Senators honor Sergeant Major Vincent C. Santiago as 2026 Marine Corps JROTC Instructor of the Year

Senators Vince Borja and Joe San Agustin presented retired Sergeant Major Vincent C. Santiago with an official certificate on May 11, 2026, recognizing him as the 2026 Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Instructor of the Year.

The presentation, held at the People’s House in Hagatna and read aloud as Certificate No. 380-38, commended Santiago for his work as senior Marine instructor at Okkodo High School and was signed on behalf of the people of Guam by Speaker Frank Blas Jr., Vice Speaker Anthony Ada and Legislative Secretary Sabrina Salas Matanane.

Senator Vince Borja said he first noticed Santiago at veteran oversight hearings and in community events and credited him with steady advocacy for veterans and students. Senator Joe San Agustin recounted the decision to bring Marines to Okkodo High School and praised Santiago’s leadership in the program.

Accepting the recognition, Sergeant Major Vincent C. Santiago thanked the senators, his principal and colleagues and credited the cadets. “I’m confident that Guam Marine Corps JROTC Okkodo High School is on the map,” Santiago said, describing a program that grew from a single instructor to national visibility. He also acknowledged a partner, First Sergeant Pagagi, and Dr. Rita Flores for nominating him for the award.

Dr. Rita Flores, principal of Okkodo High School, praised the instructors’ work and said the program’s standards and support earned it recognition as a naval honor school. “Without the two our JROTC program would not be where it is at today,” she said, thanking Santiago for his leadership and the time and care instructors give cadets.

The senators presented the certificate and congratulated Santiago and his family; the ceremony ended with applause and brief remarks by the honoree and school leadership.