Congratulations New Firefighters!

7th Cycle Fire Academy Listing:

1. Firefighter Roy A. Ada

2. Firefighter Jocelyn A. Alvarez

3. Firefighter Julian P. Aquiningoc

4. Firefighter Fidel S. Atalig

5. Firefighter Heinz B. Cabrera

6. Firefighter Deverrick N. Camacho

7. Firefighter Juan R. Camacho

8. Firefighter Christopher C. Cruz

9. Firefighter Patrick I. George

10. Firefighter Alvin L. John

11. Firefighter Jesse M. Pangelinan

12. Firefighter Danny B. Quitugua

13. Firefighter Joaquin A. Reyes

14. Firefighter Justin I. Sablan

15. Firefighter Adam J. Safer

16. Firefighter Rudy B. Santos

17. Firefighter Norman L. Skilling


8th Cycle Fire Academy Listing:

1. Firefighter Clint A. Barcinas

2. Firefighter Leif P. Castro

3. Firefighter Joel O. Hocog

4. Firefighter Francisco O. Iginoef

5. Firefighter Shawn DLR. Kaipat

6. Firefighter John P. San Nicolas

7. Firefighter Ray J. Taitague

8. Firefighter Jelani S. Tilipao

Click here for the Tribune Article.

My High School Graduation--Many Moons Ago

'Tis the graduation season. About this time every year, there is plen-T excitement and anticipation in the air. Parents, students, faculty, and school administrations are busy getting ready for that special day. All this got me a bit nostalgic about my own high school graduation from Evanston Township High School in Evanston, Illinois, on June 13, 1979. There were 1,000 of us who crossed that stage to receive our high school diplomas. Twelve years of school for that one piece of paper that marks the end of our high school years and the beginning of a new journey.

And talk about what a small world we live in. I made this discovery at the CRM Christmas Party last December. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Dr. Peter Houk, who works for our Coastal Resources Management Office and who was a member of the CNMI's National Men's Soccer team, also graduated from the same high school I did and we even had some of the same teachers! Go ETHS Wildkits!

CPA Graduation, Kagman Community Cleanup, Troops To Teachers

Some of My Friday, The 16th, Activities....

8 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. -- Met with staff to go over day's activities.

8:30 - 9:30 a.m. -- Checked mail, e-mail, signed documents, made/returned calls, etc.

9:40 a.m. -- Left Office for Airport

10 a.m. -- Attended Graduation ceremony for the Commonwealth Port's Authorities newest Finest




Rushed to Marine Beach in Kagman to meet up with the Kagman Cleanup Coalition. Found the crew bbqing and just getting ready to eat lunch. Yummy! Thanks to Rep. Seman for making the bbq lunch possible! Thanks also to Bettyanne & JJ Cabrera for providing the rest of the menu. Yum! Yum! Yum!


1:30 p.m. -- Went back to Office

2:45 p.m. -- Left Office for 3 p.m. Meeting w/Troops 2 Teachers at Prel Offices at MHS

3 p.m. -- Made pitch to recruit the Troops for the Energy Assistance Project.



The Troops 2 Teachers Program's Director here in the CNMI is Geri Willis. Thanks to Geri for her vision and heart! Roman Benavente, one of the original four Troops 2 Teachers participants along with Fred Camacho, informed me that the Troops 2 Teachers Group wanted to join Beautify CNMI! Of course, I immediately said "WELCOME!" I'm always happy to hear that the now famous "beauty virus infection" continues to spread! :D GO BVI (Beautify Virus Infection), GO!

Shortly before my invitation to come speak with the Troops, Linda Torres of the Energy Office contacted my office and requested some manpower assistance for a particular project she had. After a meeting, Linda informed me that she had been running a program to assist the elderly and indigents in our community lower their energy consumption by as much as 30% by having their roofs waterblasted and painted with this special paint (can't remember what it's called now). Well, now you know that got my attention! In addition to the waterblasting and roof painting, Linda said they also needed assistance replacing doors where needed.

I thought, hmmm....this project is going to require a SPECIAL group from the Beautify CNMI! Coalition Partners. Anyone guess which Special Group this might be? Yep! That's right! If these brave young men and women can survive the fierce streets of Baghdad, surely they can climb a roof to waterblast and paint it! THANKS, GUYS and GALS!!!