Committee backs creating November as Veterans Service Recognition Month; plans implementation roadmap

The Committee on Health and Veterans Affairs heard testimony June 12 on Bill 92, a measure to designate November as Veterans Service Recognition Month in Guam, with multiple veterans, advocacy leaders and senators expressing unanimous support for a monthlong observance.

"I think this is a no brainer," Sergeant Major Santiago said in testimony supporting the measure, urging the committee to use the month to preserve veterans' stories for future generations.

Sponsor Senator Sabrina said the designation would "give us the whole month to honor the men and women from Guam who've served in the military and the families who stood by them." Witnesses and senators emphasized the statute's implementation provisions, which detail program goals and assign agency roles.

Testimony from veterans and commissioners called for government agencies to take a greater role than in past years, when veterans organizations often relied on private donations and volunteer labor. Joe San Augustine, director of the Guam Office of Veterans Affairs, said his office would recruit the Guam Veterans Commission to plan programs and that donations could help underwrite events; Senator Chris Barnett and others urged that the measure be backed by legislative appropriations so events and services are not solely dependent on solicitations.

Witnesses recommended specific activities listed in the bill be treated as a menu rather than a rigid checklist. Senator Tydigui raised a drafting concern about the bill's frequent use of "shall" for program activities, noting that vetting and classroom visits require careful planning; Sergeant Major Santiago agreed that speakers should be vetted before appearing to students. Several testifiers and senators encouraged an emphasis on documenting veterans' oral histories and integrating activities with schools, ROTC, the Guam National Guard and other agencies.

The bill calls for the governor to issue an annual proclamation, requires participating agencies to identify and support activities such as school lessons on Guam's military history and veterans' oral-history projects, and authorizes fundraising and appropriations. Senator Sean Gumatauta reviewed existing statutory authority (10 GCA — 67106) that allows the Office of Veterans Affairs to solicit and administer gifts and donations and noted that funds for ceremonies may be deposited in the Veterans Affairs Fund.

No formal vote was taken; senators signaled support and the measure will proceed to markup. Committee members said they will consider amendments to clarify implementation language, funding sources and agency responsibilities and to ensure that program "shall" provisions are practicable. The committee will accept written testimony through June 26.