Tinian JROTC Stallion Battalion cadets and their instructors pose with the collected bags of trash.
The Tinian Stallion Battalion’s JROTC Color Guard.
TINIAN — This year’s Taga Festival was full of surprises as it brought the community together to celebrate a special event.
On Oct. 20, 2023, the Tinian Stallion Battalion Color Guard opened the festival while the other cadets volunteered to pick up trash within the event area.
When asked, “Would you participate in the JROTC trash cleanup again?” C/2LT Jazmine Furton stated, “I would love to join these types of events because it is a way for us to reconnect with nature and people. On top of that, it is an uplifting feeling when you know that you are doing great things for the community. I hope that we continue these types of events in the JROTC program.”
C/CSM Kelvin Shresta said, “Yes I would because it is a way for us to keep our island clean and make sure that there is no trash around. It is also a way to put our names out there as JROTC cadets helping the community.”
The Stallion Battalion is committed to maintaining a healthy and clean environment on Tinian as well as addressing the community’s needs by volunteering for the cleanup at the Taga Festival and other community events.
What else can you do at these events? We asked the very same question to our cadets.
C/2LT Rchie Lagunay said, “To go up on the stage and dance with the locals as well as trying the variety of menus that are provided at the booth.”
C/LT Jazmine Furton recommended “supporting the authentic foods that the locals have to offer. Bringing your family and friends with you and advertising the beautification of Tinian.”
As for the Tinian Stallion Battalion Color Guard, it was led by C/1LT Edgard Acollador, who held the American Flag. C/2LT Annabel Kiyoshi held the CNMI Flag, C/SGT Hong Zhang was the right guard, and C/SFC Abiel Erickson was the left guard.
When asked how he felt during the ceremony, C/SGT Hong Zhang said, “I was nervous because we only practiced for a short period of time. We were going to post the colors but since it wasn’t on the list they said we were only presenting so I felt relieved. I felt glad because we didn’t make any mistakes.”
His main takeaway afterward was, “I think we did well. We tried hard. Since I completed it, I am looking forward to be a member of the Color Guard again for the next big event. Being the right guard you often lead the pace.”
In conclusion, the 2023 Taga Festival on Tinian Island celebrated local culture and brought the community together.
The Tinian Stallion Battalion’s JROTC program helped aid this cause by volunteering. The cadets’ genuine enthusiasm and willingness to serve the community were evident, and it is hoped that more people and organizations will support such local initiatives to continue preserving Tinian’s beauty and traditions.
C/CSM Kelvin Shrestha assists the instructors, Capt. Joseph Santos and 1SG Jose King, with the trash pickup on the last day of the festival.
