[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 175 (Tuesday, October 5, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1066]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FORMER COMMISSIONER ROMAN LEON GUERRERO 
                              QUINATA, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. MICHAEL F.Q. SAN NICOLAS

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 5, 2021

  Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the life and 
legacy of former Commissioner Roman Leon Guerrero Quinata, Sr. He was 
an esteemed leader, selfless advocate, and true public servant for the 
People of Guam. We will fondly remember him as a pillar of strength and 
CHamoru resilience who aspired to elevate the quality of life for 
Talo'fo'fo' residents, our larger island community, and the future 
generations of Guam.
  Commissioner Quinata first assumed office in 1969 as the third 
elected commissioner of Talo'fo'fo' and went on to serve three 
consecutive terms. Tirelessly working to meet the needs of residents, 
he embodied a kind of leadership that truly sought to connect people to 
resources and aimed to realize a better future for Guam by facing the 
challenges of our day with faith and works. In addition to his 
instrumental role in implementing the island's first postal mail 
delivery system, Commissioner Quinata actively endeavored to foster 
greater community involvement by organizing various youth activities 
such as basketball, football, and little-league baseball events in his 
village. Moreover, this demonstrated commitment to advancing community 
connections was evident in his historic efforts to repatriate Imperial 
Japanese Army Sergeant, Shoichi Yokoi, after almost 28 years of hiding 
in the hills of Talo'fo'fo' following the cessation of World War II.
  This devotion to others was not limited by his 12-year tenure alone. 
Prior to taking on his role as an elected official, Commissioner 
Quinata courageously answered our nation's call to serve with the U.S. 
Army in the Korean War. He also became a Power Plant Electrician with 
the U.S. Naval Public Works Center in Guam, served as a Utilities 
Consultant at the Public Utilities Agency of Guam (PUAG), provided 
critical insight into Guam utilities infrastructure development as a 
member of the Guam Waterworks Authority's Board of Directors, and 
retired after 33 years of distinguished service within the Government 
of Guam.
  Beyond these professional achievements, however, most inspiring is 
the strength of character and unconditional generosity he personified 
as part of the Greatest Generation of Guam. Born in 1929, Commissioner 
Quinata was only 12 years old when WWll arrived on Guam's shores. 
Despite the pain and suffering he endured as a survivor of the war, he 
remained steadfast in his personal mission to advocate for forgiveness 
and faith in place of hatred and animosity. As an important voice for 
survivors and Grand Marshal on the 75th Annual Guam Liberation Day, his 
courage to recount his experiences aided in both preserving the stories 
of our people and advancing greater parity and justice for Guam and the 
Territories.
  Commissioner Roman Leon Guerrero Quinata, Sr., is an icon of 
fortitude and true servant leadership who continues to inspire 
generations throughout our island. He has cultivated a spirit of hope 
and legacy of selfless service by manifesting resilience in the face of 
enormity and promoting a lifelong message to love our neighbors. l wish 
to extend my deepest condolences to Commissioner Quinata's family and 
friends, and I join the People of Guam in remembering and celebrating 
his life and contributions to our island and Nation. He will be dearly 
missed, and his love and memories will forever remain in the hearts of 
the People of Guam.