The swearing-in was held together with the grand opening of the U.S. Army Career center in San Jose yesterday.
The Saipan students joining the military are Joey Borja, Louie Dean Bautista, Aaron Taitano,
Francisco Manglona, Kealani Camacho, Tricia Laborce, Nate Osada, Leona Mendiola, Marc Camacho, Jasileen Iglecias, and Tracy Uchau.
All will undergo basic training in the states.
Kagman High School Tricia Laborce, a JROTC cadet, told Variety that she feels excited and nervous now that she has been officially sworn into the Army.
“I am very honored. Most especially to have been sworn in with other locals,” said Laborce.
She said she leaves this August for basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. She will be a human resource specialist after she graduates from basic training.
Commissioner of Education Rita A. Sablan expressed great joy and pride as she addressed the new soldiers in her speech.
“Here we have our future leaders and defenders of our country. They are our pride of the CNMI, our sons and daughters,” said Sablan.
Overall, there were 15 recruits who were sworn in. Four have already completed high school.
Some of the high school students will have to leave for basic training before their graduation day under an arrangement between the military and the school.
