[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 15, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E259]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING BRIGADIER GENERAL RODERICK R. LEON 
               GUERRERO ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. MICHAEL F.Q. SAN NICOLAS

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 15, 2022

  Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true public 
servant, Brigadier General Roderick R. Leon Guerrero and congratulate 
him on his retirement from the Guam Army National Guard (GUARNG) after 
34 years of service to our island and nation.
  Launching his military career in 1985, Brigadier General Leon 
Guerrero enlisted as a Private First Class. Determined to advance both 
his education and position in the ranks, he then entered the Army ROTC 
program at the University of Guam and was commissioned as a second 
lieutenant three years later. After earning his bachelor's degree in 
Political Science, he sought continued growth in knowledge and 
experience--paving a path from Combat Medic to Specialist, Cadet, and 
onto numerous assignments as a commissioned officer. His lasting 
contributions were catalyzed through his roles as an Intelligence 
Officer, Executive Officer for a Headquarters Company, Military Police 
Company Commander, Personnel Officer, Assistant Professor of Military 
Science, Recruiting and Retention Manager, Deputy G3 Officer, Plans, 
Operations, and Military Support Officer, Civil Support Team Commander, 
J3 Officer, and J1 Officer. Moreover, he maintains an impressive 
military education bolstered by a Security Managers Course at the 
National Defense Institution, Military Police Officer Basic Course, 
Adjutant General Officers Advanced Course, Combined Arms Staff Service 
Course, Command and General Staff Course, and Embedded Military 
Transition Training Course in addition to numerous other trainings and 
the completion of programs hosted by Harvard University and the Army 
Strategic Education.
  After earning his master's in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army 
War College, Brigadier General Leon Guerrero emerged as a pillar of 
leadership for our community with unwavering resolution. In addition to 
supporting Operation Enduring Freedom as part of the first Embedded 
Training Team from the GUARNG to Afghanistan, he embodied excellence in 
service as Chief of Joint Staff for the Guam National Guard (GUNG). As 
a Director of Military Affairs and Personnel, he further utilized his 
extensive experience, valuable specialties, and-incomparable integrity 
to develop our National Guard into a world-class organization. By 2015, 
he was selected to serve as the Adjutant General of the GUNG, where he 
advised the Governor of Guam on military affairs. In this capacity, he 
was also responsible for ensuring more than 1,500 Guardsmen were 
accessible, capable, and ready to deploy on island in response to 
emergencies and provide combat ready servicemembers to the U.S. Army 
and Air Force.
  With a long list of recognitions that include a Legion of Merit, 
Bronze Star, Meritorious Service, Army Commendation, Army, Airforce, 
and Army Reserve Components Achievement, and Afghanistan Campaign 
Medals, National Defense, Global War on Terrorism, and Humanitarian 
Service Medals, Army Service, Overseas Service, and NATO Ribbons, and 
Combat Action and Parachutist Badges, Brigadier General Leon Guerrero's 
countless decorations only illustrate a glimpse of his outstanding 
character and selflessness. His induction into the prestigious Cadet 
Command Hall of Fame in Fort Knox, Kentucky further demonstrates his 
distinguished background in both military and civilian pursuits and 
manifold contributions to the nation, the Army, and the history and 
traditions of the Army ROTC program.
  Throughout his career, Brigadier General Roderick R. Leon Guerrero 
has never failed to lead by example. Strengthened by his wife, Mary, 
his sons Jared and Broderick, and his daughter Crystal, he cultivated a 
fine career rooted in collaboration, problem solving, and results. He 
served with an astounding commitment to self, others, nation, and the 
American Dream, and continues to inspire many members of our community 
with his legacy of integrity and respect for others in all endeavors. 
Madam Speaker, I rise on behalf of the People of Guam, offering my 
greatest appreciation for Brigadier General Leon Guerrero's commitment 
to our country. I sincerely thank him for his many years of service and 
sacrifice, congratulate him on his well-earned retirement, and wish him 
the best during the next chapter of his life.

                          ____________________