[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E260-E261]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MAJOR IRENIO BORJA SAN NICOLAS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES C. MOYLAN

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 24, 2026

  Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
Major Irenio Borja San Nicolas, as we approach the anniversary of his 
passing on April 7, 2025.
  Major San Nicolas lived a life defined by service--service to this 
Nation and to our beloved island of Guam. His story reflects a 
generation of individuals who stepped forward when called and carried 
that responsibility with quiet strength.
  A proud son of Guam, he was shaped by the values that define our 
island--respect for others, resilience in the face of hardship, and a 
deep sense of responsibility to family and community. These values 
guided him as he answered the call to serve in the United States Marine 
Corps.
  During his military career, he took on leadership roles that required 
not only skill, but trust. He served during the Vietnam era, 
demonstrating discipline, courage, and a steadfast commitment to those 
he led. Notably, Major San Nicolas made history as the first CHamorro 
commissioned officer to command Marines on Guam. This achievement 
reflects not only his professional excellence, but also the barriers he 
helped break and the path he helped pave for future generations of 
leaders from our island.
  Leadership in the Marine Corps is earned, not given and he earned 
that trust through integrity, capability, and a deep sense of duty. But 
what makes his legacy especially meaningful is that his service did not 
end when he returned home.
  Following his military career, he continued to serve the people of 
Guam. In Talo'fo'fo and beyond, he remained engaged in community and 
civic life, contributing in ways that strengthened the island he loved. 
His leadership was steady and often quiet--grounded not in recognition, 
but in responsibility. He represented a kind of leadership that is 
deeply felt across our communities--a reliable presence, someone who 
showed up, who contributed, and who led by example.

[[Page E261]]

  Major San Nicolas' life reflects a broader story--one shared by many 
from Guam who served in uniform, returned home, and continued to give 
back. It is a story of humility, of resilience, and of a lifelong 
commitment to others.
  As we reflect on his life, we are reminded that service does not end 
after we are gone, it lives on in the values we uphold, in the 
communities we strengthen, and in the example we set for future 
generations. Major San Nicolas embodied that commitment. His life was 
one of purpose, discipline, and enduring service. His contributions--
both in uniform and at home--leave a lasting imprint on our island.
  We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. We 
recognize that behind every life of service is a family that shares in 
that sacrifice. We hope they find comfort in knowing that his legacy 
continues to live on in the community he helped shape.
  Mr. Speaker, today we honor more than a memory, we honor a life that 
continues to guide us. With immense gratitude, we honor the legacy of 
Major Irenio Borja San Nicolas--a Marine, a leader, and a proud son of 
Guam.