[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 8 (Monday, January 12, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H619-H620]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING LIEUTENANT COLONEL REINA ``REI'' SERINEO

  (Mr. Moylan of Guam was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Colonel 
Reina ``Rei'' Serineo of the United States Air Force, a proud daughter 
of Guam, as she concludes her distinguished career in service to our 
Nation.
  For nearly two decades, Lieutenant Colonel Serineo embodied the very 
best of what it means to wear the uniform. As an air battle manager, 
she logged more than 2,000 flight hours, including hundreds in combat 
and combat support missions, where decisions made in seconds carried 
life and death consequences for those in harm's way.
  Across assignments in the United States, Europe, and the Indo-
Pacific, she earned the trust of commanders and airmen alike, leading 
with precision, integrity, and care for those she served. Most 
recently, she helped shape the future of our Air Force through her work 
in the air combat command, guiding policies, training, and 
modernization.
  Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Serineo's service brings great pride 
to Guam and to our entire Nation. I thank her for her leadership, her 
sacrifice, and her enduring legacy of excellence.


         Honoring the Life of Senator Carmen Artero Kasperbauer

  Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the 
life and legacy of the late Senator Carmen Artero Kasperbauer.
  Born in 1935, Carmen grew up during the Japanese occupation of Guam 
in World War II, an experience that shaped her deep sense of 
responsibility to her community and her island.
  She lived a life defined by service, first as a registered nurse, 
caring for others when they were most vulnerable, and later as a 
senator in the Guam Legislature, where she served two terms with 
professionalism and integrity.
  Her life spanned generations of change on Guam, from war and recovery 
to a steady life of service rooted in community.
  Guam has lost a matriarch, but her legacy of service lives on through 
her husband, Dr. Larry Kasperbauer, and her children and grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful island, I say ``a big thank 
you''; ``un dangkolo na si Yu'os ma'ase'.'' She will be deeply missed.


                       Recognizing Dr. Mary Okada

  Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Mary Okada as 
she concludes her tenure as president of Guam Community College after 
many years of service to our island.
  Since 2007, Dr. Okada has served as president of the Guam Community 
College, becoming the first woman to lead

[[Page H620]]

the institution. Under her leadership, GCC strengthened its role as a 
pathway to workforce training, skilled trades, healthcare, and public 
service, helping students gain the skills they need to succeed and 
contribute to the broader community.
  She led with care and responsibility, ensuring strong financial 
stewardship, and building programs that respond to the realities of 
Guam's workforce and economy. The impact of her work is reflected in 
the thousands of students whose lives were shaped by the education and 
training they received at GCC.
  Guam is stronger because of her service and investment in our 
students. Mr. Speaker, I say: ``Thank you''; ``Si Yu'os Ma'ase''' to 
Dr. Okada for her leadership and for the opportunities she has created 
for generations to come.


                      Recognizing Dr. Erik Swanson

  Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Erik Swanson 
upon his conclusion of service as superintendent of the Guam Department 
of Education.
  Dr. Swanson stepped into the role during a challenging period for 
public education on Guam. He brought a steady focus on students, 
accountability, and the responsibility that comes with leading an 
island-wide school system.
  During his tenure, he worked to address longstanding issues facing 
Guam schools while supporting educators, staff, and families who show 
up every day for our students. His leadership reflected a clear 
understanding that education is not just policy, but people.
  Public education on Guam carries unique challenges, and Dr. Swanson 
approached that responsibility with care and commitment. I thank Dr. 
Swanson for his service to Guam students and families, and I wish him 
well in the next chapter ahead.

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