[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 27, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E10]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO FRANK MARTINEZ PORTUSACH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 27, 1998

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, the island of Guam mourns the passing of 
one of it's most respected and dedicated leaders. Frank Martinez 
Portusach, the former mayor of the village of Agana Heights, was called 
to his eternal rest of December 26, 1996 at the age of 76. He leaves 
behind his wife, the former Ms. Virginia Hughes and his children 
Thelma, Frances, Frank, Jane John and Deanna.
  Mayor Portusach was an accomplished artist and craftsman, a Merchant 
Marine Engineering officer, a businessman, and a senior island 
politician. This man, known throughout the island for his seemingly 
inexhaustible energy, ushered the transformation of Agana Heights from 
a village lined with dirt roads, lacking sewer lines, and devoid of 
community facilities into a model island village with the lowest crime 
rate, the finest streets, and one of Guam's most extensive community 
activity programs.
  Born in 1921 to Concepcion Portusach Lorenzo and Henry Sakakibara, 
Mayor Portusach received formal education from several institutions 
including the Guam High School, U.S. Naval Correspondence School, and 
the Marine Engineering School under the Department of the Navy. After 
retiring from the United States Merchant Marines, he started a local 
business in 1967. He began his political career in 1976, back when 
mayors were known as village commissioners. Mayor Portusach received an 
appointment from former Governor Ricky Bordallo as commissioner for the 
village of Agana Heights. It was at this post that he became so loved 
and respected by the island's civilian and military communities.
  In addition to his efforts towards having village streets paved and 
in the development of community activities, he is also credited for the 
construction of waterlines, installation of streetlights, and 
renovation of village schools. Through his efforts, Agana Heights 
became the first village on Guam to have mail received through home 
delivery service. This was made possible by a detailed village map 
personally drafted by Mayor Portusach. The Department of Land 
Management has since included this map in their official records.
  However, Mayor Portusach's most prominent and lasting achievement is 
probably the institution of the Sister Village Program. He really took 
great pride in his ability to work well with the military community. 
After hearing about friction between the military and local communities 
several decades ago, he started the program wherein Guam villages 
``adopted'' local military commands fostering friendship and 
cooperation. This has resulted in tremendous mutual benefits for 
service members and the local community.
  In recognition of his achievements, he was presented a host of awards 
and commendations. Among these are several notable and distinct honors. 
This includes being named an honorary Seabee, an honorary captain in 
the Police Reserve, and an honorary Commodore in the United States 
Navy.
  The late Honorable Frank Martinez Portusach left a legacy of service 
and devotion to the village of Agana Heights, the island of Guam, its 
people and the United States. It is with a sense of great loss that I 
pay tribute to this distinguished local leaders. His preserverance and 
energy will forever live in the hearts of his constituents. May his 
lifelong commitment to the village of Agana Heights and the island 
forever inspire us.
  On behalf of the people of Guam, I offer my condolences and join his 
widow, children, and grandchildren in mourning the loss of a husband, a 
father, and a fellow servant to the people of Guam.

                          ____________________