is ready to begin the new school year.
The new Stallion Battalion leaders
Battalion commander: C/LTC Santos, Ciara
Battalion Executive Officer: C/MAJ Acollador, Chad
Battalion Command Sergeant Major: C/CSM Manalo, Leirha
Special Projects Officer: C/MAJ Nuera, Ryan
Adjutant Officer: C/2LT Palacios, Ysabella
Security and Intelligence Officer: C/2LT Lenteja, Jaedon
Training and Operations Officer: C/2LT Rodriguez, Clarize
Logistics and Supply Officer: C/2LT Cabrera, Kiwalani
Public Affairs Officer: C/2LT Hossain, Ismail
Staff Sergeant Major: C/SGM Su, Sophia
Unit Armorer: C/SSG Yoon, Yeong Chae
HQ Company Commander: C/CPT Mabansag, Hazel
HQ Company Executive Officer: C/1LT Subia, Karl
HQ 1SG: C/1SG Tirona, Edward
Alpha Company Commander: C/CPT Ali, Saim
Alpha Company Executive Officer: C/1LT King, Tano
Alpha Company 1SG: C/1SG Acollador, Edgard
Bravo Company Commander: C/CPT San Nicolas, Guillermina
Bravo Company Executive Officer: C/2LT Nabors, Keith
Bravo Company 1SG: C/1SG Santos, Joseph
Charlie Company Commander: C/CPT Vergara, Gio
Charlie Company Executive Officer: C/1LT San Nicolas, Jamina
Charlie Company 1SG: C/1SG Shrestha, Kelvin
The Tinian Jr/Sr HS Stallion Battalion cadets hold their change of command ceremony on April 25, 2022.
