Corporal Lee Roy Apatang Camacho

The nightmare continues. It was only 10 short days ago last February 13 that we laid to rest the body of Lance Corporal Adam Quitugua Emul at the CNMI's Veterans Cemetary in Marpi. And, today, we welcomed home the casket of Corporal Lee Roy Apatang Camacho. Sob!








I extended my heartfelt condolences to Lee Roy's mother and widow while we were waiting for his casket to be brought off the plane. His poor mother received me with quiet grace and dignity. His widow, Velma Matagolai, is my niece. Absolutely broke my heart to see her with her three little boys. Oh, GOD! SO young to be a widow and SO young to be fatherless! I hugged them and was almost speechless. What could I really say that could possibly give them an ounce of comfort? Velma said that the boys have been asking when their Daddy's going to come home. Sob! Sob! My heart squeezed and contracted with pain. GOD, please watch over this poor young family and may you bring some peace and tranquility to the many shattered lives affected by the death of this brave young soldier, son, husband, and father.