[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 126 (Monday, July 19, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E768]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING BRIGADIER GENERAL JOHNNY S. LIZAMA ON THE 
                       OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. MICHAEL F.Q. SAN NICOLAS

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 19, 2021

  Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true public 
servant, Brigadier General Johnny S. Lizama, and congratulate him on 
his retirement from the Guam Air National Guard after 43 years of 
service to our island and nation.
  After graduating from Father Duenas Memorial School in 1977, 
Brigadier General Lizama remained determined for success and set his 
sights on a university degree. While earning his Bachelor of Arts in 
Business Management, he followed in the footsteps of his father, a 
Vietnam War-era sailor, and first enlisted with the Coast Guard Reserve 
on Guam. He then transitioned into active-duty status with the United 
States Air Force in 1982, where he was stationed at Eglin AFB, Florida 
and Beale AFB, California. Cognizant of the importance of both 
knowledge and experience, Brigadier General Lizama used the educational 
opportunities offered by the military to assist in propelling his 
career forward, As a graduate of the Air War College with a master's 
degree in public administration from Golden Gate University and 
numerous other certifications and training under his belt, Brigadier 
General Lizama emerged as a pillar of leadership for our community and 
servicemembers with unwavering resolution.
  With recognitions such as a Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon, 
Humanitarian Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Army Achievement, 
Air Force Achievement, Air Force Commendation, Meritorious Service 
Medal, and Legion of Merit, Brigadier General Lizama's countless awards 
and decorations only offer a glimpse of his character and long history 
in public service. By 1988, he returned to Guam to serve in our Air 
National Guard, where his work, achievements, and strategic 
understanding of Guam assisted in its development as a world-class 
organization. Humbly and steadily rising through the ranks, Brigadier 
General Lizama paved a path from machinery technician to interior 
electrician, manpower specialist, services specialist, and onto his 
first commission as an officer in 1992.
  His breadth of experience and specialties further equipped him with 
valuable tools to successfully lead in numerous other senior positions. 
In his role as former Homeland Security Advisor for the Governor of 
Guam, Brigadier General Lizama advanced the safety and security of Guam 
as the frontline for all activities in our region. His drive and 
professionalism further paved the way for him to write history when, in 
2016, he emerged as a pioneer and became the first Chamorro Airman to 
be promoted and federally recognized at the rank of brigadier general 
in the Guam Air National Guard and the United States Air Force. Through 
this position, he exercised control of all Guam Air-National Guard 
personnel, material and fiscal resources, and advised the Adjutant 
General on Guard functions. As the Assistant Adjutant General and hand-
picked Commander of the Guam Air National Guard, he was also 
responsible for the strategic administration, coordination, planning, 
and development of policies and programs to ensure mission readiness 
units that serve local communities, State, and Nation, for both 
homeland and defense missions.
  Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Brigadier General Lizama's leadership has 
also been critical to our public and the Guam National Guard's response 
to the dynamic needs of our government and community. Establishing yet 
another milestone for our community as the first Guam dual-status 
commander for Joint Task Force 671 appointed by the Secretary of 
Defense and the Governor of Guam, he oversaw the operations for all 
service members, federal entities, and local agencies responding to the 
pandemic on the island. Further working with Guam Homeland Security and 
FEMA to assess and plan current and future operations and missions 
which target flattening the curve, he embodies the definition of 
selflessness and fortitude.
  Throughout his journey and with every success, Brigadier General 
Lizama has never failed to demonstrate the defining humility of a true 
servant leader. He credits his inspiration and achievements to his 
faith, the deep love he shares with his resilient parents and parents-
in-law, Eloy L.G. and Dolores S. Lizama, Tomas G. and Delores C. San 
Nicolas, Dee, his wife of over 37 years, their children, Major (USAF) 
Keith and his wife Paula-Jean, Lieutenant (USN) Kimberly and her 
husband Jonathan, Airman First Class (USAF) Cody and Rico, and his four 
grandchildren, Taehlyn-Jean, Urijah-John, Logan-James and Brendan-
Jacob, and the sons and daughters of Guam.
  Brigadier General Johnny Lizama served our island and nation with 
much honor, actively transformed Guam and its Air National Guard, and 
continues to inspire many members of our community. Madam Speaker, I 
rise on behalf of the People of Guam, offering my greatest appreciation 
for his commitment to our country. I sincerely thank Brigadier General 
Lizama for his many years of service and sacrifice, congratulate him on 
his well-earned retirement, and wish him the best as he enters a new 
chapter in his life.

                          ____________________