Editor’s note: Cabuyadao was commissioned as a U.S. Navy officer on December 19 and earned her bachelor’s degree from UH ����ԴDz� on December 20..

For Navy officer candidate Gellie Cabuyadao, the path to her December 2025 graduation from the reflects a deep commitment to service under extraordinary circumstances.

Cabuyadao will earn a bachelor of business administration in while completing training through UH ����ԴDz�’s (NROTC). Injured during the New Year’s fireworks disaster in Salt Lake just after midnight on January 1, 2025, she returned to the scene to ensure her girlfriend and brother were safe and helped provide immediate care.

Selected in 2022 for the Navy’s highly competitive Seaman to Admiral–21 (STA–21) commissioning program, Cabuyadao is the program’s first active–duty Sailor to graduate from UH ����ԴDz� through NROTC.

A defining moment of courage

Just after midnight on January 1, Cabuyadao was inside a garage when sparks struck her leg and a sudden flash of fire surged toward her. The blast knocked her forward. “I felt intense heat on my arms, face and hair, and then everything went quiet except for a ringing sound,” she recalled.

She ran to safety, extinguishing flames on her clothing as fireworks continued exploding. Moments later, thinking of her girlfriend and brother, she turned back. “I just needed to find them to make sure they were safe,” she said.

Despite her injuries and the chaos of the scene, Cabuyadao located her loved ones, escorted them away from danger and helped provide immediate care until additional assistance arrived. She was later awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for heroic achievement, recognizing her courage, rapid response and decisive action despite being injured.

“The recognition has not changed how I see myself or how I act,” she said. “I do not consider myself a hero. My instinct was to protect the people I love.”

Six people died in the accident, and more than 20 others were injured.

Family, roots and early Navy service

Raised in Salt Lake by parents who immigrated from the Philippines, Cabuyadao credits her family’s sacrifices for shaping her sense of duty. With parents working long shifts to support the family, she learned independence early, often caring for her siblings and walking home through nearby military housing.

A 2016 graduate of Moanalua High School, Cabuyadao enlisted in the U.S. Navy shortly after graduation. She began her career as an information systems technician at Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Pacific in Wahiawā, supporting satellite and telecommunications systems critical to Navy operations across the Pacific.

“That early experience showed me how essential my role is to mission success,” she said. “Leadership exists at every level. Commissioning felt like the right step because I wanted the responsibility of making final calls and leading others.”

Through the STA–21 program, Cabuyadao remained on active duty while completing her degree and training with UH ����ԴDz�’s NROTC unit, blending academics with leadership development.

Balancing service, studies and resilience

Balancing early–morning physical training and military obligations with a full academic load tested her limits. She met the challenge with discipline, careful planning and support from her chain of command, NROTC staff, professors and peers to stay on track.

“Managing both responsibilities strengthened my confidence and showed me I can perform under pressure,” she said.

Fear is allowed to be there, but it does not limit me…I know I can move forward and get through what’s in front of me.
—Gellie Cabuyadao

Surviving the fireworks incident also reshaped her perspective. With support from family, friends, healthcare professionals and the community, Cabuyadao gave herself time to process the trauma.

“Fear is allowed to be there, but it does not limit me,” she said. “I know I can move forward and get through what’s in front of me.”

Graduating from UH ����ԴDz� carries additional significance. Cabuyadao is the first Filipina American, first woman and first commissioned officer in her family to hold this milestone.

“I hope my journey shows that people from communities like mine belong in these spaces, and their stories and perseverance matter,” she said.

Looking ahead, Cabuyadao plans to take on every opportunity the Navy offers—traveling widely, holding herself to high standards and leading by example.

“As a leader, I want to challenge Sailors to be comfortable getting uncomfortable,” she said. “Long–term mission success depends on mental resilience as much as physical readiness.”

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� (NROTC) marked a historic milestone by commissioning its first three Marine Corps officers during a ceremony aboard the USS Missouri on May 22. As �鶹��ý’s only university with a Marine Corps NROTC program, the event marks a major step for the state.

2nd Lt. Abraham Palacios, 2nd Lt. Anthony Tirao, 2nd Lt. Kealoha Yamaguchi and Ensign Robert Nelson received their gold bars, symbolizing their new ranks as U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy officers, respectively.

“This has been a historic year at University of �鶹��ý NROTC, and we couldn’t be prouder of each of our midshipmen,” said Commanding Officer Capt. Paul “Veg” Bandini.

Among those in attendance was Lt. Gen. James Glynn, Commanding General of Marine Forces Pacific, who emphasized the importance of strong, adaptable and resilient leadership. He spoke about how the deep knowledge of the Indo-Pacific gained through a UH ����ԴDz� education equips officers to meet the challenges facing the United States in the 21st century.

Marine graduates set the standard

Palacios, Tirao and Yamaguchi, who received their bachelor’s degrees at UH ����ԴDz�’s spring commencement, have set the standard for the more than 30 Marine unit students at UH ����ԴDz�.

It’s incredible to be part of this historic group of Marines and I’m excited to represent �鶹��ý
—2nd Lt. Abraham Palacios

“We used to get lost around campus together just a few years ago,” said Tirao. “But now we have the honor of joining our Navy peers as the first Marine graduates from this university—ever.”

Palacios added, “It’s incredible to be part of this historic group of Marines and I’m excited to represent �鶹��ý as one of the first officers to commission through UH Manoa!”

Students in the NROTC program manage the responsibilities of both midshipmen and college students, maintaining high academic standards, physical fitness, leadership development and community involvement.

Fastest-growing NROTC unit in the nation

The Marine unit was established in 2022 by Marine Officer Instructor Capt. Grace Chow with just eight students. Since then, the program has more than tripled in size. It now includes 11 Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP) active-duty Marines and 20 midshipmen.

“What has made this unit a success is the Marine Corps family on the island,” said Chow. “There is no camaraderie like the Marine Corps, and that is why I love what I do. I’m excited to see these new officers join the fleet and hope to serve alongside them in the future.”

Now the fastest-growing NROTC unit in the nation, UH NROTC relies heavily on the support of local organizations such as the Honolulu Navy League, Marine Corps Base �鶹��ý, Marine Forces Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, and individual sponsors who dedicate time and resources to mentoring the next generation of naval officers.

Five months after the (NROTC) at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� commissioned their first sailor, they celebrated another milestone on May 13, as three naval officers earned a commission from its program.

Donning their caps and gowns and proudly displaying their diplomas, Zachary Barto, Chase Roche and Jacob Simmons achieved the rank of ensign in the U.S. Navy during a ceremony held aboard the Battleship Missouri. Their commissioning ceremony served as a culmination of rigorous training and preparation as well as a testament to their commitment to serve their country.

“Another spectacular moment for the UH NROTC as we commission our three newest ensigns in the United States Navy. We are excited for your journey that awaits!” said Commanding Officer Paul “Veg” Bandini.

On May 11, prior to their commissioning, Barto, Roche and Simmons graduated with their respective bachelor’s degrees. Their achievements are not only sources of pride for themselves, but also for their families and the Koa O Ke Kai Battalion.

Reflecting on their journey, each newly commissioned officer expressed honor at being among the first to graduate from the university’s pioneering NROTC program. Barto will serve as a naval submarine officer upon completing nuclear power school in Charleston, South Carolina. Roche will serve as a naval pilot and Simmons will serve as a naval flight officer after both completing their naval aviation training in Florida.

The commissioning of Barto, Roche and Simmons underscores the success and commitment of the NROTC program at the �鶹��ý����ԴDz� in preparing future leaders for service in the U.S. Navy.

“Their exemplary dedication and leadership serve as inspirations to their peers and reflect the program’s unwavering dedication to excellence in training and education,” added Bandini.

Two years after the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� began training the inaugural students of the state’s only (NROTC), it celebrated a significant milestone—the commissioning of its first naval officer.

Midshipman Mahinalani Vongsy achieved the rank of ensign with the U.S. Navy in a ceremony that was held on December 15, aboard the Battleship Missouri. The next day, Vongsy marked another accomplishment and graduated with her BA in at the at the Stan Sheriff Center. The culmination of these events are proud moments for her and her parents, both of whom served in the U.S. military.

“I feel very honored to be the first commissioned Naval Officer from this historic program,” said Vongsy. “I pushed myself to a high standard and I really hope I set the bar high. I am a second generation Asian American, the daughter of two U.S. military veterans, and a super senior earning a summa cum laude in my major. If that doesn’t speak to you as the perfect person to be the first commissioned from UH NROTC, I’m not sure of a better person to do so.”

Embracing legacy of her parents

Vongsy is following in the footsteps of her parents, who were inspirational figures throughout her upbringing. Her mother, Katrina, a retired Navy lieutenant commander with 26 years of service, earned a BA in biology at UH ����ԴDz� in fall 2003, exactly 20 years earlier than her daughter. Her father, Samson, a retired Army Sergeant First Class, served actively for 21 years.

Before earning her UH degree, Vongsy’s mother joined the Navy as a hospital corpsman. While Vongsy and her brother were still young children, their mother not only earned her commission but also secured admission to medical school. Vongsy’s father immigrated from Laos to �鶹��ý in the 1970s to escape persecution from the Vietnam War, eventually settling in Pālolo Valley. He attended Kaimukī High School then enlisted in the Army after a few years of college.

“Seeing my mother persevere through the challenges of being in the military, raising my brother and I, and becoming a doctor all at the same time has inspired me to follow in her footsteps and also do great things,” she said. “My dad taught me everything I needed to know to get me to become a commissioned officer—the skills to be a good leader. He was basically my own personal drill instructor, preparing me for life.”

She added, “My parents gave me an amazing start on life, being able to go to college and get my degree and now I’m following in their footsteps in service. I only hope to be able to make them proud of continuing their legacy as another Vongsy serving in the U.S. Military.”

Highlight of college

Vongsy considers her participation in the NROTC program the highlight of her college experience. The friendships forged, the invaluable mentorships from esteemed staff, and the opportunities NROTC provided have left a lasting and meaningful imprint on her life.

This really is the premier NROTC unit in the country and I have been blessed.
— Vongsy

Through the program, Vongsy was able to travel to Japan and Singapore, sail through the South China Sea and the Philippines, connect with students from diverse corners of the globe, and engage with four-star admirals.

“This really is the premier NROTC unit in the country and I have been blessed,” Vongsy said. “Being in �鶹��ý has afforded us so many opportunities apart from other NROTC programs. I’ve made amazing friends that I will soon see joining me in the fleet. They’ve [faculty and instructors] given me expertise on all things Navy, and I feel confident to say I will be a great addition to the team because of them.”

Using degree to empower service members

Vongsy pursued psychology as a major following a challenging period in her life marked by anxiety and depression.

“Through this struggle I was able to understand how mental anguish can affect people and I wanted to use my experience of getting through it to help others who are struggling with the same problems,” she said. “I want to help service members who struggle with mental illness and show them they are not alone.”

Vongsy aspires to leverage her time in the Navy to contribute to her research and understanding of mental health, aiming to reshape the stigma and culture surrounding these challenging conditions within the military.

Following graduation, Vongsy will undergo a basic division officer course in San Diego for several months before embarking on her first assignment aboard the USS Shiloh in Pearl Harbor.

“I am looking forward to exploring the world with my shipmates,” she said.

—by Arlene Abiang

In a showcase of athletic talents which fostered camaraderie and friendships between two nations, midshipmen from the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� (NROTC) and their counterparts from the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy participated in a friendly soccer match September 10 on the UH ����ԴDz� campus.

Final score: The visiting ROK Navy team won the match against UH NROTC, 5-0.

“We were thrilled to welcome the Republic of Korea Navy Midshipmen to our campus for this exciting soccer match,” said Capt. Grace Jenkins, UH marine officer instructor. “This event not only promoted teamwork and sportsmanship but also strengthened the ties between our nations, reflecting our shared values and commitment to maritime security.”

Twenty-four midshipmen from the ROK Navy traveled to �鶹��ý as part of their annual training cruise for graduating seniors of their naval academy aboard the Hansando training vessel and the Hwacheon logistic ship. They are traveling 30,000 nautical miles over 141 days and visiting 13 countries, and will travel next to the Panama Canal.

Even with the loss, the event was a testament to the shared commitment to the mission of the UH Naval Service Training Command, which is dedicated to transforming volunteers into naval service professionals by instilling and reinforcing enduring core values, knowledge and skills to prepare them for the fleet.

More than 80 young wahine, grades 5–8, were part of this year’s (YIP) for girls, a free two-week STEM and leadership development program, held at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� and off-site locations in July.

Now in its 2nd year, YIP is hosted by in partnership with the U.S. Army Pacific and many community volunteers throughout the state.

Related: Transformative development program for girls launched at UH, August 2022

YIP empowers youth, fosters personal growth and cultivates a sense of responsibility. The program is available at a number of universities across the nation with a mission to provide inclusion, equity and opportunity to at-risk middle school youth.

New experiences

Students participated in a STEM-based curriculum, provided with guidance from �鶹��ý State Department of Education teachers, including guest speakers covering topics that inspired, educated and brought awareness. They heard from mentors with the U.S. Army Pacific and UH ����ԴDz�’s , who led sessions on leadership development and life skills. In addition, working with the Rainbow Wahine student athletes, students took part in activities that focused on team building, work ethics and more.

“We hope we’ve inspired these young wahine to dream big and strive for greatness academically, athletically and in everything they do. We believe when someone is challenged, they grow, and this program provides a safe environment that supports participants in stepping out of their comfort zone,” said Jason Hill, director of operations for UH ����ԴDz� Wahine Basketball and lead coordinator for this year’s YIP. “Last year laid the foundation for what this program can become, and this year built upon that foundation. We are grateful to take part in the first Youth Impact Program for Girls in the nation.”

Along with basketball and military education, lessons in yoga, hip-hop dance, Hawaiian culture and more were offered.

“The program is awesome because I got to play basketball with college players and met lots of new friends that don’t go to my school,” said Maggie Clason, a fifth grader from Mililani.

Turning dreams into reality

The closing ceremony held July 15, at UH ����ԴDz�, was attended by parents and family of the students, Rainbow Wahine basketball players and staff, military, donors, teachers, special guests and more. Maj. Gen. Brian Gibson and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi gave remarks, and the girls received personalized dream cards to encourage them to turn their dreams into reality.

“This emotional event was the culmination of 10 days of trust, leadership, effective guidance and life-changing engagement,” stated founder and Super Bowl champion (49ers: 1984, 1988, 1989) Riki Elison in a letter to supporters. “We were unified behind each and every young girl that participated in the 2023 �鶹��ý Girls YIP program.”

Following the same principles, the �鶹��ý Youth Impact Program for was held June 12—23, and hosted by UH ����ԴDz� Football in partnership with the U.S. Army Pacific Command.

Students of the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� (NROTC) participated in their first annual field exercise, March 23–26. The spring field exercise (FEX) is the culminating event of the year for Marine option midshipmen with the purpose of practical application of skills they have learned throughout the year, including training designed to improve their leadership, teamwork and combat readiness.

Training events took place around Oʻahu, including Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Marine Corps Training Area Bellows and Schofield Training Areas. Throughout the exercise, students worked together to complete each event, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and camaraderie in combat situations.

The exercise began with indoor marksmanship simulator training using both the M4A1 service rifle and SIG Sauer M18 pistol. Students were taught disassembly and assembly of weapons and honed their shooting skills in a safe and controlled environment, preparing them for the more intense training ahead.

Combat conditioning training followed, putting students through a series of rigorous exercises designed to build strength, stamina and resilience. From there, participants moved on to day and night land navigation, relying on map and compass skills to find their way through challenging terrain.

Perhaps the most challenging event of the exercise was the nine-mile conditioning march with a modified assault load. Students were required to carry full packs and rifles while navigating through steep terrain, pushing their physical and mental limits to the brink.

“The biggest takeaway from our Marine Option Spring FEX was that you know much more than you think and can perform much more than you’re capable of,” said Anthony Tirao, NROTC midshipman. “To succeed in the various events, I had to rely, most importantly, on teamwork both through communication and trust between myself and others. I, alongside other Marine Options, used these components to ensure that the instructions were clear and, most importantly, that we had each other’s back.”

“It was a privilege to see the Marine option students rise to the challenge and perform at an exemplary level. Their teamwork, leadership and determination were truly impressive and a testament to the values of the Marine Corps. I am confident that these students will go on to become exceptional leaders in the U.S. Marine Corps. It was an honor to work alongside them and witness their growth and development throughout this exercise,” said Capt. Grace Jenkins, Marine officer instructor.

Support from �鶹��ý Marine infantries

The training showcased the importance of �鶹��ý‘s strategic location for military training and highlighted the commitment of NROTC to ensure its students are prepared to serve as effective leaders in the U.S. Marine Corps.

“We could not have made this field exercise a success without the unparalleled support provided by fellow marines and sailors. The commitment and dedication of everyone involved were truly remarkable and inspiring to witness,” said Jenkins.

The NROTC spring field exercise was supported by Marine Forces Pacific Command, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment and 1st Battalion 12th Marines Artillery Battalion.

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� (NROTC) is entering its second year with a new cohort and is adding a Marine Corps unit to the program. In addition to its Navy unit, the program will now screen and accept Marine officer candidates.

Recently joining the UH ����ԴDz� program to head the new detachment is Capt. Grace Jenkins, U.S. Marine Corps.

“Standing up the UH Marine NROTC unit with a team eager to assist and an island full of service members has been none less than a team effort,” said Jenkins, who will serve as Marine Corps Instructor. “The unit is in its infancy stage, but has had resounding help from Marine Corps Pacific Fleet, Marine Corps Base �鶹��ý and Commander Pacific Fleet.”

New Student Orientation

About 40 midshipmen participated in the recent New Student Orientation held August 12–16, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor, Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay and on the UH ����ԴDz� campus.

NROTC’s newest members were introduced to the program and took part in a series of activities—physical fitness tests and a swim qualification, weapons handling, pistol familiarization range, close-order drill, an intro to the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, an overnight stay aboard USS Missouri—and attended the Kaneohe Bay Air Show, where they interacted with Navy and Marine Corps officers and watched the Navy Blue Angels performance.

The students ended their orientation by moving into their residence halls to kick off their first semester as college students.

Midshipmen Bailey Gapusan said he enjoyed his experience during orientation and for what lies ahead. “My favorite part was the Marine Corps martial art, especially ground fighting. I’m looking forward to being part of the first Marine Corps unit,” he said.

Midshipman Jason Stevenson-Chupany, who is joining the Navy unit, said, “I liked meeting the Marine drill instructors to learn the fundamentals, as well as our time aboard the USS Missouri. I am most excited for the leadership opportunities.”

Aside from the addition of the Marine Corps unit, UH �Ѳ��ԴDz�’s NROTC just completed a two-month pilot summer internship program with the U.S. Pacific Fleet which provided midshipmen the opportunity to join the COMPACFLT headquarters command as full staff members and exposed them to different roles and responsibilities of Navy occupational specialties.

UH ����ԴDz�’s NROTC program was established in August 2020.

The (COMPACFLT) completed its first summer paid internship program with midshipmen from the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s newly established (NROTC).

The two-month pilot program provided eleven midshipmen the opportunity to join the Pacific Fleet headquarters command as full staff members for the summer and gain broad experience in the naval services’ role in the Indo-Pacific.

The training included embarking on various naval platforms, including overnight embarks aboard USS Abraham Lincoln and amphibious assault ship USS Essex, and participating in a familiarization program with the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. The opportunity gave the midshipmen real-world experience with navies from 26 nations.

• Read more NROTC stories on �鶹��ýNews.

Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander, COMPACFLT, explained the importance of creating the internship program.

“As U.S. Pacific Fleet, the Navy’s largest and most expansive fleet is located on Oʻahu, we welcomed the opportunity to work alongside the University of �鶹��ý NROTC to create the paid internship for the midshipmen,” said Paparo. “These midshipmen are receiving a world-class education and a vast experience working with the Navy’s oldest Fleet headquarters.”

Along with earning qualifications, completing ship simulators, and hands-on training aboard ships, like the guided-missile destroyer USS Daniel Inouye, students also completed group capstone projects on increasing amphibious lethality and contested logistics as they prepare for the upcoming semester.

“My favorite event was being able to use an MV-22 simulator, but my most memorable experience was talking to the chiefs on the Essex,” said Kealoha Yamaguchi, a midshipman with the UH ����ԴDz� NROTC unit. “Learning about the chiefs’ experiences and knowledge, and what they want us, as future officers, to know going into the fleet. This opportunity has shown me that every aspect of the Navy and Marine Corps contributes to the overall success of the mission.”

The internship program was open to students in the UH ����ԴDz� NROTC unit who had completed 40 credit hours with a good academic standing.

UH ����ԴDz�’s NROTC program was established in August 2020 with the mission to develop midshipmen mentally, morally, and physically and to instill the Navy’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment to commission college graduates as naval officers.

The nation’s and �鶹��ý’s first (YIP) for girls was launched at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� in July, with Rainbow Wahine Head Basketball Coach Laura Beeman taking the reins. About 100 girls ages 10 to 14 from disadvantaged backgrounds throughout the state participated in the innovative nine-day camp focused on STEM-based academics, leadership skills and athletics.

This groundbreaking event marked a significant achievement for YIP and UH on the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the gender equity law that dramatically increased participation of girls and women in sports.

YIP was founded by Super Bowl champion and Polynesian Hall of Famer Riki Ellison with a mission to provide inclusion, equity and opportunity to at-risk middle school youth nationwide. Since 2006, 44 programs at 15 prominent universities have been conducted. Transformative youth development camps have been held for boys for 18 years, and the Rainbow Warrior football team has hosted 400 youth in the �鶹��ý YIP for boys in the last five years.

Academics, leadership and basketball

“It’s a busy time of year, but finally I said, ‘I want to do this, my staff wants to do this,’” said Beeman. “My players are amazing role models. We want to do this and started talking as a team, what YIP is and why are we doing it for the boys and not the girls?”

Beeman along with her Rainbow Wahine and Big West Champion student athletes and staff inspired the student participants throughout the camp, offering basketball tips and helping them with math, reading and life skills.

The STEM-based curriculum also included the guidance of �鶹��ý Department of Education teachers and nine special guest speakers who covered topics on positive social interaction, improv and mental health to encourage, educate and inform the young women.

The life skills, character and leadership development sessions were provided by mentors from U.S. Army Pacific represented by 8th Theater Sustainment Command, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command; Marine Corps Hawaii represented by Combat Logistics Battalion 3; and the UH ����ԴDz� Army ROTC Warrior Battalion.

Female role models

The program also included a “Pearl Harbor Experience” field trip for the students to learn about military historic sites and centers, as well as explore a number of STEM career opportunities in aerospace, maritime and high-tech.

Students heard from female role models, including Army Major General (Ret) Suzy Vares-Lum, the first female General Officer commissioned from UH �Ѳ��ԴDz�’s Army ROTC program, and now president of East-West Center, and Lt. Col. BJ Itoman, former ALL-Western Athletic Conference Rainbow Wahine point guard and currently a C-18 Globemaster pilot in the Hawaii National Guard.

“The opportunity is what this camp is about. It’s about exposure, it’s about laying a foundation, it’s about saying to each one of these young ladies, we’re giving you the opportunity to go back to your school and be a leader in your classroom,” said Beeman.

Parents of youth participants surveyed agreed that the program had positive impacts on their daughters, while the youth participants agreed the program increased their knowledge, understanding and ability to be a better person.

A participant stated, “When people say I can’t do something, I will show them a girl can do anything! I will respect everyone!”