Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Jon Anderson. Jon was a proud, adopted son of Guam, a media influencer, and a mentor to many in the community. His recognizable voice has been over Guam's airwaves since 1977. The bulk of his career on the island was spent as a talk show host, informing the Guam public of the latest news in our community and imparting wisdom at the same time.

Jon's distinct style of journalism is easily remembered for his fairness and diligence. His calming demeanor as an interviewer and orator had effortlessly captured his audiences throughout the island and the region. Many listeners to his shows would tune in to his morning radio show to discuss various topics of interest and hear the latest issues impacting our home. He spent his life encouraging and improving the lives of those in our community and serving as a senior member and mentor in his profession.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Jon Anderson, and I join the people of Guam in remembering and celebrating his life and the legacy he left behind. My heartfelt condolences to his wife, Mahie, and their children, Debbie, Darren, Keoki, Maka, and Tony. Jon will be deeply missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of the people of Guam and all those he had profoundly impacted.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Vicente ``Ben'' Diaz Gumataotao. ``Mayor Ben,'' as he was widely known as, was steadfast in his dedication to serving the people of Guam and his country. In his 91 years of life, Mayor Ben achieved significant milestones that not only inspired generations but opened doors for those who came after him.

Mayor Ben was born on November 30, 1927 to the late Josefina Diaz and the late Leon Diaz Gumataotao. The third child of twelve children, Mayor Ben and his family resided in the pre-World War II village of Sumay. Mayor Ben and his family lived through the traumatic events during the Japanese Occupation of Guam during World War II. In one instance, his family was forced to march to the Manenggon Hills concentration camp where he witnessed the atrocities executed by the Japanese soldiers.

Grateful for the United States military's return to the island and overthrow of the Japanese Imperial government's control over Guam, Mayor Ben served over twenty-eight years in the United States Navy where he completed Mess Management School and instructed fellow stewards. He retired at the highest enlisted rank in the United States Navy, the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9).

After his service to his country, Mayor Ben began his service to the people of Guam working for various senators in the Guam Legislature and later for former Congressman Vicente C. Blaz during the 101st and 102nd United States Congress.

He answered the call of his fellow residents and successfully was elected Mayor of the village of Piti. Significant improvements throughout the village continue to be seen and felt due to Mayor Ben's unwavering leadership during his tenure as Mayor. In his lifetime, his advocacy and dedication to public service was appreciated through the various civic and religious organizations he was actively engaged in throughout the island of Guam.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mayor Vicente ``Ben'' Diaz Gumataotao, and I join the people of Guam in celebrating his life and the legacy he left. A dedicated public servant, he worked to improve the quality of life in his village of Piti and in the wider community in Guam during his lifetime. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, and friends. Mayor Ben will be deeply missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of the people of Guam.