OIA PRESS RELEASE

Twenty-Four New Recruits Sworn in to the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps from Palau and Yap, Federated States of Micronesia

Washington D.C. (August 7, 2007) – Twenty-four young men and women from Palau and Yap, Federated States of Micronesia were sworn in at the Kalau Gym in Palau on July 26, for enlistment in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps.  The new recruits were given the oath of enlistment by Vice President Elias Camsek Chin of Palau, who is himself a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel.  Senator Alfonso Diaz of Palau, a retired U.S. Army Sergeant, delivered keynote remarks at the ceremony.

Vice President Elias Camsek Chin administered the Oath of Enlistment to 24 young recruits today at the Kalau Gym. Seventeen Palauans and 7 Yapese officially took their oaths today and enlisted in the United States Army and Marine Corps. Retired US Army Lt. Colonel Chin asked for four things from the United States military representatives: the best tools, the best leaders, the best education, and the best opportunities for these new freedom fighters. Retired US Army 1st Sergeant Alfonso Diaz was the guest speaker. He spoke of his experiences in the Army and the many opportunities that the young men and women can take advantage of. He also spoke about freedom and the price that must be paid for others to enjoy security and peace. [Photo courtesy of VP Chin's website]

Fifteen of the new recruits from Palau enlisted for the U.S. Army:  Idechil Augusto, Gladys Blesam, Gilbey Gilbert, Omtilou Tellei, Efrin Tellei, Silverio Tumechub, Camellia Wasisang, Jerilyn Ngirdmau, Charles Besebes, Darrel Derbai, Sidney Itelmong, Gerda Remekel, Jase Tsuneo, Dilmeringel Ngirmechaet and Justine Worswick.  Two of the new recruits from Palau enlisted for the U.S. Marine Corps:  Seth Carlson and Melaos Tmetuchl.  The new enlistees from Yap State in the FSM who signed up for the U.S. Army are Lannie Garayol, Serah Sor, Slyssia Turow, Masako Azuma, John Mangarfir, John Yuguffel and Terry Mirmed.

The Office of Insular Affairs is proud of the sons and daughters of the insular areas who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces and recognizes the value of their participation.