[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E544-E545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING GERRY PEREZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES C. MOYLAN

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 8, 2026

  Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary 
son of Guam whose decades of leadership, service, and vision have left 
a lasting mark on our island community--Dr. Gerry Perez--as he retires 
following more than sixty years of public and private service to Guam, 
our island reflects with deep gratitude on a career defined by 
leadership, dedication, and an unwavering love for the people of Guam.
  For generations, Dr. Gerry Perez has been a respected leader in 
tourism, economic development, public service, and regional advocacy 
throughout the Pacific.
  Many across Guam know him as a driving force behind the growth and 
advancement of our visitor industry. Through his work with the Guam 
Visitors Bureau and decades of leadership in tourism development, he 
helped position Guam as a premier destination in the Asia-Pacific 
region while proudly showcasing the culture, hospitality, and identity 
of the CHamoru people.
  But his impact reaches far beyond tourism alone. Dr. Perez's career 
reflects a lifetime devoted to building Guam's future across many 
sectors of island life. Over the years, he served in numerous 
leadership positions throughout government, business, education, and 
civic organizations including as Director of Land Management, 
Administrator of the Guam Economic Development Authority, Director of 
the Bureau of Budget and Management Research, Chairman of the Guam 
Chamber of Commerce, Vice Chairman of the University of Guam Board of 
Regents, and Chairman of the Government of Guam Retirement Fund Board 
of Trustees. His leadership helped shape policies and initiatives that 
continue to impact Guam today.
  What stands out most about Dr. Gerry Perez is not simply the number 
of titles he has held, but the respect he has earned throughout our 
community over the course of a lifetime dedicated to service. He became 
known as someone who could bring people together, build partnerships, 
and advocate for Guam with professionalism and credibility both locally 
and internationally. In many ways, he served as one of Guam's strongest 
ambassadors to the world.
  His work helped strengthen Guam's relationships throughout the 
Pacific and Asia while creating opportunities for economic growth, 
cultural exchange, and regional cooperation.

[[Page E545]]

Even after decades of accomplishment, Dr. Perez continued to mentor 
others and remain actively engaged in shaping Guam's future. His 
commitment to service never faded.
  Recently, he was honored with the Maga'H6ga Award, one of Guam's 
highest recognitions' for public service--a fitting tribute to a man 
whose life's work has been dedicated to improving our island community. 
This recognition reflects what the people of Guam have long known: 
Gerry Perez represents the very best of public service, leadership, and 
island pride.
  His legacy is found not only in the programs he helped build or the 
organizations he helped lead, but in the generations of leaders, 
professionals, and community members who benefited from his guidance 
and example. As Guam continues to navigate new opportunities and 
challenges in the IndoPacific region, leaders like Dr. Gerry Perez 
remind us of the importance of vision, collaboration, and service 
rooted in love for community.
  On behalf of the people of Guam, I extend my deepest gratitude to Dr. 
Gerry Perez for his lifetime of contributions to our island. We thank 
him for his leadership. We thank him for representing Guam with 
distinction. And we thank him for helping build a stronger future for 
generations to come.
  I congratulate Dr. Perez on his retirement and on a truly remarkable 
legacy of service.

                          ____________________