Guam Legislature Honors 2025 "Veterans of the Year" with Certificates of Recognition
November 19, 2025 | General Government Operations and Appropriations , Legislative, Guam
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Senator Sabrina Salas Matanani, chair of the Committee on Veterans Affairs and legislative secretary of the 30th Guam Legislature, opened a recognition ceremony to present legislative certificates to the island's 2025 "Veterans of the Year," nominees selected by veterans organizations and village mayors.
"This recognition is so well deserved," Salas Matanani said as she called awardees forward and explained the ceremony's purpose during Veterans Recognition Month, which she described as a time to "reflect on and honor the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces." The chair noted that many honorees continue to serve their communities after military service through volunteer work, mentorship and advocacy.
The chair announced certificate number 24138 as the official recognition instrument for the honorees. Salas Matanani read a roster of recipients spanning the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Guam Air Guard, identifying nominating organizations and village mayors when provided. Examples named by the chair include Joseph Perez Babalta (U.S. Army, nominated by Baragata Veterans Organization), Daniel J. Duenas (U.S. Air Force), and Jeffrey D. Kosaka (U.S. Army, nominated by the Guam Office of Veterans Affairs). Several motorcycle and veterans clubs were listed among nominators.
Major Anthony Borja, speaking for the Air Force Retiree Association, said, "My name is Major Anthony Borja. I'm here to accept this award for Chief Augusto Cepeda," and accepted the certificate on the nominee's behalf. George Cruz Perez, one of the honorees, offered brief remarks thanking organizers and acknowledging his appreciation for being recognized.
No formal votes or policy actions were taken; the event was ceremonial. After all awardees had been acknowledged, Salas Matanani invited awardees and village mayors to step forward for a group photograph and closed the program with additional thanks.
The ceremony emphasized community recognition of military service and ongoing veteran contributions on Guam. The legislative committee said the certificates are meant to honor both active service and continued civic leadership by veterans. The event concluded with a group photo and brief onstage exchanges.
"This recognition is so well deserved," Salas Matanani said as she called awardees forward and explained the ceremony's purpose during Veterans Recognition Month, which she described as a time to "reflect on and honor the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces." The chair noted that many honorees continue to serve their communities after military service through volunteer work, mentorship and advocacy.
The chair announced certificate number 24138 as the official recognition instrument for the honorees. Salas Matanani read a roster of recipients spanning the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Guam Air Guard, identifying nominating organizations and village mayors when provided. Examples named by the chair include Joseph Perez Babalta (U.S. Army, nominated by Baragata Veterans Organization), Daniel J. Duenas (U.S. Air Force), and Jeffrey D. Kosaka (U.S. Army, nominated by the Guam Office of Veterans Affairs). Several motorcycle and veterans clubs were listed among nominators.
Major Anthony Borja, speaking for the Air Force Retiree Association, said, "My name is Major Anthony Borja. I'm here to accept this award for Chief Augusto Cepeda," and accepted the certificate on the nominee's behalf. George Cruz Perez, one of the honorees, offered brief remarks thanking organizers and acknowledging his appreciation for being recognized.
No formal votes or policy actions were taken; the event was ceremonial. After all awardees had been acknowledged, Salas Matanani invited awardees and village mayors to step forward for a group photograph and closed the program with additional thanks.
The ceremony emphasized community recognition of military service and ongoing veteran contributions on Guam. The legislative committee said the certificates are meant to honor both active service and continued civic leadership by veterans. The event concluded with a group photo and brief onstage exchanges.
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