Saipan native finds opportunities in US

Courtesy Photo | Recruit Dennis O. Ngirchongor, Platoon 3227, Company K, adjusts his gear as he finishes refilling his canteens at the water station at the Crucible. There are water stations scattered throughout the Crucible so that the recruits have a steady supply of water during the three-day event.  

CA, UNITED STATES

12.01.2010

Courtesy Story

Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego       

He had enlisted into a military force for a country in which he had never set foot in. Recruit Dennis O. Ngirchongor, Platoon 3227, Company K, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment came to recruit training not knowing what to expect.

Ngirchongor, 18, is from a small village in Saipan, where he was raised by his mother and grandfather. His grandfather worked hard to pass on the traditions that were customary to his tribe, such as fishing, sailing, and hunting.

The island of Saipan is located in the western Pacific Ocean north of the equator in an area known as the Marianas. The island is part of a chain of 15 tropical islands and is the capital of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

“This is my first time experiencing extreme cold,” said Ngirchongor. “60 degrees is the coldest it gets back home.”

At a young age he used to wake up early to provide for his family, using the skills taught to him by his grandfather. He helped with hunting and gathering food, as well as preparing it for meals.
When he was not out providing for his family, he would attend school.

Although his schooling was not as formal as in the U.S., he did go every day and it did offer the same subjects, he said.

It was at school that he decided that he would join the Marines, not only for the title, but also for the opportunity to provide his family with greater opportunities.

He first became interested in the Marine Corps after hearing stories from his uncle, who retired from the Corps as a master gunnery sergeant after 20 years of service. His uncle is now a range master at the local police department on the island and teaches officers how to shoot.

“I wanted to join so I can support my family,” said Ngir-chongor. “I want to help my mother.”

To Ngirchongor, recruit training has deep meaning because he had to leave everything behind. Ngirchongor had to adapt to a new culture and a country he has never known.

Recruit training was his introduction to the United States and it has allowed Ngirchongor to meet many people and to learn many new things. He learned the skills to become a basically-trained Marine, but here is where he has learned all he knows about the U.S. and the different types of people who live here.

“Although he initially had trouble adjusting to boot camp, he quickly grasped and became more comfortable in recruit training, said Sgt. Hugo Frausto, drill instructor, Platoon 3227, Company K. “He didn’t have any more trouble than the average recruit.”

After graduation, Ngir-chongor will be unable to fly home to Saipan on his boot leave because of the expenses, so instead will be flying to Hawaii to spend time with his brother.

“I feel different to have bettered myself,” Ngirchongor said. “I can react quicker and make tough decisions under stress and extreme pressure.”

• Date Taken: 12.01.2010
• Date Posted: 12.12.2010 20:46
• Story ID: 61826
• Location: CA, US