Photo By Sharilyn Wells | Competitors enjoy free time after the obstacle course during the 2015 U.S. Army...... read more read more
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FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Since arriving here, Spc. Jason Pangelinan has been non-stop on the go.
“It’s really not that big of a deal,” Pangelinan says as he smiles and shrugs his shoulders. “Except for the time difference. We are basically [14 hours] ahead of North Carolina.”
Currently residing in Guam, it took Pangelinan about 24 hours total to travel to the 2015 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition, with the time change – not to mention the concept of "Island Time."
“Life on the island is a lot slower and relaxed,” he said. “And when people ‘rush,’ they hardly rush at all. It truly is paradise.”
Pangelinan is a health care specialist representing the 9th Mission Support Command, headquartered in Hawaii. With the hopes of becoming a pediatrician in the future, the University of Guam cadet is using his Army Reserve time as a stepping-stone to reaching his goals.
“[The Army Reserve] has helped me through school and will get me to what my end goal is, which is med school,” said Pangelinan. “So I’m taking little steps in that direction with the help of the military.”
One not so little step he is taking is to compete with the best of the best during the Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition.
“At first, I thought it was a really good idea and a way to better myself,” said Pangelinan. “I wasn’t wrong. It’s actually very challenging and really fun. I enjoy the shooting and all the physical activity. But this is really a way for me to better get to know the Soldiers. If I choose to pursue my career as an officer ... I feel like if I know where they come from and what they do, I’ll be a better leader to them.”
“I was very shy when I was younger. I was really into my books and not very outgoing,” said Pangelinan. “I was ready to step outside my bubble and saw a show at one of the island clubs that included fire dancing. I went to the owner and I asked if I could audition.”
Only a junior in high school, Pangelinan began training in the art of fire dancing and never stopped. He currently still dances Polynesian and fire dancing with Pacific Fantasy Dance Company at the Pacific Island Club. Becoming an entertainer gave him enough courage to join the military and serve his country.
Originally from Saipan, located in the Northern Marianas, Pangelinan credits the Army for allowing him to travel and see different cultures around the world.
“When I did a humanitarian mission in Thailand, I really had a culture shock,” admitted Pangelinan. “I traveled before, but not as far. [The Army Reserve] has really opened my eyes to what’s out in the world.”
Between his dancing, schooling and Army time, Pangelinan also works at the Hard Rock Café Guam.
“My family is really proud of my (military service), they are very understanding of my service and what I have to do, but they are mostly impressed with my ability to balance Army with school and two jobs,” said Pangelinan, who is the first in his nuclear family to join a military service.
Balancing civilian lives with Army lives is a constant for Reserve Soldiers and many times Soldiers in the Reserve use their civilian skills while completing missions for the military.
“Learning the trade (of fire dancing) takes time and dedication. When you mess up, you can’t stop. You just keep going,” explained Pangelinan. “I relate that to what I do in the Army. You have to stay committed. The more I strive to better myself, the closer I am to my end goal — to be an influential leader for Soldiers.”
Pangelinan has used that mantra throughout the competition as well, especially when he starts to feel the stress that is intentionally put on him during each event.
“So far, the hardest part has definitely been the ruck march,” he said shaking his head. “Not only do you have to find a way to fight the pain you’re feeling, but you also have to fight yourself inside to push forward and keep going. You’re alone with your thoughts for ... as long as you’re out there. Eventually you run out of things to think about, and you have to find someway to keep you occupied.”
Pangelinan relies back on the guidance he has received from his unit’s leadership that keeps him pushing through.
“My first sergeant always tells me to, ‘Fight the good fight,’ or what my commander once said to me, ‘He who is within you is greater,’ so that if you know you can do it and believe, you got to keep pushing yourself and finish through,” Pangelinan said
“I chose to compete in the Best Warrior Competition for the ‘esprit de corps.’ The competition will challenge my soldier skills, and hopefully I will inspire my peers,” he added. “I am 100 percent dedicated and have no room for ‘would have, could have, should have.'”
| Date Taken: | 05.07.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.07.2015 13:36 |
| Story ID: | 162577 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Hometown: | GUAM, GU |
| Hometown: | SAIPAN, MP |
| Web Views: | 1,126 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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