WHEN America’s commitment to democracy is challenged or her national interests are threatened, the first on the scene and the first to fight is the US Marine Corps. That is why they have earned the reputation as “America’s 911 Force” – our nation’s first line of defense.
Of the more than 180,000 US Marines, quite a number are Filipino Americans. One of these is Sgt. Roland Marcelo Baggayan. Nearing 30 years old, Sgt. Baggayan is from Rochester, Michigan. He joined the US Marines seven years ago. His brother, Ronel, is also a member of the Marine Corps.
Baggayan was stationed in Iraq from 2004 till 2006 and was assigned in the combat engineering.
In 2009, the young Marine sergeant gained some popularity when he was featured in Philippine newspapers during the 15th Cooperation Afloat Readiness And Training (Exercise CARAT) program held in Cebu. The CARAT is a series of annual bilateral military exercises conducted by United States Pacific Fleet with several member nations of ASEAN in Southeast Asia designed to increase US Sailors’ understanding of Southeast Asian cultures in the event the navies are called upon to work together in real-world operations. The tri-fold CARAT mission includes enhancing regional cooperation; building friendships between the United States and nations involved, and strengthening professional skills at every level.
Born and raised in Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines, Sgt. Baggayan was only 13 years old when he left the country with his family to live in the United States of America. After having completed several tours of duty in war-torn countries in the Middle East, Roland was happy to be a part of the US Marines contingent taking part in the 15th Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (Carat) held in Cebu.
“It feels outstanding to be back in the Philippines. It’s also my first time to be able to interact with Filipino Marines. It is really a good experience,” Sgt. Baggayan told the Inquirer.
In charge then of the US Marines supply logistics, Baggayan was one of the 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, Selfridge, Marine Infantry of the US Marine Corps which participated in the three-day bilateral training exercises joining the 8th Marine Battalion of the Philippine Marine Corps.
Baggayan said the bilateral training exercises with the Filipino Marines were good ways to learn new things especially from the people living in his homeland.
Proudly Filipino-American, Baggayan continues to serve his country with the dedication, efficiency and faithfulness the Marines are well-known for.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(LA Midweek Jan 26-28, 2011 Sec B pg. 5)
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