TINIAN — On May 10, 2025, the Stallion Battalion held its 4th Annual Military Dining-In, a cherished and significant tradition that continues to bring cadets, JROTC leadership, and community members together for a formal yet festive evening. After much preparation and planning by our Stallion Battalion, they successfully managed to create a night filled with camaraderie, nostalgia, and unforgettable memories.
The evening began with an award ceremony, promoting cadets and recognizing the Marksmanship Team with medals. Following that came the “Fallen Comrade Ceremony,” honoring fallen service members and reminding us of their sacrifice to our country. Afterwards began the posting of the colors led by C/CSM Abbygaile Ong, along with C/SGT Johndel Almonte, C/SGT Kymani Nabors, C/SGT Ken Litulumar, C/CPL Abir Ali, and C/PVT Jayden Reyes, and opening remarks.
The highlight of the evening commenced as our traditional Punch Bowl Ceremony was led by the Stallion Battalion Company Commanders. The symbolic ingredients such as “sweat” and “blood” were mixed with humor and meaning, as the toast brought about laughter and an uplifting atmosphere. Dinner was then served, featuring dishes from our local catering of JC Café.
As the meals were enjoyed, the “Points of Orders” began, one of the most anticipated and entertaining traditions of the night. Cadets were called up and “punished” with fun activities such as karaoke, dances, and surprise challenges, fostering laughs and camaraderie.
But the night was still young! The energy stayed alive with raffles with prizes ranging from gift certificates from Mobil to gift cards from JC Cafe. C/CPT Sofia Del Rosario and C/SFC Juris Cabarles also prepared a montage of our battalion’s highlights from this school year, as well as an emotional senior interview video. The Drill Advisor, Dr. Conrado Kiyoshi, also prepared a surprise and heartfelt senior send-off video, ending this portion of the night in tears from most cadets.
As the night concluded, the company skits began, bringing about laughter once again as they demonstrated a usual day in the life of JROTC cadets. Finally, the cleanup commenced, marking the end of the night as cadets helped clear up decorations in our school cafeteria.
Here are some thoughts from our fellow cadets on this memorable night: “I think my favorite memory from the dining-in was being able to share it with the leadership Corps and kind of just prepare them for their JROTC career, and it also just brought more fun to the dining-in,” said C/1LT Alicia Teope.
“So my favorite part about dining-in would be practicing or celebrating the annual event. It gives a chance for all the cadets to promote camaraderie, have a little fun, and to just celebrate the end of the year. Most especially, I say, like the remarks that BNXO was able to give to his cadets, I feel like that was very memorable, especially to those cadets looking forward to becoming leaders in the future,” said C/LTC Ysabella Palacios.
“My favorite memory from the dining in would have to be the videos that they play during it. Seeing all the memories from the JROTC montage and reflecting on what we did throughout the whole school year, followed by the senior interviews. That was a very touching video, and it gave us an insight into what the seniors think, what the seniors hope, what the seniors have experienced, and their thoughts about the program and the people that they met. Lastly, the video that Dr. Kyoshi made was very touching and thoughtful regarding the drill. A lot of us could tell there was a lot of effort and emotion put into it. And although it was primarily about drill, I think the main message of letting go is the hardest part. Especially if you’ve been in an organization for so long or put so much time and effort into something to let go, that was a very powerful message to all the seniors, especially since they’re all leaving the school,” said C/CPT Geremy Santos.
As our seniors near graduation, the dining-in was especially meaningful. It was a night filled with reflection on the friendships and bonds they’ve built, as well as the mark that they will leave behind in our battalion.
“One thing that I would miss most from JROTC is all of the memories that I made and all of the friends, and being able to see everyone grow on their own with the help of the battalion,” said C/LTC Palacios, Ysabella
“The one thing that I’ll miss about the program is the camaraderie that has been built throughout my years–how everyone has grown together, been able to know each other, and create so many memories with one another within both our battalion and other battalions within the CNMI,” said C/CPT Sofia Del Rosario.
The Stallion Battalion would like to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who made the evening possible. Mr. Lenteja and family, who graciously helped decorate the venue, JC Café for catering our event, and lastly to our raffle donors: Triple J, JC Café, Tinian Mobil, and Bitons.
This year’s Military Dining-In was a celebration of how far our battalion has come as well as our unity and growth. Here’s to the continued legacy and the future we’re building, one step at a time!
Attendees watch the Punch Bowl skit.
Photo by C/PFC MercyAnne Christian
The Stallion Battalion color guard presents the flags.
Photo by C/CPT Sofia Del Rosario
Awarding Ceremony: Marksmanship Team Medals
Photo by C/CPT Sofia Del Rosario
C/CPL Kya Adriano places down a candle during the “Fallen Comrade Ceremony.”
Photo by C/CPT Sofia Del Rosario
Senior cadets react to the “JROTC SY 24-25 Montage.”
Photo by C/PFC MercyAnne Christian
Stallion Battalion leadership group photo.
Photo by C/SFC Juris Cabarles
