Brother-Sister Team Takes Reins of El Camino JROTC

A brother and sister will be the top two officers at El Camino High School’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Program for the next school year.

Cadet Maj. Fermar Pabualan will be the commander a projected 110 cadets while her brother, Cadet Capt. Fernan Pabualan will be the unit’s executive officer. 

Their instructor, 1^st Sgt. Gene LaRue Jr., said it's the first time he's heard of a sibling team leading a JROTC unit. The instructors picked the two for their leadership traits, he said.

“They both share commitment no matter what," he said. "They share my level of intensity and that’s why they’re number one and number two.”

Fermar said she hopes to increase the number of fundraisers and hold fun runs.

“The tough part is putting all my ideas into action,” she said.

She does that while maintaining high academic standards, LaRue said, adding that her style of leadership is persuasive.

The outgoing commander—cadet Lt. Col. David Barranco— has a “take charge” style that prepared the unit to pass several inspections, LaRue said.

Barranco plans to join the Navy as a hospital corpsman and—because of his JROTC experience—will enter two ranks higher than his peers, LaRue said.

The unit will hold training on Camp Pendleton after vacation.

Students huddled after Tuesday's award ceremony said they anticipate to be held to the Pabualan's high standards.

“I expect the intensity level to raise way above the bar,” incoming cadet 1st. Sgt. Javen Parker said.

This month, the unit held its 2012 awards ceremony:

Daedalian Foundation

Cadet 1^st Lt. Fernan Pabualan

Cadet Gunnery Sgt. Brandon Holtz

Association of the United States Navy

Cadet Capt. Joseph Madril

Cadet 2^nd Lt. Jerry Wilkins

VFW Post 10577

Cadet Sgt. Deborah Morris

Cadet Gunnery Sgt. Iris Salisbury

Scottish Rite of Free Masonry

Cadet 1^st Lt. Christian Garcia

Cadet Gunnery Sgt. Alexander Ottewell

AMVETS

Cadet Cpl. Andrew Sivao

Cadet 2^nd Lt. Michelle Hernandez

MOWW

Cadet Sgt. Javen Parker

Cadet 2^nd Lt. Michelle Hernandez

Military Order of the Purple Heart

Cadet Maj. David Barranco

Cadet Gunnery Sgt. Rinalyn Ecleonel

Veterans Association of North County

Cadet Sgt. Phillip Stevenson

Cadet Staff Sgt. Eduardo Meza

Mustang Association Camp Pendleton Chapter

Cadet Sgt. Noemi Flores

Cadet Sgt. Roberto Busto

Daughters of the American Revolution

Cadet Sgt. Maj. Veronica Arrazola

Cadet Capt. Dailly Mack

Sons of the American Revolution

Cadet Gunnery Sgt. Mark Grebetz

Cadet 1^st Lt. Joe Acosta

Women Marines Association

Cadet Staff Sgt. Yesenia Ramirez

Cadet 1^st. Lt. Carlo Danao

American Legion 146 (Military)

Cadet Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Peters

Cadet Staff Sgt. Mathew Lyons

National Sojourners

Cadet 1^st Lt. Joshua Lopez

Cadet 1^st Lt. Noemi Castellanos

Reserve Officers Association

Cadet Gunnery Sgt. Zachary Wetherington

Cadet Gunnery Sgt. Eduardo Meza

Tri-City Counsel Navy League

Cadet Sgt. Abigail Marquez

Cadet Sgt. Kody Dominguez