Embedded Files
"Recent Activities" compiles the recent activities of NJROTC Phoenix Company Cadets. The Recent Activities page is maintained by the Public Affairs Officer, Cadet Petty Officer Second Class Brye Santos
Assistance is given by Cadet Hoben Cruz Cadet PO1 Nathan Naputi and Cadet Kane Aricayos and Cadet Calvin Aguon
Coastal Cleanup SY 2019-2020
September 21 marks an worldwide event known as the international coastal cleanup. It is an open event that spreads awareness and organizes groups that set out to pick up all forms of litter that are left on our beaches. Guam being an Island we are more prone to having dirtier beaches. But on Saturday morning many organizations including the Father Duenas Memorial School Phoenix company wanted to change that. The CO, XO, and Admin Officers led the cadets ranging from freshman to junior and were divided into groups of two. Each group was given the proper safety precautions, two trash bags for recyclables and for trash, gloves, and a brief teaching on how to safely dispose items that are littered on the beach. The company was also taught the difference between recyclable and trash and was shown other safety precautions just in case any unusual items such as weapons or chemicals were found. The event ended around 9:30 and the Phoenix company put in hard work to make our community and our Island a better place.
Talofofo Parade SY 2019-2020
POW MIA SY 2019-2020
Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action are often forgotten. But every year the Father Duenas Memorial School Phoenix Company honors these soldiers and remembers them in a revered ceremony that the company performs. This year September 16, 2019 Monday morning all cadets appeared to the ROTC building early to help and prepare for the 911 POW MIA Ceremony. This event commemorates all those lives that were lost on 911, all prisoners of war, and those missing in action. Every cadet from Staff Officer, to platoon cadet, to Honor Guard participated in this ceremony. To start off the weekly morning assembly FD has the Phoenix Company stood at attention in inspection formation. Cadet Commander Aaron Gumataotao marched the Staff and the Company to the front of the Stage in the Phoenix Center. The teams marched that marched in order were the staff, 1st and 2nd platoon, Color Guard, Unarmed Drill Team, and the Armed Drill Team. Once the way was clear Cadet Petty Officer Nate Naputi, the master of ceremonies, announced the event and explained the value and symbolism of our ceremonial table. The Honor Guard marched forward with the POW MIA flag and following suit was the Honor Guard each with a cover from each branch of the military, led by Honor Guard Commander Jetthro Sanalilla. Once the Honor Guard was in place each branch was called forth and the respective branch that was called the cadet holding the cover of that branch place on the table and executed a solemn salute to remember each branch that has given up their freedom for the common good. The Table had much symbolism and each Honor Guard Cadet around the table performed symbolical actions in order to remember. This morning of September 16 The Phoenix Company not only commemorated and honored, but remembered all those who are prisoners of war, those soldiers who are missing in action, and all those lives lost in the events of September 11, 2001.
Basic Leadership Training (BLT) SY 2019-2020
After school Friday on August 30th, the freshman JROTC Cadets stayed after school and prepared for FD’s annual Basic Leadership Training. Basic Leadership Training (BLT) is the beginning of a memorable four year career for every first year cadet that joins the Phoenix Company. Starting friday afternoon and ending Sunday morning each freshman cadet commits to a weekend long extensive training program that instills FD ROTC life and teaches with honor, courage, and commitment. The cadets eat, sleep, and do most of their activities in “The Jungle”, FD’s old gym. From PT to learning how to shine shoes to team bonding exercises the first year cadets learn all the basic information that will get them through the next four years of JROTC highschool life. All senior and junior staff officers and leaders stayed the whole weekend as well as other sophomore volunteers who were willing to give a helping hand to teach the new cadets.
The cadets woke up early, worked hard, and slept late, an example of what the Navy work life is all about. They learned how to shine shoes, how to march as a platoon, how to pay attention to detail when preparing their NSU (Navy Service Uniform), and how to wear it properly. They trained physically executing the standard pt test comprised of sit-ups, pushups, and a one mile run. Through the weekend the cadets all worked together and learned how to operate as one cohesive unit. 1st platoon and 2nd platoon faced off against each other in a competition over the training weekend seeing who can achieve honor platoon, which is given to the platoon that performs exceedingly well at all activities and lessons that are taught at Basic Leadership Training.
On Sunday morning, all 1st year cadets were ready to receive their first promotion from Cadet Seaman Recruit to Cadet Seaman Apprentice at their graduation ceremony. 1st platoon won honor platoon and once the awards were given out the company formed up to conduct a pass and review, a parade of each team within the JROTC unit as they execute an eyes right passing the review officer. Color Guard was led by Axel Provido and the 1st and 2nd platoon were led by Cadets Isaiah Perez and Napu Cruz respectively. BLT was a success with no cadets that were injured and all 1st year’s were able to learn something that no other JROTC Unit on Guam can teach. As our Commander says it BLT teaches about brotherhood within a brotherhood.
First Inspection of the Year
From freshman recruits to senior officers Phoenix Company came together Wednesday morning to execute the years first uniform inspection. Each Wednesday of the week for the entire school year the company comes together get inspected and learn the values and discipline of paying close attention to detail, pride in the unit, and how you bear yourself in a professional and military manner. These are some pictures of the first of many.
Retirement Ceremony for Captain Nonito Blas
July 27, 2019 marked a special day for Guam’s very own Captain Nonito Blas, a Mangilao resident, as he was relieved from his post for his outstanding service within the Navy. In total he served 38 years in the military, 12 years as enlisted, and 26 years as an officer. His retirement ceremony was held at the Nikko Hotel Ballroom. To commemorate the duty he served for the protection of others he was honored with the Phoenix Company’s Color Guard and Honor Guard. To open the ceremony FD’s Color Guard was led by Chief Petty Officer Axel Provido marching the colors. To honor the arrival of the official party the Phoenix Company’s Honor Guard, led by Cadet Commander Aaron Gumataotao, executed the traditional arch of swords to receive the Captain and his party. After Captain Blas’ closing remarks and farewells Aaron led the arch of swords once more to relieve Captain Blas of his duty and to retire him from his post.
Liberation Day Parade 2019
July 21, 2019 marks the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Guam. 75 years prior to this day Guam was occupied by Japenese Forces during WWII and was liberated by American Forces. This special annual tradition began in the late 1940’s after Guam’s hard fought freedom was gained. What came from a simple showcase around a village eventually turned into the grand Liberation Day Parade we have now. The Parade is planned by the Guam Island Fair committee and has been doing so since the early 1950’s. Each military branch marches their personnel down Marine Corp Drive and greets the Grand Stand which holds the Governor, Lou Leon Guerroro, and her Cabinet. Once the Armed Forces march past the next upcomers are the JROTC Units of Guam. Leading the JROTC Units was the FDMS Phoenix Company Navy JROTC followed by JFK and Tiyan Air Force JROTC (combine) then the Okkodo Marine Corps JROTC Units. Each Year, FD Cadets marches in front holding the #1 Unit Banner from 2015 and is led by Staff, Color Guard, and the Armed Drill Team. The Staff was led by the Cadet Commander Aaron Gumataotao, Color Guard was led by Chief Petty Officer Axel Provido, and the Armed Drill was led by Cadet Petty Officer First Class Ethan Guzman. All Phoenix Company cadets arrived early in the morning at 0600 at the Anigua Gas Station and marched one whole mile down to the Grandstand in front of Chamorro Village. Through heat and through rain the cadets marched with the help of FD’s water brigade led by Cadet Petty Officer First Class Napu Cruz. After marching past the grandstand FD celebrated the 75th year of freedom from Japenese Occupation and commemorate all those who gave up their lives for the protection of others.
The Memorial Day Flag Planting 2019
Every year Memorial day is celebrated in the United States to honor all those who served in the armed forces and gave up their freedom and lives for the protection and peace of others. Some places honor the fallen soldiers with ceremonies and other events to show how grateful they are. In Asan Beach Memorial Park, Guam honors these fallen soldiers in their own unique way. On May 25, 2019 at 0600, the Phoenix Company arrived early in the morning to help other ROTC cadets, such as JFK Air Force Cadets and Guam High’s Navy Cadets, and many more volunteers to plant American and Guam Flags. Although planting flags into the ground may seem like a simple task, it is a task that honors those who fought for Guam’s Liberation. On July 21, 1944 the American troops came back to Guam to liberate the island from Japanese occupation. The second Battle of Guam lasted until August 10, 1944 when American troops finally secured the island. The volunteers and JROTC cadets helped assemble over 3050 Guam and American flags which were planted on the open field of the park. Both Flags represent one American life and one Chamorro life.Over 3050 people died fighting to liberate Guam and Asan Beach Park Rangers coordinate each year to plant 3050 flags to honor each life lost for the better good. The Phoenix Company lended a helping hand by assembling flags, assembling batteries and lights for the flags to be seen at night time, and planting the flags. To the lead the company in this memorial event was our Commanding Officer Aaron Gumataotao with the help of his 2019-2020 Staff. The Administration Officer, the Supply Officer, the Honor Guard Commander, the 1st and 2nd Platoon commanders, the Armed Drill team commander, the Unarmed Drill Team Commander, the Color Guard Commander, and with the help of young freshman cadets all came to honor those who served and lost their lives for the protection of others.
Following the planting event Guam’s Memorial Flag Ceremony called for the FDMS Color Guard led by Color Guard Commander Axel Provido. Phoenix Company’s four man team presented the American and Guam flag at sunset rendering honors to those who lost their lives for the better good. After sunset the Phoenix Company came back later on that day to light up the flags so that their appearance would not only be seen in daytime but at night time as well. With the lights that were assembled with the flags earlier that morning, the volunteers and JROTC cadets came back at 0600 to turn on all the lights on each American and Guam Flag.
Malojloj Parade 2019
From May 17 to May 19 the village of Malojloj celebrated the annual consecrated parade of the patron saint San Isidro. On the first day, the people of Malojloj chose their Rai and La Raina (King and Queen) which was followed by the coronation ceremony. On the second day, the San Isidro Novena was held in the evening which was followed by the Festival Mass. This mass was accompanied with the procession around the village while carrying the patron saint and when finished the Na Taotao Tumano (Malojloj’s Holy Procession Diner). Finally, on May 19, the final day of San Isidro was celebrated with the village’s parade with cultural groups, entertainment, parade floats, and the company of the JROTC Units of Guam. The Phoenix Company came to Malojloj to perform armed and unarmed exhibition drills and to participate in the parade by holding a company procession. Sunday morning marked not only the final day of the San Isidro Celebration but a very hot and long day. FD’s NJROTC unit came to entertain and to march around the village of Malojloj with Cadet Commander Aaron Gumataotao in the front leading the Company. The CO was accompanied by the staff board led by David Taitano, Axel Provido leading the color guard, armed drill team led by Ethan Guzman, and the unarmed drill team led by Ryan Balatbat.
Graduation of the Senior Class of 2019
May 8, 2019 marks the 70th class to graduate from Father Duenas Memorial School, the Class of 2019. This senior group hosted many of our former officers and leaders of not only the School but the community of our island. With over 1000 guests attending the graduation ceremony, the Phoenix Company was there to lend the helping hand. FDMS’ NJROTC Unit helped out with multiple aspects to make sure this graduation ceremony was unlike any other before. Phoenix Company oversaw the parking, ushering, color guard, and honor guard. Our Commanding Officer , Executive Commanding Officer , Command Master Chief, Operations Officer, Admin Officer , Supply Officer , Training Officer, and our Company Guide spearheaded all outside operations with help of young freshmen and sophomore cadets. On the inside was lead by the Honor Guard Commander over looking all inside operations including inventory. The company arrived first to set up and prepare and left last to break down. Phoenix Company gives its fair winds and following seas to its previous officers and leaders.
Former 2019 Cadets:
- Commanding Officer(C/CDR Zachary Belanger)
- Executive Commanding Officer (C/LCDR Jose Hernandez)
- Command Master Chief (C/MCPO Allen Back)
- Operations Officer (C/LT Ethan Storie)
- Admin Officer (C/LTJG Joshua Sanchez)
- Supply Officer (C/LTJG Jash Sanalila)
- Honor Guard Commander (C/ LTJG Nicholas Riefler)
- Training Officer (C/ENS Dayton Damian)
- Public Affairs Officer (C/SA Caleb Dixon)
- PT Captain (C/PO3 Tyler Aguon)
Class of 2019's Baccalaureate Mass
It was a Tuesday afternoon when the FDMS Phoenix Company ushered and assisted the Senior Class of 2019’s Baccalaureate Mass. May 7th, 2019 establishes the preparation day of not only the seniors end of highschool but their first step into adult life. The Phoenix company was lead by the CO and XO while the junior class sang as the choir for the seniors as FD tradition states. FDMS’ NJROTC Unit is taking this day to prepare for the next biggest and final moment of this 2018-2019 School Year. Graduation day of the Class of 2019 and the 70th Class to become Alumni of Father Duenas Memorial School.
FDMS Change of Command Ceremony 2019-2020 (COC)
The Change of Command is a annual ceremony that awards, recognizes, and promotes cadets based on their leadership, commitment, and service to the unit.
April 17, 2019 marked the day of the Change of Command for the Phoenix Company. From the New Commanding Officer (Aaron Gumataotao) to the 2nd Platoon Commander (Napu Cruz) the FDMS NJROTC Unit sent its Seniors a fare winds and following seas and welcomed the new commanders of school year 2019-2020. With a brand new Staff board the Class of 2020 will be leading the Company into a bright future and to a brighter legacy.
FDMS NJROTC Holds It's Annual Military Inspection (AMI)
On November 29, 2018, FDMS NJROTC Phoenix Company was visited Commander Wilkerson for their Annual Military Inspection where our company performed a Pass-In-Review Ceremony. This ceremony is a time-honored military tradition that is performed during a major event, visited by a dignitary. Commander Wilkerson held a detailed inspection before the ceremony.
FDMS NJROTC Holds It's 4th Annual Guam All-Island JROTC Field Meet
On October 13, 2018, FDMS NJROTC held an all-Island JROTC field meet for all eligible JROTC programs on the islands to participate. Thanks to George Washington AJROTC, Southern High School AJROTC, Okkodo High School MCJROTC, Guam High School NJROTC, John F. Kennedy AFJROTC, and Tiyan High School AFJROTC for their attendance and participation for this event. We hold this yearly event to work and share experience with the other JROTC programs so that we may all further improve teamwork and comradery among the units. This year the events we held were Academic, Turkey Shoot, Tug-O-War, Flag Football, and Chesty Says. We held these events specifically to demonstrate and improve the skills required in the military and their respectful fields, this includes but is not limited to Intelligence, Diligence, Discipline, Cognitive ability, and Physical Fitness. We at FDMS NJROTC would again like to thank all those for participating in our 4th annual Guam all-island JROTC field meet.
FDMS NJROTC Color Guard Participates and Performs for United Airlines' 13th Annual Plane Pull
On October 13, 2018, FDMS NJROTC Color Guard made their appearance at United Airlines' 13th annual plane pull. Posting and parading the colors (American and Guam flag) the five cadets of NJROTC Color Guard made a spectacular performance in honor of our wonderful nation which we work and perform for.
FDMS Phoenix Company Celebrates the 243rd Birthday of the Navy
On October 11, 2018 the FDMS NJROTC Unit called a company formation in honor for the Navy's Birthday. This is 243 birthday of the US Navy that brings another successful year of upholding the core values of honor, courage, and commitment. The cake is cut by Phoenix Company's CO Zachery Bellanger, XO Jose Hernandez, the oldest cadet CMC Allen Bach, and the youngest cadet within our ranks cadet Landon Allegra. Phoenix Company posted the armed drill team, unarmed drill team, the color guard, platoons, and the staff to celebrate this special birthday.
FDMS NJROTC Coastal Cleanup
This year on September 29,2018 the Phoenix Company comes again to Adelup to Paseo park for public service cleaning. This cleanup was composed of hard work and perseverance, cleaning up even through a storm. These cadets arrived at early morning and left mid day. Mustering the strength to go forth Father Duenas' Phoenix Company began at Adelup cleaning the sides of the beach and continued on to Paseo Park which ended on the beaches shores and the park grounds. These cadets displayed discipline, dedication, and determination to the cause of service and duty.
FDMS NJROTC Performs During the Talofofo Parade
FDMS NJROTC participates and performs on September 29, 2018 for Guam's Talofofo Parade. Carrying our banner and marching on the platoons at the front are our respectable and dedicated officers of our company. Following behind them is our Color Guard team, carrying the flags of those we represent and work for. The two drill teams being Armed and Unarmed respectfully, performed a wondrous display of skill of their specialty. Each Drill team and cadet worked hard in drill to show the people of Guam and the people of Talofofo that FDMS NJROTC works hard to show their dedication and commitment to the island.
FDMS NJROTC 8th Annual Basic Leadership Training
On August 31-September 2, Father Duenas NJROTC Program held its 8th annual Basic Leadership Training (BLT) for its new year cadets. During BLT the new cadets will not only learn how to be a leader but how to inspire and work among each other as equals. They have learned discipline, courage, and trust in each cadet, each brother who learned with them or taught them along the course. This course started 30 minutes after the final bell of the school day where they lined up, marched into the Jungle with only the basic necessities for hygiene and clothes. For the remainder of the two and a half day course they were pushed to their utmost limits, performing for hours on end of marching and PT exercises with the bare minimum of sleep. At 10:00 P.M. after taps was played to signal their time of sleep, a pair of cadets from a chosen platoon of that night would perform a fire watch. For two hours they would march around their fellow cadets as they sleep to insure no one tries to sneak in or out. After every two hours the cadets will rotate with another pair until 4:30 A.M. where all cadets will be woken up and do a mile run along their fellow officers around the school. On the last day they will do basic hygiene and prepare their uniforms for their graduation ceremony where all parents are encouraged to show up to see the drastic change and dedication of their sons as they perform the pass and review ceremony. As they graduate and take their certificate along with the disciplined gained, they will be the back bone of the FDMS NJROTC program for the upcoming years.
FDMS NJROTC 2018 Rifle Training Practice
On August 11, 2018 FDMS Phoenix Company conducted a rifle training practice for our new year cadets. The event being held and supervised by our officers and Senior Naval Instructor where our cadets first learned basic rifle knowledge and most importantly, safety. After which they were able to prove any skill or talent with accuracy and proper form with a rifle. These lessons were of course practiced with air rifles and safety precautions in every action. Cadets who take this course are eligible for a rifle training ribbon to display their basic knowledge and understanding of a rifle.
Phoenix Company Welcomes New 1st Year Cadets
On August 8, 2018 FDMS Phoneix Company welcomes its new cadets into the program with their first uniform inspection where they would get a taste of what it's like and what's expected of them, here at the FDMS NJROTC program. They fell into formation well and have shown determination already for their first day, they have a lot of expectations to keep up with but we will help them along the way as well as any other new cadets for the following years.
Phoenix Company Honors the Passing of CPO Juan Lizama Aflleje
On August 7, 2018 FDMS Phoenix Company Honor Guard performs for the funeral of CPO Juan Lizama Aflleje where they attended to represent show our thanks to his contributions to the unit. Our Armed drill team displayed a wondrous performance in honor of his passing.
Phoenix Company Performs During the Liberation Day Parade
On July 21st 2018 marked the 74th anniversary of the Liberation of Guam from Japanese reign by the Ally Forces. Agueda Iglesias Johnston convinced US military leaders on Guam to support a celebration of some sort to commemorate the Liberation of the Island and the people who sacrificed and risked their lives for the freedom of the Chamorro People. This year Veterans, Military Forces, ethnicities, village floats, and school ROTC units conducted a one mile parade beginning from Adelup to Chamorro Village. The Father Duenas Memorial School Phoenix Company was the first ROTC unit this year to perform in front of the Grandstand and to demonstrate an Armed Drill Team Demo. Executing this year’s Parade was the Phoenix Company Staff led by Commanding Officer Zachary Bellanger, Father Duenas Color Guard led by CG Commander Jetthro Sananilla, and the Armed Drill Team led by ADT Commander Aaron Gumataotao.
Phoenix Company Performs During the Malojloj parade
FDMS NJROTC participates and performs during the Malojloj parade on May 12 2018. Starting at the front carrying the Father Duenas NJROTC banner are our honorable officers followed by the Color Guard, carrying the flags that represent the school and country that we work and support for. During the march we showed a wondrous display of the dedicated and disciplines Armed and Unarmed drill teams. Each performing their hard trained routine and techniques lead by their respecting commanders.
Phoenix Company supports the Homeless Coalition
FDMS NJROTC is supporting the Homeless Coalition with the Passport to Services for the Homeless on Friday, May 11 at the Festpac Village at the Paseo. This year’s event will also be a VA Stand Down, an event focusing on veterans and their families.
Phoenix Company receives Distinguished Unit with Honors
On May 2, 2018 The FDMS NJROTC receives its 16th Distinguished Unit award today. Thanks to the hard working effort that we as a company, are we able to be proud of this achievement. 15 units are able to receive the Distinguished Unit Award and out of those 15 only 12 receive this award with honors. Although we did not place 1st, FDMS NJROTC still proudly take 2nd. We owe it, not only to our Senior Naval instructors, but also to the officers and fellow cadets who performed above and beyond that we are able to receive this honorable award.
Phoenix Company celebrates new Change of Command ceremony
On April 25, 2018, the FDMS NJROTC held their annual Change of Command ceremony. All great things must come to an end, and with this end comes a new beginning for our new Commanding Officer Zachary Belanger, Executive Officer Jose Hernandez, and staff. As we celebrate our new officers and wish them great luck for the challenges to come, we must never forget the previous chain of command who succeeded in filling out there role and passing on their knowledge to their fellow cadets. Family and friends were all welcome to the event and once everyone was settled, the official Change of Command Ceremony began. This was then proceeded with the Presentation of Colors and the singing of the anthems. To follow up was a heartfelt invocation by Mr. Ismael Perez then the award ceremony took place, giving thanks and honor to those who went above and beyond in their line of duty. After the award ceremony was the beautifully displayed skill of the Armed Drill Team and Unarmed Drill Team which shocked the audience and impressed them beyond expectation. After this grand display of the individual teams comes the change of command, where our now previous Commanding Officer Raine Delos Reyes gave a heart touching speech of his beginning and rise to becoming the CO of the FDMS NROTC program. After all was said and done, the previous Commanding Officer and the new Commanding officer switched places and began their new path in life. We here at Father Duenas Memorial School NJROTC thank the graduating cadets for all they have done to support this program and we wish them luck for the future they hold.
Phoenix Company Creates Warm Memories at Catholic Schools Week
From January 29 to January 31 2018, the FDMS NJROTC cadets traveled to seven Catholic Schools to perform and showcase their abilities through their drill demos. These schools included Bishop Baumgartner, Saint Francis, San Vicente, Saint Anthony, Santa Barbara, Dominican, and Mount Carmel. To begin the event, Ethan Storie, the Masters of Ceremony, greeted each school with a warm welcome and introduced the FDMS NJROTC unit. It was then proceeded with the Presentation of Colors and the singing of the anthems. Midway of the event, the Unarmed Drill Team positioned themselves in the middle of the room and depicted their rhythmic marching. They were then proceeded with the Armed Drill Team who exhibited their skill in rifle movement with each weighed nearly 10 pounds. Every single school was amazed by the performances of the FDMS NJROTC cadets with their special teams. They especially enjoyed observing their former alumni being introduced individually and giving each a good “home team” cheer. All of the students are anticipating their visit again for the following year to come.
Phoenix Company Enjoys Festive Military Ball
Phoenix Company Public Affairs Office
On February 9, 2018, the FDMS NJROTC held their annual Military Ball at Dusit Thani. It was a night filled with remembrance and elation. Starting with the receiving line, Raine Delos Reyes, the Commanding Officer of the Phoenix Company and Antonia Camacho, his partner, welcomed everyone in the entrance. All of the eight Guam JROTC units were represented with each sending some of their cadets. Once everyone was settled, the Presentation of Colors and the singing of anthems occurred. To follow up, Mr. Ismael Perez, delivered a very solemn invocation. Going to the grave moments of the Military Ball, there was a special commemoration for the prisoners of war as well as the two bells ceremony. The evening activities included an all-you-can eat buffet dinner with deserts, free photo booth, and a very talented DJ to lead the dance music. Also included was a surprise for the NJROTC cadets when Jonathan Lee showed a video of them especially for the seniors, dedicating it for their commitment and hard work in the unit. Raine Delos Reyes then went on stage and delivered his speech. To close the ceremony, they celebrated the cutting of the cake which were executed by Seth Calvo, the youngest cadet, and Bryan Muna, the oldest cadet.
Phoenix Company celebrates Students of the Quarter
Phoenix Company Public Affairs Office
After a blessed Christmas break, four students from each grade level were chosen to become the “Student of the Quarter” on January 8, 2018 during the morning assembly. Raine Delos Reyes (co 2018), Zachary Belanger (co 2019), Ron Coloma (co 2020), and Ryan Balatbat (co 2021) have demonstrated excellent characteristics of an ideal cadet and have served as active members in the unit while maintaining their exceptional grades and deportment. Due to their portrayal of superb leadership, constant participation, and courteous manners inside classrooms and out in the community, they were chosen by their respective teachers to receive the award. These four cadets have made everyone proud and continued to put an immense amount of effort for the success and the future of the unit.
Phoenix Company honors and remembers Guam’s Vietnam Veterans
C/PO1 Ethan Thomas Storie
Phoenix Company Public Affairs Officer
From March 1965 to August 1973, US combat forces, in partnership with its ANZUS and SEATO allies, engaged in the Vietnam War, with hundreds of Guam’s sons serving their nation honorably. By the end of that conflict, 77 of Guam’s sons made the ultimate sacrifice and gave the last full measure of devotion to their nation. On November 6th, 2017, Phoenix Company cadets participated in a unique event honoring Guam’s Vietnam veterans and commemorating those who made the ultimate sacrifice at the historic Guam Congress Building in downtown Hagatna, Guam. Phoenix Company cadets, alongside veterans from the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 668, raised the Flag of the United States and the Guam Territorial Flag. The flag raising was soon followed by a solemn “Roll Call”, in which the names of each of Guam’s fallen sons were read aloud on the Legislature Floor. The ceremony, attended by the Honorable BJ Cruz, 34th Speaker as well as the Lawmakers of I Mina'trenta Kuåttro na Liheslaturan Guåhan (the 34th Guam Legislature), was televised locally on Guam’s Public Access Channel as well as featured in Guam’s local newspapers.
4th Annual Field Meet Competition at Father Duenas
C/PO1 Ethan Storie
Phoenix Company Public Affairs Officer
10/22/17
On Saturday, October 21st, Father Duenas Memorial School’s NJROTC Phoenix Company welcomed hundreds of cadets from across the island for the Third Annual All Island JROTC Field Meet. Planned meticulously over the course of a year, the Field Meet is one of the Phoenix Company’s largest events of the year, piting its best and brightest against the very best of the island has to offer. The Field Meet was broken down into a series of five events, each testing one or more unique aspects of the JROTC programs participating. The first event of the morning was the Academic Test, where Phoenix Company’s made a strong showing, taking two of the three places. This ran concurrently with the shooting competition, with top honors being taken by Guam High’s team. Of course, the most enthusiastically supported event of the day was the tug of war. Cadets from all of the participating schools faced each other in a constant battle of both mental and physical strength and endurance, with the top honors going to the MCJROTC unit from Okkodo High and Army JROTC units from George Washington and Southern High Schools. Finally, the most anticipated event of the JROTC year, the Army-Navy flag football game took place once again, with a powerhouse matchup combining John F. Kennedy High School AFJROTC, George Washington High School Army JROTC, and Southern High School Army JROTC together against the all-star Navy team, made up of NJROTC cadets from Guam High and Father Duenas and MCJROTC cadets from Okkodo High School. Despite the best efforts of the Navy team, however, they were bested by the Army team for the first time and thusly, the Vince Lombardi Trophy left Father Duenas.
Despite the fierce competitive nature of the day’s events, the Field Meet provided JROTC units from across the island with an opportunity unlike any other to network and connect with their counterparts. “Overall, I thought it was a really good way for the ROTC units on Guam to bond. I met a lot of new people.” excitedly said C/SSGT Nikki San Agustin, Protocol Officer for John F. Kennedy High School’s AFJROTC, with cadets from around the island expressing similar sentiments. Bravo Zulu to all the teams for their hard work, participation, and effort!
Phoenix Company receives Distinguished Unit with Honors
On May 2, 2018 The FDMS NJROTC receives its 16th Distinguished Unit award today. Thanks to the hard working effort that we as a company, are we able to be proud of this achievement. 15 units are able to receive the Distinguished Unit Award and out of those 15 only 12 receive this award with honors. Although we did not place 1st, FDMS NJROTC still proudly take 2nd. We owe it, not only to our Senior Naval instructors, but also to the officers and fellow cadets who performed above and beyond that we are able to receive this honorable award.
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