[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 188 (Friday, November 22, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JOEY SANTOS

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. MICHAEL F. Q. SAN NICOLAS

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 22, 2019

  Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in solemn remembrance of 
a good man from Guam--Joey Santos, whose passing came too soon on 
November 17, 2019, at the age of 49.
  Joey was a shining star going as far back as the 1980s. He was a 
mentor to many and a friend to many more.
  He attended the John F. Kennedy High School and played for the JFK 
Islanders basketball team. He proved what a valuable force he was even 
in his teens while playing high school basketball. Not long after 
graduation from JFK in 1988, he represented our island through his love 
of the game and decided to make an impact playing for the Guam National 
Basketball team. His dedication to the game showed through his 
determination and commitment with his countless hours on the court.
  In 1991, he took on a role with the University of Guam and worked his 
way up the ranks to the position of Recreational Supervisor up until 
his resignation in 2010. After 19 years of service to the University, 
he decided to embark on a new path. He accepted a position with the 
Father Duenas Memorial School as a physical education teacher, and 
eventually promoted to Athletic Director. Joey also served for 20 years 
in the Air National Guard and retired in October 2017 as a staff 
sergeant.
  Joey was a visionary for athletes. He wanted to help others maximize 
their potential and reach their goals. For a decade, he mentored high 
school athletes and truly led by example by demonstrating what it means 
to work hard--and not only on the field or on the court but in the 
classroom as well. He wanted our kids to succeed. He wanted to show 
them that anything was possible. He was much more than an Athletic 
Director, he was a hero to the students and he went out of his way to 
help others. Anyone who knew him was lucky to have a glimpse of who he 
was.
  Joey is a man of strength and courage. He fought cancer so hard for 
his wife, family, students, and those who were counting on him. Joey 
had a heart of gold--and he not only portrayed that on the basketball 
court or through his duties on the job, but in his daily life.
  Joey's wife, Selena Santos, said it best: ``My Chamoru Rock left with 
his eternal wings to our Almighty Father.''
  Joey is survived by his wife, Selena, his children David, Tayler, and 
Shylah, and his five grandchildren: Tobias, Taeya, and Rocky. He is 
also survived by his mother Maria, and his siblings Jeanie, Joyce, and 
Jeffrey, and beloved friends.
  I would like to convey my deepest sympathies to Joey's family, as 
well as extend my heartfelt thanks for his contributions to the 
community. Joey Santos will be missed by all who knew him.

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