Guam News

May 20, 2013 8am Newscast

admin@ainamedia.com (Bob Gaeth) — Sun, 19 May 2013 21:16:28 +0000

Patti Arroyo with the May 20, 2013 8am newscast. {mp3}052013_080900{/mp3}

Remains of CPL Dwayne Flores Received by Family Members at Dover AFB

admin@ainamedia.com (Kevin Kerrigan) — Sun, 19 May 2013 20:27:35 +0000

Guam - The Department of Defense has yet to officially announce the names of the 2 Guam soldiers who died in Afghanistan last Thursday, but DoD has already turned over the body of one of the soldiers to his family during a ceremony at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.

The Governor's Office Sunday night announced that that the body of Corporal Dwayne W. Flores, one of the Guam Guard Soldiers killed in action recently in Afghanistan, arrived at Dover Air Force Base Sunday morning (CST) for a "Dignified Transfer of Remains" ceremony.

Two members of CPL Flores’ immediate family, his mother and sister, attended the brief ceremony. It has not yet been announced when his body will be returned to Guam.

Flores and another Guam solider, SGT Eugene M. Aguon of Mangilao, were both killed by a suicide car bomber in Kabul last Thursday. No word yet on when the remains of SGT Aguon will be returned.

This past Saturday, Governor Calvo declared Guam in a State of Mourning for the two fallen Guam soldiers.

Body of 58 Year Old Fisherman Pulled From Pago Bay

admin@ainamedia.com (Kevin Kerrigan) — Sun, 19 May 2013 20:21:26 +0000

Guam - Guam Fire Spokesman Lt. Ed Artero says the body of a 58 year old fisherman was pulled from Pago Bay Sunday evening.

Artero told PNC News that rescue personnel on jet skies found the man inside the reef shortly before 8pm.

A 911 call was made about 7pm reporting that the fisherman was missing.

The identity of the man has not been released.

The cause of death is pending an autopsy which is expected to take place later today.

Congresswoman Bordallo: "Deeply Saddened" by the Loss of Aguon and Flores

admin@ainamedia.com (News Release) — Sun, 19 May 2013 04:33:01 +0000

Guam - Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo has issued the following statement on the deaths of 2 Guam Guardsmen in Afghanistan this past Thursday.

READ the statement from Congresswoman Bordallo below:

Statement on the Passing of Guam National Guardsmen SGT Eugene Aguon, SPC Dwayne Flores
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 18, 2013 – Washington, D.C. –

Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo today issued the following statement on the passing of two Guam National Guardsmen, Sergeant (SGT) Eugene Aguon of Mangilao, and Specialist (SPC) Dwayne Flores of Sinajana, who died in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

“I am deeply saddened at the loss of SGT Eugene Aguon and SPC Dwayne Flores,” said Congresswoman Bordallo. “These brave men made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and for our entire nation while serving in Afghanistan. We will be forever grateful for their service. My heart goes out to their family and friends, and I ask that our island community surround them with prayers and sympathy during this difficult time. This is a very sad day for our island.”

The Roadwork Ahead: MONDAY May 20- Sunday May 26

admin@ainamedia.com (News Release) — Sun, 19 May 2013 04:27:08 +0000

Guam - The Guam Department of Public Works has released the following list of road construction projects that may cause traffic delays in the week ahead.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Monday May 20 - Sunday May 26

Route 1/ 8 (Hagåtña Bridges)
Route 1 between Route 4 and Route 8 is reduced to two lanes in each direction. Motorists traveling through this area are advised to be aware of lane shifts and detours and should expect travel delays. Alternative routes and/or adjusting drive times when feasible are encouraged.

Motorists are advised to be aware of the tight right-turn from Route 8 to Chalan Santo Papa Juan Pablo and to drive cautiously through this construction zone.

Route 4 Ylig Bridge (Yona)
Construction work on the bridge abutments on the Route 4 Ylig Bridge continues this week. Due to the proximity of the construction work to travel lanes, intermittent traffic delays and lane closures may be required for the safety of motorists traveling in the area. The temporary bridge and detour remains open to traffic with a posted 15 MPH speed limit. Motorists should observe the posted speed limit and all construction signs.

Route 4 (Pago Bay to Route 17)
Work continues on Route 4 as the contractor completes minor works along the roadway. Motorists may experience temporary lane shifts and minor delays when traveling through this area and are asked to use caution and observe all construction signs and posted speed limits.

Motorists traveling through this area should expect delays and are asked to obey all traffic signs and flaggers.

For more information contact:

Guam Transportation Information Center
Telephone: 646-3452
Email: helpdesk@guamtransportationprogram.com and highways@dpw.guam.gov
Website: www.guamtransportationprogram.com

Governor Calvo Declares "State of Mourning" Over the Deaths of 2 Guam Guardsmen in Afghanistan

admin@ainamedia.com (News Release) — Sat, 18 May 2013 08:29:01 +0000

Guam - Guam Governor Eddie Calvo has declared a "State of Mourning" for Guam following the deaths of two Guam Guardsmen who lost their lives in Afghanistan this past Thursday.

READ the statement from Governor Calvo below:

“Christine and I, Ray and Notch ask for the prayers of every Guamanian for the families and friends of Sgt. Eugene M. Aguon, and Specialist Dwayne W. Flores. There are no words to describe the overwhelming grief of our island on this tragic day. May the Lord be with their parents and loved ones to give them strength,” Governor Calvo said.

Maj. General Benny Paulino, The Adjutant General of the Guam National Guard, has committed all resources necessary to take care of the families as they go through this most difficult time.

Joint Region Marianas Celebrates Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month

admin@ainamedia.com (JoAnna Delfin, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs) — Sat, 18 May 2013 02:35:45 +0000

ASAN, Guam (NNS) -- Command Sailors and personnel gathered to recognize Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month at the Joint Region Marianas (JRM) headquarters in Asan, Guam, May 15.
JRM Commander Rear Adm. Tilghman Payne said it's important to celebrate diversity events as each individual culture brings unique aspects and perspective to the workplace.

"Each of these little places is separate and distinct," he said. "They all have culture that is different, they have many common values (and) we honor the same general things. Everyone is a great contributor in what we do but it's almost a microcosm of what I view as sort of the Department of Defense the diversity that's present in the Department of Defense."

Cmdr. Tara McArthur-Milton, JRM Total Force Manpower director, helped coordinate the event, which included a traditional Samoan dance, trivia game and a special video presentation of monologues from JRM personnel.

"Where we're located we're just in the center of things in terms of the Asian-Pacific culture," she said. "So we have a lot of diversity amongst our staff so I think it's important that we recognize that and educate ourselves on those different cultures and recognize contributions from those cultures."

McArthur-Milton added that educating others about different cultures offers a chance for people to get to know each other better in order to work better and more efficiently.

"It's really important that they understand one another and understand the strengths that these people bring to the table and really leverage those strengths as we work towards making sure that we're meeting all our objectives when it comes to mission accomplishment," she said.

For more news from U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas, visit www.navy.mil/local/guam/.

IBTF Unveils "'RAP" Signs for Lions Club & Micro Mall Pay-Less, Both Pledge to Keep Roadways Clean

admin@ainamedia.com (News Release) — Sat, 18 May 2013 02:08:23 +0000

Guam - The Island Beautification Task Force [IBTF] a unveiled 2 new roadway adoption signs FRIDAY. One stretch of road was adopted by the Lions Club International and the other by the Micronesian Mall Payless.

The IBTF "Road Adoption Project" [RAP] encourages local businesses and organization commit to helping to keep a Guam roadway clean and well maintained by adopting a stretch of that road. In turn the IBTF erects a sign along that roaway showcasing that promise.

Friday, a sign featuring the Guam Lions Club was unveiled beside the Circle 76 Gas Station on airport road. The Lions Club has adopted Airport Road on Route 10A.

Also on Friday, the Pay-Less Micronesian Mall Branch adopted Fatima Road, along a stretch of Route 27A in Dededo.

In all Payless has now adopted 2 stretch of roadway on island.

1. Pay-Less Dededo: Route 27A, Fatima Road

2. Pay-Less Mangilao: Route 10, beginning at Corten Torres Intersection to Route 15

3. Pay-Less Hagåtña: Route 7A, beginning at Shirley’s Coffee Shop at Agana Shopping Center and ending at the Route 8 intersection

The Adopt-a-Road project is made possible through Islandwide Beautification Task Force's partnership with Department of Parks and Recreation, DC Signs, and The Works! Foundation.

Islandwide Beautification Task Force: “It starts with us! It starts with me!"

Visit the ‘RAP’ google map which allows organizations to search for available roads to adopt. The map can be found on the IBTF website at www.guamibtf.com

For more information, please contact Angelo Salcepuedes at 475-9380 or email angelo.salcepuedes@guam.gov

Dwayne Flores & Eugene Aguon Killed in Suicide Bombing Attack This Past Thursday in Kabul

admin@ainamedia.com (Kevin Kerrigan, Josh Tyquiengco & Janela Carrera) — Fri, 17 May 2013 23:47:38 +0000

Guam - Guam Guardsmen Specialist Dwayne W. Flores and Sgt. Eugene M. Aguon, were killed this past Thursday in Kabul, Afghanistan, when a suicide bomber rammed the convoy they were part of.

In all, the explosion claimed 15 lives, 6 of them Americans, including Flores and Aguon. The other 4 Americans killed were civilian contractors.

Guam Governor Eddie Calvo confirmed the deaths in a message to the media Saturday evening declaring a "State of Mourning" on Guam for the deaths of Flores and Aguon.

In his statement the Governor said:

“Christine and I, Ray and Notch ask for the prayers of every Guamanian for the families and friends of Sgt. Eugene M. Aguon, and Specialist Dwayne W. Flores. There are no words to describe the overwhelming grief of our island on this tragic day. May the Lord be with their parents and loved ones to give them strength,” Governor Calvo said.

Aguon and Flores were part of the nearly 600 Guam guardsmen in the 1^st Battalion, 294^th Infantry Regiment. They left island on March 2 for a month of pre-deployment training at Camp Shelby in Mississippi. They arrived in Afghanistan in the first weeks of April.

The 23 year old Aguon is from Mangilao. He was a graduate of George Washington High School. Flores is from Sinajana.

[Eugene Michael Aguon, FaceBook photo]

[Dwayne W. Flores, FaceBook Photo]

Mass for Dwayne Flores will be said nightly at the Hagatna Cathedral Chapel from 6pm Monday to Saturday and from 7pm on Sunday.

ABC News reported that the blast was "so powerful it rattled the other side of the Afghan capital."

READ the report of the suicide bombing on the ABC News website HERE

A Muslim militant group, "Hezb-e-Islami," claimed responsibility for the attack, according to the report.

The militant group said it had formed a new suicide unit in response to reports that the U.S. plans to keep bases and troops in Afghanistan, after the scheduled pull-out in 2014. ABC News also reports that "Hezb-e-Islami" claimed their fighters had been stalking the Americans for a week to learn their routine, before they attacked.

Guam Service Members Killed in Action in Afghanistan [source: icasulties.org ]

DATE NAME AGE RANK CAUSE VILLAGE

11. May 16, 2013 Eugune M. Aguon 23 National Guard Sgt. car bomber Mangilao

10. May 16, 2013 Dwayne W. Flores National Guard SPC car bomber Sinajana

9. Sept. 24, 2010: Jaysine Petree 19 Army Private 1st Class IED attack Yigo

8. June 7, 2010: Joshua Lukeala 23 Army Reserve Sgt. IED attack Yigo

7. August 8, 2009: Jose S.N. Crisostomo 59 Army 1st Sergeant IED attack Inarajan

6. August 8, 2008: Anthony M. Carbullido 25 Navy Petty Off. 2nd Class IED attack Agat

5. July 10, 2008: Samson A. Mora 28 National Guard , Specialist IED attack Dededo

4. July 10, 2008 Biran S. Leon Guerero 34 National Guard, Specialist IED attack Hagatna

3. August 29, 2007 Henry S. Ofeciar 37 Army Major hostile fire Barrigada

2. March 5, 2007 Gregory D. Fejeran 28 National Guard Sgt. vehicle ax Barrigada

1. March 3, 2007 Chris J.C. Fernandez 28 National Guard Sgt vehicle ax Dededo

69th Guam Liberation Day: Opening Ceremonies Saturday, May 25th - Schedule of Events

admin@ainamedia.com (News Release) — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:33:08 +0000

Guam - The 69^th Guam Liberation Day Committee has issued the following schedule of events for this year's Liberation festivities.

*Theme:                                          “Stories of Courage and Faith”

* Carnival Hours of Operation:   Monday, May 20 to July 28, WEEKDAYS: 6pm-12am; WEEKENDS &HOLIDAYS: 6pm-2am

* Opening Ceremonies:                Saturday, May 25th at 6:30pm at the Carnival main stage.

Come and enjoy local and international foods, desserts, treats and delicacies. Engage in fun games of skill and chance, Bingo, caricature painting, photo booths, novelties, kiddie and amusement rides, agricultural displays, balloons, paint ball, arts and crafts, zip line, casino, and so much more.

69th Liberation Carnival

ENTERTAINMENT LINE-UP*
(*subject to change)

May 20th, Monday
7-8:00PM Te’Ora Fire Cultural and Fire Show (Cultural Group)
8-9:30PM God Is Love (Formerly Mixed Plate) (Island Jams)

May 21st, Tuesday
Taste Of The Islands (Cultural Group)
8-9:30PM Tailgaters (Rock Band)

May 22nd, Wednesday
7-8PM   Tamalii Samoa (Cultural Group)
8-9:30PM ManAntes (Chamorro Rock Band)

May 23rd, Thursday
7-8PM   Just Say NO Dance Crew (Dance Troupe)
8-9:30PM G-Strings Allowed (Alternative Rock Band)

May 24th, Friday
6- 7PM 69th Liberation Carnival Opening Ceremonies
7-10PM To Be Announced

For More Information Contact: Mayor Robert Hofmann 898-8142

*Those interested in participating in the 69th Liberation Parade contact Ordot / Chalan Pago Mayor Jessy Gogue, Chairman Parade Committee at 472-8302.

The Liberation Festivities are sponsored in part through the generosity of:

Freedom Sponsors
The Guam Visitor’s Bureau, iConnect, iConnect buddy, KIJI-FM104.3, “One Nation”: Alcohol Free Campaign, the Bank of Guam and The Mayors’ Council of Guam,

Independence Sponsors
IT&E, SPPC 76 and Circle K, Kwik Space, Bank Pacific, Perez Brothers Inc., and the Guam Power Authority

Liberty Sponsors
Jones & Guerrero Co. Inc., Bank of Hawaii, P.H.R. Ken Micronesia, Inc., G4S Secure Solutions, and PBS Guam Channel 12.

All the nightly performers, artists, musicians & entertainers. All parade participants: marching units, floats, companies, entries. All the Carnival vendors, artisans & non-profit groups at the Carnival & the numerous volunteers who helped organize this year’s celebration.

Special Thanks to: Special Thanks: Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor, Military Representatives from the Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Guam National Air & Army Guard, Joint Region Marianas, 36th AirWing - AAFB, The National Parks Service, Department of Interior, Ms. Peggy Denny & the iRecycle Program & volunteer army of recyclers, Guam Police Department and the GPD CAPE Program, Guam Department of Parks and Recreation’s and Park Rangers, Guam Department of Public Works - Staff and Management, and the Office of Public Accountability.