The Level II course trains Soldiers to train their subordinates across the nation. The high standards of the course ensure that all veterans and their families receive perfect services.
“The course teaches you to perfect your imperfections,” said Spc. Ivan Cano-Rubio, a military police officer in the 919th Military Police Company and a member of the NMARNG Funeral Honors team. “It teaches you to be the best you can be so that you can take that experience back and teach newer Soldiers to be even better.”
Participants are graded on meticulous criteria covering all aspects of funeral drill and ceremony, from the placement of their shoes when standing at attention to the way they roll their wrists when folding a flag.
“They were long days, 15 to 16 hours,” said Cano-Rubio, “but it was worth it to make it to the end. Seeing everybody progress from where we started is an amazing thing. I’m glad to see everyone here at the end of the course.”
Graduates of the course who received certification were:
Sgt. Victor Kongphouthakhou, from Arkansas
Sgt. Eric Lam, from Hawaii
Staff Sgt. Calaycay Jaypee Pardo, from Hawaii
Spc. Wilbert Pimentel-Figueroa, from Louisiana
Sgt. Tony Owens, from Louisiana
Spc. Hector Espino-Chavez, from Nevada
Staff Sgt. Keahi Granstrom, from Nevada
Spc. Ivan Cano-Rubio, from New Mexico
Sgt. Isacc Nuñez, from New Mexico
Spc. Kentrail Milligan, from Utah
Cpl. Maurice Manns, from Utah
Staff Sgt. Zaira Robinson, from California, was recognized as the honor graduate of the course.
Soldiers who completed the training but were not certified include: Sgt. Dylan Hyden from Oklahoma and Spc. Roberto Montez.
Nuñez, also a military police officer in the 919th MP Company, reenlisted during the graduation ceremony. His Oath of Enlistment was administered by the NMARNG Director of Personnel, Lt. Col. Gabriel Vargas.
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