Nearly one hundred soldiers from the Guam National Guard officially accepted the call to protect the THAAD system in Guam.

The mission: To be ready at all times. 

Soldiers in the Guam National Guard’s Bravo company of the 1st-294th infantry regiment- known locally as the Binadu Company- are ready. 

During a ceremony held at the Readiness Center in Barrigada, nearly one hundred troops were activated to begin their duty to defend Guam’s Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System (THAAD). 

This defense system would protect Guam and the region from adversaries should they attempt a missile launch. 

“I think I can speak for all of us when I say that this is it's an honor to be a part of this mission," said 1st Lt. Steven Cruz, Company executive officer. "It's something that allows us to serve both the people the United States and the people of Guam because we are going to be protecting an asset that defends our homeland. This is just as important as any other mission going overseas.”

The mission allows them to remain on the island, however, Company Commander Capt. Thomas Borgonia admits they will now have to balance out the changes the mission adds to their personal lives. 

“Through the holidays through graduation season through the first baby's birth. But that's part of the sacrifice we take as a right, when we raise our right hand. The soldiers are well prepared for that. We've managed our families. We have a family program here that helps manage these stressors and I believe we're well to move forward,” Borgonia said. 

He continued on, “We are strong and motivated, we got a large amount of soldiers, we're very motivated. I love what I do with my job. Being able to be a leader and be of service to others is why I enjoy doing. It's part of why I signed up for this. Being asked, I get to manage troops, I get to motivate them, I get to train them, and there's nothing better I can ask that.”