SAIPAN’S Reyel Quezon, 28, took his oath of service on Wednesday afternoon at the Court of Honor of American Memorial Park, becoming the first enlistee from the CNMI into the Guam Army National Guard in eight years.
He was joined by his family, various representatives of the Guam Army National Guard, as well as Gov. Ralph DLG Torres.
“I, Reyel Mar Quezon, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the Governor of Guam, and the orders of the officers appointed over me according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice, so help me God,” Quezon recited during his oath taking.
Guam Army National Guard Maj. Juan King administered the oath and thanked the governor on behalf of Maj. Gen. Esther Aguigui for the opportunity.
Quezon is a graphic designer at 670 Rocksteady Shop. He began his interest in the military as a cadet in his high school Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program.
He said Guam Army National Guard recruiters were especially helpful in opening doors for him.
Sgt. Johnovinjay Diego, who recruited Quezon, thanked another son of Saipan and former Guam Army National Guard enlistee Juan Camacho for introducing Quezon to the Guam Army National Guard.
Diego congratulated Quezon for taking this next step for himself and his family.
To future enlistees, Quezon said, “It’s never too late. Just do it. There’s no good time, there’s no perfect time; it’s just the time you decide to open the door and join.”
Boot camp for the new enlistee will begin sometime this August.
“I’m excited,” he said, noting that he has some friends who are also enlisted in the U.S. armed forces.
Quezon’s family also shared their excitement about his enlistment.
“I’m excited, and sometimes worried because he’s my youngest. But this is what he likes, so we have to support him if he’s happy [about it],” said Quezon’s mother, Marieta Cepeda.
Quezon’s fiancée, Renalyn Tacliad, said, “I’m proud of him choosing this decision. It’s been a long time coming… Now, he’s finally pursuing it, and he got in, so nothing but the best from him.”
Although she is worried about him, she said she and their families will continue to keep him in their prayers.
The governor, for his part, congratulated Quezon and his family, and also encouraged everyone who is interested to enlist in the U.S. military.
“Whether you’re here in the CNMI or on Guam, we encourage our folks to enlist and be part of the services that give back to our community and nation,” Torres said.
Reyel Quezon, fourth left, poses for a photo with his family, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Sgt. Johnovin Diego, and Maj. Juan King at the Court of Honor of American Memorial Park Wednesday.
Reyel Quezon, center, poses for a photo with members of the Guam Army National Guard.
From left, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Reyel Quezon, and Maj. Juan King pose for a photo.
Reyel Quezon, 28, took his oath of service on Wednesday afternoon at the Court of Honor of American Memorial Park.
