The CNMI administration is throwing its full support behind the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

“We have service members that not only serve their community, but they also serve the country and we are really really proud of the work that they do,” said CNMI ESGR Chair, Rita Sablan. 

The CNMI proclaimed this week for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Hundreds of servicemembers live and work in the Marianas with the support of ESGR, a Department of Defense office. It comes at a critical time amid rising tensions.

“Whereas our nation is facing tough times. Many service members return from active duty and deployment and are faced with uncertainty in tough economic times. It is important now more than ever to ensure they have a job when they return,” U.S. Customs’ Tanya Sonsong-Diaz said. 

The ESGR also recognized “patriotic employers” this morning, while regional efforts are also underway to expand its reach.

NMI Gov. Arnold Palacios shared the progress on establishing the CNMI National Guard.

“We are still pushing. We do not want to seem too eager because we have been doing this since we were in the legislatures, but obviously they are doing the assessment and we’ve got to meet a certain threshold,” said Gov. Palacios. 

Mike Sablan, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, also shared another initiative.

“Is to reactive the ROTC program at NMC that was closed a few years ago but I am working with the army secretary’s office to see what we can do to reactivate that so our kids can do the ROTC on island rather than having to go off-island,” said Sablan.