CRUSADER BATTALION JROTC NEWLETTER - Saint Louis School

CRUSADER BATTALION NEWSLETTER
SPRING 2010 EDITION
THE BATTALION SALUTES OUR GRADUATING SENIORS
MAHALO FOR SERVING IN THE BATTALION!
Dee Fernan L. Soliman
Battalion Commander
“…JROTC developed me into a leader of morals…”
Alfred Prado, III
Battalion Executive Officer
“…Life is a succession of moments, to live each one is
to succeed…”
Landon Honeychurch
Alpha Company Commander
Ranger Commander
“…Be useful not useless…”
Trey Donohue
Delta Company Commander
“…I’m glad that I took JROTC seriously. I developed
as a leader and as a whole person...”

SAINT LOUIS LEADERSHIP CAMP 2010
Written by C/1LT Gabriel Balais,
C/SFC Eric Agluba, C/SFC Chris
Angle, and C/SSGT Trevor Cooper.
RSP soldiers during the PT (physical
training) phase of the day
Group picture of our cadets at Bellows
National Guard Training Facility
Twenty two cadets from the Saint Louis
JROTC Program completed their first
phase of the Basic Cadet Leadership
Challenge (BCLC). For the second
consecutive year we had the privilege of
training at the Hawaii Army National
Guard (HIARNG) training facility at
Bellows Air Force Base in Waimanalo.
SFC Henry Pilanca Jr., SLS Class of ’90
coordinated the weekend training with
the HIARNG. Within these two days, we
had classroom instruction, night classes,
and hands on activities. There were four
events we would like to highlight.
Have you ever been in a recruit’s shoes
before? Have you ever stood in
formation with a group of recruits and
soldiers? Soldiers always start off their
training day by doing Physical Training
(PT). The first event we would like to
highlight is having the opportunity to
stand in a formation and do PT with the
Recruit Sustain Program (RSP) soldiers
and be led by a HIARNG Drill Sergeant.
Under the command of a Drill Sergeant,
we did various exercises to get our
cardio going and our muscles working.
The Drill Sergeant also taught us how to
reply to every movement we make, such
as “snap” when we got into the position
of attention, and “freeze” to get into the
position of at-ease. This gave us a sense
of what it is like to be in a formation
with a group of soldiers and how they
conduct themselves.
“As a recruit, I never knew what JROTC could offer me. Looking back, I am glad that I
decided to go forward with the recruitment. From a follower with simple ideals, JROTC
developed me into a leader of moral. I am full of confidence and will never settle for
something less than what I perceive as perfection. I will be proud to be called a graduate and
alumnus of Saint Louis School. I am proud to have led the Crusader Battalion through the
2009 -2010 school year and our latest 210 Cadet Formal Inspection. May we never lose the
yellow star that is the legacy of the leadership before us.”
~Dee Fernan Lazo Soliman, Class of 2010

SAINT LOUIS LEADERSHIP CAMP 2010
Shown above is an IGS (Inter-active Gaming
System) rifle and assault vest.
The second event we would like to
highlight was having the opportunity to
use the Inter-Active Gaming System
(IGS). The most highly recognized cadet
who showed his true leadership potential
through the IGS training was C/SGT
Joshua Soon, who used his effective
communication skills to lead his team
and accomplish the mission: taking out
the Opposing Force (OPFOR) operative,
SFC Henry Pilanca. It placed the cadets
into a virtual game and gave the feeling
of actually being there in person. Think
of IGS as the game, Call of Duty, but it
is actually a simulation of what leading a
team is like. This is where our leadership
came out. Through commands, they
placed themselves effectively and
strategically to flank SFC Pilanca during
the IGS training.
C/SGT Joshua Soon successfully swings on
top the elevated log on the obstacle course.
The third event we would like to
highlight was the opportunity of being
the first group to use the newly-built
HIARNG obstacle course. During this
event, cadets Michael Camacho and Kurt
Vegas worked as a team to take first
place. Not only did they have the best
time, but they were able to motivate and
push each other to move with a purpose
and finish the obstacle course.
The purpose of the obstacle course was
to test our physical abilities, limits, and
our leadership. As much of a
competition it was, each cadet had the
opportunity to physically work together
in teams and encourage and motivate
other cadets to persevere and finish.
“Saint Louis has given me the tools and the knowledge to succeed. The brotherhood here is
unique to our school and has given me the support I need to strive for my dreams. The
JROTC program has developed me into a well-disciplined leader, ready to go out into the
world and make a difference.”
~Alfred Prado, III, Class of 2010

SAINT LOUIS LEADERSHIP CAMP 2010
SSG Aitaro teaches the Saint Louis Cadets a
class about IV injection.
The last event we would like to highlight
was listening to “words of wisdom” and
life stories from our guest speakers who
were subject matter experts (SME).
SFC Pilanca asked three RSP HIARNG
soldiers, who were alumnus of Saint
Louis School, to talk to us about their
experiences. Each of them shared their
own life stories on why they joined the
HIARNG and how Saint Louis School
has prepared them for life. The three
RSP soldiers, just like COL Nomura told
us, “to take school and education
seriously.” At the end of their talk, we
sang the Alma Mater with our fellow
Saint Louis brothers that are serving our
country; this reflected an act of Saint
Louis Brotherhood and what they have
learned from Saint Louis School. In
appreciation for their life stories, each
cadet lined up one-by-one to shake our
fellow brother’s hands and thanked them
for their service and time.
SSG Aitaro shows the Saint Louis cadets
how to stick SFC Pilanca with IV.
Later that night, we had SSG Aitaro, a
U.S. Army Medic and father of C/SGT
Nalu Aitaro, conduct a class on
evaluating a casualty and how to treat
wounds. Through this class, we learned
life saving skills that could potentially
prevent a fatality.
To the cadets, the Basic Cadet
Leadership Course was a good and
memorable experience. Each cadet had a
sense of what it means to train like a
soldier and to know what a RSP soldier
is expected to know before they depart
for basic training.
Mahalo to SFC Henry Pilanca and his
HIARNG team, whom without the
Leadership Camp wouldn’t have been
possible.
“The past four years really did fly by and I am proud of every single moment. I still
remember sitting in First Sergeant’s class as a freshman and wondering what JROTC was all
about. JROTC doesn’t teach us about war or how to fight; it teaches us to be leaders. As
Saint Louis Gentlemen we should all learn to be leaders. A leader is someone who is willing
to be unique and different, instead of doing what is popular, a leader does what is right, and
JROTC helps develop that quality within you. My four years in JROTC has helped me with
my future plans and has opened my eyes to the opportunities in the military; thus, it is the
reason to attend the New Mexico Military Institution (NMMI) upon graduation. As a parting
message to the underclassmen; take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.
Keep high school fun and do whatever interests you because high school may be the only
time you will have a chance to do it.”
~Trey Donohue, Class of 2010

SAINT LOUIS PARADE AND DRILL TEAM 2010
GOVERNORS PARADE
On Thursday, 1 April 2010, thirty of the
best Saint Louis cadet marchers,
commanded by Cadet Lieutenant
Colonel Dee Soliman, participated in
this year’s Governor’s Parade held at
Fort Shafter. Prior to the parade, our
cadets had spent long hours after school
rehearsing for the event. During the
course of the parade, there was an
inspection conducted by Lieutenant
Governor Duke Aiona, who was
escorted on an Army Humvee. Once the
inspection was done, the Cadet
Commander of Troops, gave the mass
order of right face. From there, the
parade began moving along. Our cadets
marched with over 23 other battalions in
front of honorees and special guests to
be presented in front of. After the
parade, there was an awards assembly
for all of the distinguished commanders
of each school. It gave our cadets the
opportunity to see other JROTC
Battalions participating in this mass
parade. Through it all, our cadets were
able to show our Saint Louis Pride in
front of everyone.
KINGS GUARD
COMPETITION
Chris Ugale SLS ‘08, Gabriel Balais, BumJin
Lee, Chris Angle, Camden Tokunaga, and
Creighton Higa.
On Saturday, 17 April 2010, four
members of our color guard detachment
competed in the 2010 King’s Guard
Competition held at Kalaeloa, Kapolei.
Cadets from all over the State of Hawaii
trained year long for this last
competition of the year. Through the
instruction of Chris Ugale Saint Louis
Class of ’08, our Color Guard
Detachment, which included C/SGT
Bum Jin Lee, C/CPT Gabriel Balais, and
Color Guard Commander C/CPT
Camden Tokunaga, took second place in
the Kings Guard Color Guard
Competition.
CONGRADULATIONS TO OUR
SAINT LOUIS COLOR GUARD!
Cadet Captain’s Trey Donohue and
London Honeychurch leads the Battalion
at this year’s Governor’s Parade

WAIANAE ADVENTURE CHALLENGE 2010
Members of the Ranger Platoon at WAC:
Jordan Barlan, Chris Angle, Landan
Honeychurch, Trevor Cooper, Jonah Seui, and
Eric Agluba.
On the weekend of 23 April to 25 April,
the ranger team participated in the 2010
Waianae Adventure Challenge (WAC).
The Waianae competition is always
considered “The Super Bowl” of all
ranger challenges. This is because all of
the JROTC programs across the state of
Hawaii all converge to one location, the
city of Waianae. Schools as far as Hilo,
Kauai, and Baldwin came, in order to
compete. Members from the Youth
Challenge Academy also competed. For
two days, four of the best Saint Louis
Rangers were sent to compete in this
year’s competition. Under the command
of the Ranger Commander, Cadet
Landon Honeychurch, a team was
formed through the previous challenge
held at Saint Louis School, the Saint
Louis Ultimate Challenge. The cadets
under his command were Cadet Staff
Sergeant Trevor Cooper, Cadet Sergeant
First Class Chris Angle, and Cadet
Sergeant Jonah Seui. The events at
Waianae were held on a two day phase:
the water challenge and the land
challenge.
First mass formation at WAC
On day one, about 0845hrs, cadets from
all over the state of Hawaii formed a
mass formation, which then began the
opening ceremony for the Waianae
Challenge. Once the opening ceremony
was concluded, our cadets faced several
obstacle courses. The first station was
the water crossing. Here, the cadets had
to cross a canal while traveling through a
running stream of water. Upon
completion, our cadets ran about 0.75
miles across the shoreline to the next
station, the water challenge. Here our
cadets had to swim around a jetty,
roughly 50 yards long. From there,
cadets had to paddle board around a
buoy and back to shore, where they had
to jump into a canoe and paddle about
250 yards, which upon completion,
ended that station. The third station was
the rope bridge, where cadets had to
construct a single line bridge over a
running stream of water with the fastest
time and the least penalties. The last
event of the day was the Physical Fitness
Test, which consisted of Push Ups, Sit
Ups, 200 yard dash, and standing long
jump.

WAIANAE ADVENTURE CHALLENGE 2010
When the day came to an end, our team
was able to enjoy the beach and take
some time for rest and relaxation. At
about 1630hrs, the Challenge took a
little twist, and inserted the Tug-o-War
competition which was held on the
beach head. The Tug-o-war challenge
allowed cadets to test their upper-body
strengths against other schools. In the
end, the Leilehua Battalion took first
place in both the male and female
categories.
The 250 meter dash in the Physical Fitness Test
The tug of war challenge at Waianae Beach.
On day two, cadets departed the rest
camp and moved more inland towards
the mountains. From there, cadets
participated in the last two events, the
obstacle course and the 1.8 mile
mountain run and rappel up the
mountains in Waianae.
Through it all, our cadets persevered,
and received 2 nd place for the mountain
run/rappel and 3 rd place for the obstacle
course in the male division.
Cadets paddled to a set buoy and back to shore
in the paddling event
Trevor Cooper commando crawls across the
rope bridge in the obstacle course challenge.
“Throughout my time here at Saint Louis, I have obtained many traits and skills which I will use
throughout my life. JROTC has helped me tremendously through high school. Fortunately, Saint
Louis has the best Battalion in the state, making my knowledge, skills and mentality among the
best as well. Within the JROTC program, there is an elite group of individuals known as Rangers.
Their courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress, and care for equipment shall set the example
for others to follow. As the commander of the 2010 Rangers, I have displayed to the best of my
ability leadership and efforts to conduct the team as cohesively as possible. In return, I have been
given the heightened sense of pride and leadership from those I lead. I am proud to say that I am a
product of not only Saint Louis School, but also the product of JROTC.”
~Landon Honeychurch, Class of 2010

BE PART OF A WINNING TEAM!
JOIN A JROTC SPECIAL
TEAM TODAY!
Be part of one of the following special teams
to take the JROTC experience to the next
level:
Rifle Team
• Train to concentrate your mental
abilities and discipline.
• Shoot sporter rifles, precision rifles,
and .22 rifles.
• Earn the privilege to wear the gold
rifle team cord and a chance to earn
rifle team exclusive awards.
• Rangers
• Rifle Team
• Color Guard • Compete against other schools in
• Drill Team
the ILH
Rangers • Prerequisites: Learn the Citizens
Marksman Training and Safety and
maintain 2.0 GPA minimum.
• Learn advanced skills such as rope
bridging, rappelling, land
navigation, physical fitness and how
to construct poncho rafts.
• Develop your leadership skills as
you lead your squad to completing
the objective.
• Earn the privilege to wear the black
ranger cord, the gray beret, a
chance to earn ranger-exclusive
awards and the ranger tab
• Test your leadership abilities as you
and your team navigate through
obstacles to reach your next
objective.
• Benefits include your own standard
issue Army combat uniform,
camping gear, a JROTC locker in
the Battalion, and access into the
armory for training.
• Camp at locations such as the East
Range (Wahiawa), Schofield
Barracks, and Waianae.
• Compete against other schools
throughout the state in physical
challenges.
• Prerequisites: Memorize the Ranger
Creed, 65 push-ups in 2 minutes, 68
sit-ups in 2 minutes, 10 pull ups, 5
mile ruck-sack run in one hour and
fifteen minutes or less, mile run in 7
minutes and 15 seconds or less, and
pass the ranger knots test (correctly
tie all 12 knots to pass).
Color Guard
• Represent our school colors by
performing at mass and special
events.
• Compete against other Color Guard
Detachments throughout the Pacific.
• Earn the privilege to wear the blue
beret, color guard tab, chance to
gain color guard-exclusive and the
white color guard cord.
• Prerequisites: Must be highly
dedicated and attend all color guard
practices.
Drill Team
• Compete against other schools
through exhibitions and
competitions
• Learn how to do a series of
movements and skills with a rifle
• Earn the privilege to wear the drill
team tab and the red drill team
cord.
• Prerequisites: Be coordinated to
handle and understand the
concepts/theory that makes the Rifle
movement what they are.
Any questions? Please see 1SG Akuna or
the commander for each respective special
team for more information.
TAKE JROTC TO THE
NEXT LEVEL OF
LEADERSHIP!