[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 60 (Friday, April 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E461]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING MAJOR JOSEPHINE M.P. BLAS ON RECEIVING THE 2018 SMALL 
 BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION'S VETERAN SMALL BUSINESS CHAMPION OF THE YEAR 
                             AWARD FOR GUAM

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 13, 2018

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate 
Major Josephine M.P. Blas on receiving the 2018 Small Business 
Administration's Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year Award for 
Guam. Josephine is being honor for fulfilling a commitment to advancing 
small business opportunities for Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. She 
is currently the State Public Affairs Officer, Joint Forces 
Headquarters for the Guam National Guard. Josephine is being recognized 
for being a consistent voice for the Guam National Guard and Reserve 
community since 2000 with her assignment as a Public Affairs 
Technician.
  Josephine has nurtured and strengthens the relationship between local 
employers and Guard and Reserve members, building commitment to foster 
positive relationships to allow service members to serve undeterred or 
unworried about work status in Guam. The relationship building has 
allowed Guard and Reserve members to be exposed to business 
opportunities and initiatives. She continues to amplify the stories of 
the Guam Guard and Reserve talent, boosting their ability as business 
starters and owners.
  Josephine is responsible for publicizing the work of the Guam 
National Guard through various social media platforms and generating 
candid and timely communication counsel and guidance to Guam Guard 
leadership while ensuring safeguards from foreign threats. She is also 
tasked with promoting public knowledge, understanding and support of 
the Guard's missions, organizations and capabilities; and develop and 
maintain strong working relationships with the media and civilian 
organizations. Josephine also provides staff assistance, guidance, 
outreach, and training and mediation concerning employer relations for 
the National Guard and Reserve Component members, retirees and their 
employees as it relates to duty.
  Josephine is an effective ambassador of goodwill and support, 
symbolizing the best characteristics of our military forces, both local 
and global. Josephine has served the leadership of the Guard and 
Reserve, accompanying and supporting them on critical visits to units 
away from home and providing unique perspectives for their families. 
She serves as an invaluable bridge to both families and employers. 
Josephine is also a Life Member of the Military Officers Association of 
America, the National Guard Association of the United States, served as 
the vice president for Air National Guard Association of Guam and 
currently serves as the Vice Commander of the Women Veterans of 
America, Guam Chapter. Additionally, Josephine is the mother of an 
autistic son and serves as the president of Autism Community Together, 
a nonprofit group raising community awareness to and providing support 
for families with autistic children and adults.
  I congratulate Major Josephine M.P. Blas on receiving the 2018 Small 
Business Administration's Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year 
Award for Guam. I join the people of Guam in commending her for her 
award and thanking her for her many contributions to our island 
community.

                          ____________________