On Saturday, Britney Igitol and her two friends Jhaneaka Atalig and Julie Mendiola got a warm welcome from relatives and friends at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport.
“Joining the training was challenging,” said Britney Igitol, a senior Kagman High School student.
Last March, U.S. Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary Tony Babauta led the enlistment ceremony for 25 of the 34 new recruits.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and Guam Gov. Felix P. Camacho signed in February a memorandum of understanding allowing the Guam National Guard to recruit in the commonwealth for the first time.
Igitol said it was her own decision to join the training.
“There are great benefits and this will help prepare yourself for the future,” she told Variety.
She said after finishing high school next year she will pursue the training for the Guam National Guard.
Her father Ivan Muna Igitol, Department of Public Health- Commonwealth Health Center medical supply specialist/all hazards responder and certified hazmat instructor, said he was so proud of his daughter.
He supported her decision to undergo military training.
“I trust the military — they have good discipline and they can change a person for the better,” he said.
Her daughter looked at him as her example as he once served in the U.S. Army.
