[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 140 (Tuesday, October 7, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1987]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN MEMORY OF ROMAN Q. BENAVENTE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 7, 2003

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of my 
dear friend, Roman Quichocho Benavente who passed away on September 30, 
2003.
  Roman was born on February 22, 1922. He was married to the late, 
Margarita Mendiola Mesa Benavente and father to Frances B. Leon 
Guerrero, Nora B. ``Lola'' Beck, Barbara B. ``Bobbie'' Vaira, Randolph 
Mesa ``Randy'' Benavente, Raymond Mesa Benavente, and Bernice B. Batson 
and the late Danny San Nicholas. He was also grandfather, great-
grandfather, brother, uncle, godfather, and friend.
  Roman was a shining example of the strength and courage of the 
Chamorro people. We are proud and grateful of his 50 years of service 
to his country and his people. He was a 30-year veteran of the United 
States Navy from which he retired as a Chief Petty Officer in 1970. He 
went on to serve with the United States Capitol Police, retiring after 
20 years in 1991.
  Although Roman and his family remained in the states after his 
retirement, his love for the island of Guam and his Chamorro heritage 
was constant. Together he and Margarita raised their children with a 
deep appreciation of their Chamorro heritage and a love of their island 
home. As a founding member of the Guam Territorial Society, now known 
as the Guam Society of America, Inc., he was an active member, planning 
and participating in all activities. More importantly, Roman has helped 
bring those of us residing in the area together to continue our local 
traditions and to help pass these traditions on to our children.
  Roman was known for his kindness, generosity and his sense of humor. 
He was known for his love for God, his family and friends, his island 
and his country. He was known for his love of cooking, singing and 
dancing. Yet for the many things for which Roman will be remembered, I 
will especially remember Roman for his steadfast loyalty, support and 
friendship to me and my family throughout the years. Roman would open 
his home to us whenever we visited Washington, D.C. and I could count 
on his presence and participation at all my events. In fact, on the day 
I was sworn in as Guam's Delegate, he was the first person to arrive 
for the ceremony. He came early to offer his assistance. This was 
typical of Roman. Whenever anything needed to be done, he was the first 
to arrive and the last to leave, doing what needed to be done and 
having a great time doing it.
  We have much to learn from Roman and the way he lived his life. He 
taught us to love, to laugh and to celebrate and to be there for each 
other. Though we mourn his death, we honor his life in living by his 
example. On behalf of the people of Guam, I extend our deepest 
sympathies and prayers to the family and friends of Roman Quichocho 
Benavente.

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