(SCC) — The Saipan Chamber of Commerce extends its warmest hospitality to the visiting men and women in uniform participating in the Agile Reaper 2024 exercise, organized by the 3rd Expeditionary Wing under the U.S. Pacific Air Forces command. On Tuesday, April 9, at 5:30 p.m., approximately 130 USAF personnel were greeted with a special gesture of appreciation at the Airport Field, located across from the American Red Cross office.
“This was a great opportunity for our chamber team to show some island hospitality to our visiting men and women in uniform,” expressed Armed Forces Committee Chair Brad Ruszala. “These fine men and women will not forget our hospitality, and we won’t forget their service to our nation.”
The meal preparations, spearheaded by AFC member Glenna Sakisat-Palacios, saw the collaboration of several local businesses and organizations to provide a hot meal experience for the participating personnel. AFC member Catherine Toves coordinated the Tan Siu Lin Foundation’s sponsorship of the meals through Shirley’s Coffee Shop, while AFC member John Hirsh facilitated the provision of serving tables through the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter.
“One nice hot meal might not seem like a big deal, but it sure is something special when you’re training in a far-off place and you’re limited to a steady diet of MREs for two and a half weeks,” Ruszala said.
The SCC extends its sincere appreciation to the generous sponsors of the meals, including Triple J Saipan, Tan Holdings, Shirley’s Coffee Shop, Marianas Integration, Turnkey Solutions, and the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter. Their support and contribution towards this initiative are invaluable, reflecting their commitment to supporting the AFC’s mission which is to connect military-affiliated partners, veterans, and active-duty service-men and women with the business community through various community and business activities.
Starting from April 3, members of the U.S. Air Force have been conducting their annual Agile Reaper exercise on Saipan and Tinian. According to the Commonwealth Ports Authority, approximately 150 U.S. Air Force personnel are stationed on Saipan, utilizing half of the Saipan airport field for their campgrounds. CPA Assistant Operations Supervisor Zachary Reyes said the exercises, expected to occur until April 15, are routine and should not raise concerns among residents.
For more information and updates on the Agile Reaper 2024 exercise, please stay tuned to announcements from the Commonwealth Ports Authority.
From left, Catherine Attao, Tan Holdings vice president of community relations; Jerry Tan, Tan Holdings President & CEO; Merlie Tolentino, Tan Siu Lin Foundation executive director; John Hirsh, American Red Cross-NMI Chapter executive director), Glenna Sakisat-Palacios; Lt. Col. Logan Sutton; and Shirlene Ostrov.
