FOR being supportive employers of servicemembers, five CNMI government officials received the Patriot Award from the Guam-CNMI Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve state committee during “Lunch with the Boss” at Crowne Plaza Resort & Spa’s Hibiscus Hall on Thursday.
ESGR-CNMI Chair Emeritus and Pioneer David M. Sablan, for his part, received the Seven Seals Award while the CNMI Department of Labor received the Above and Beyond Award.
The awardees and the ESGR officers were also honored by the presence of Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, U.S. Army Reserve 9th Mission Deputy Commanding Officer COL Samuel Hunter, National ESGR Chief for the Northeast and West Region LTC Agatha Zana, and U.S. Army Reserve 9th Mission Support Command Aide-de-Camp Capt. Naomi Pomele.
Area Chair Dr. Rita A. Sablan introduced the new Guam-CNMI State Committee chair, Cathy Gogue. She succeeded retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ray Llaneta whose three-year term as state committee chair ended late last year.
Also participating in the “Lunch with the Boss” event were State Vice Chair Ret. Maj. Gen. Benny Paulino, Ombudsman Director Dave Sablan Jr., Employer Outreach Director Don Clark, ESGR-CNMI Ombudsman Joann Aquino and ESGR Guam-CNMI staffers Angel Vibar and Lt. Bryanna Tospana.
Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. Chief Medical Officer Dr. John M. Tudela, who is also an Air National Guard colonel and state air surgeon, was the guest speaker.
He shared his journey as a resident physician from Saipan who joined the U.S. military service after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S. He expressed his own thoughts about the importance of civilian employers’ support for servicemembers.
Also present in the event were Department of Public Safety Commissioner Clement Bermudes, Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services Commissioner Juan A. Pua, CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management Special Assistant Franklin Babauta, Education Commissioner Lawrence Camacho, Ed.D., and CNNMI Labor Secretary Leila Staffler, who was among the five recipients of the Patriot Award. She also received the Above and Beyond Award on behalf of CNMI DOL.
Seven Seal Award
David M. Sablan expressed his sincerest gratitude after receiving the Seven Seals Award in the presence of his son, David Sablan Jr., and daughter, Patty Sablan. The 92-year-old recalled his involvement in the formation of the ESGR in the CNMI.
“I really appreciate this and I want to also express my big appreciation to everybody in the military. When I look back to World War II during the invasion of Saipan, I [can still see myself and other civilians] hiding from a fearful situation…. Thank you for recognizing me,” he said.
Patriots
Staffler was nominated by Sgt. Jerome Ignacio of the U.S. Army Reserve ECHO Company, 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry.
Ignacio said Staffler’s influence “is evident in our unit’s success.” Under her leadership, CNMI Labor’s ability to foster teamwork, growth and positive environment has enhanced cohesion and effectiveness, he said.
Staffler’s leadership, he added, is demonstrated through open communication and guidance.
He said what truly distinguishes Staffler is her involvement beyond the department.
She allowed him to participate in important training programs and other military events, which reflect their commitment to serve the Army Reserve and the community. This embodies the spirit of a patriot, Ignacio said.
Frances Torres, the director of CNMI Labor’s Workforce Investment Office, was nominated by Staff Sgt. Joe Villacrusis of the U.S. Army Reserve 302nd Quartermaster.
He said whenever he was away on military training, Torres carried all of the load that he left behind.
Although she is the director of the office and could easily assign his duties and tasks to someone else, Torres takes it upon herself to perform his job during his absence.
Additionally, he said, Torres provides him with a lot of guidance before he leaves and always updates him when he returns to work.
Division of Environmental Quality Director Zabrina S. Cruz was nominated by Sgt. Aloysius Atalig, also of the U.S. Army Reserve 302nd Quartermaster.
Atalig said Cruz understands the global situation and is concerned about his military career. She has given him the utmost support by approving short-notice leave of absence whenever he needed to put on his uniform.
He said Cruz shows sincerity by asking about his family and reminding him that she is just a phone call away if his family should need any support.
He said Cruz will also assure him that his desk and job will still be there when he returns.
Northern Marianas Housing Corp. Community-Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery project supervisor Wilfred Villagomez was nominated by U.S. Army Reserve SPC Paul Demapan, who said his supervisor is an outstanding leader.
Villagomez understands that he, Demapan, is serving the local community as well as the nation whenever duty calls.
Demapan said Villagomez understands his sacrifice, and holds him in the highest recognition and respect.
“He is a patriot and I am grateful to have him as leader,” Demapan said.
Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. emergency medicine physician Martin Rohringer was nominated by U.S. Army Reserve Maj. Sarah Ashley.
She said Dr. Rohringer has been exceptionally supportive as head of the CHCC emergency department. He went above and beyond to find temporary staffing coverage during her six-month deployment. She added that Rohringer is supportive of requests for off-island Army training despite prolonged travel time between the U.S. mainland and Saipan.
She said Rohringer helped negotiate her initial contract knowing that she had a deployment schedule that would require a tremendous amount of work to fill a staffing gap.
Ashley said the emergency department and other departments have stepped up to fill the gaps in staffing, even cutting short scheduled vacations. Their tremendous commitment and sacrifice ensured that the emergency department was able to continue providing critical services to the CNMI, including staying open during typhoons, Ashley said.
View the article here: https://www.mvariety.com/news/local/5-nmi-patriots-honored-uncle-dave-receives-seven-seals-award/article_f602bf06-bb4a-11ee-94e8-371198677f16.html
