[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 11 (Thursday, February 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E188-E189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       COMMENDING VOLUNTEER EFFORTS DURING THE SUPERTYPHOON PAKA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 12, 1998

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, on December 16, Supertyphoon Paka 
destroyed or severely damaged more than 8,000 homes, injuring more than 
200 people and leaving more than 3,000 families homeless. Of the 
homeless, more than 1,000 required temporary housing immediately. To 
the relief of these people, the Government of Guam Disaster Housing 
Office was quick to respond. The Liheng-ta Facility was put up to 
temporarily house the over 1,000 individuals who needed temporary 
shelter.
  I rise today to commend and congratulate a number of individuals who 
have distinguished themselves in the midst of the most recent natural 
disaster to hit the island of Guam. I would like to submit for the 
record the names of the people who made this all possible, some of whom 
are still working at the facility as we speak.
  First of all, I would like to make mention of people who managed the 
shelters: Mr. Robert Kelley, the director of the Disaster Housing 
Office; Jordan Kaye, the administrator of the Liheng-ta Facility; Ms. 
Marcia V. Mesa, the head nurse; and the staff officers: Cecilia S. 
Delgado; Doris Young; Frank D. Santos, Jr.; Greg S. Massy; Francis L.G. 
Damian; Isabel J. Gawel; Teresita D. Finona; Frances Diaz; David R. 
Duenas.
  Lt. L.F. Castro was the Officer in Charge of the police officers 
tasked to provide security. Working under him were Sgt. II T.P. 
Tenorio, Operations Sergeant; Sgt. I M.P. Salas; Sgt. I D.C. Acfalle; 
PO3 P.H. Villanueva; PO3 M.J. Sayama; PO3 R.P. Fernandez; PO3 M.L. 
Mendoza; PO2 G.S. Topasna; PO2 K.S. Espinosa; PO2 M.M. Muna; PO2 W.J. 
Penn;

[[Page E189]]

PO2 A.J. Balajadia; PO2 P.T. Atoigue; PO2 A.B. Quitugua; PO2 J.C. 
Borja; PO3 D.J. Arceo; PO2 H.C. Flores; PO2 A.R.B. Pierce; CO/SGT. M.A. 
Reyes; D/L P.R. Manley; D/L N.J. Gogo; CO1 R.L. Delfin; CO1 P.C. Aguon; 
CO1 M.G. Villagomez; CO1 M.D. Aguon; CO1 F.C. Quinata; DO R.L. Blas; DO 
J.C. Tedtaotao; P/RCT. P.R. Blas; P/RCT. D.D. Cepeda; P/RCT. J.S. 
Babauta; and P/RCT. R.M. Lujan.
  Last but not least, I would like to commend the men and women of the 
Guam Air and Army National Guard and the Army Reserves for the 
invaluable service they provided. It was Guam's citizen soldiers and 
airmen who prepared and maintained the facilities. They made sure that 
the buildings were safe, in good condition and provided hot meals for 
the residents.
  These men and women came from every corner of the island. Through 
their sense of duty, they supported and aided those who had been less 
fortunate. For this they should be honored and recognized. Si Yu'os 
Ma'ase for your public service to the victims of Typhoon Paka.

                          ____________________