HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MAJOR IRENIO BORJA SAN NICOLAS

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MAJOR IRENIO BORJA SAN NICOLAS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E260-E261] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MAJOR IRENIO BORJA SAN NICOLAS ______ HON. JAMES C. MOYLAN of guam in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 24, 2026 Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Major Irenio Borja San Nicolas, as we approach the anniversary of his passing on April 7, 2025. Major San Nicolas lived a life defined by service--service to this Nation and to our beloved island of Guam. His story reflects a generation of individuals who stepped forward when called and carried that responsibility with quiet strength. A proud son of Guam, he was shaped by the values that define our island--respect for others, resilience in the face of hardship, and a deep sense of responsibility to family and community. These values guided him as he answered the call to serve in the United States Marine Corps. During his military career, he took on leadership roles that required not only skill, but trust. He served during the Vietnam era, demonstrating discipline, courage, and a steadfast commitment to those he led. Notably, Major San Nicolas made history as the first CHamorro commissioned officer to command Marines on Guam. This achievement reflects not only his professional excellence, but also the barriers he helped break and the path he helped pave for future generations of leaders from our island. Leadership in the Marine Corps is earned, not given and he earned that trust through integrity, capability, and a deep sense of duty. But what makes his legacy especially meaningful is that his service did not end when he returned home. Following his military career, he continued to serve the people of Guam. In Talo'fo'fo and beyond, he remained engaged in community and civic life, contributing in ways that strengthened the island he loved. His leadership was steady and often quiet--grounded not in recognition, but in responsibility. He represented a kind of leadership that is deeply felt across our communities--a reliable presence, someone who showed up, who contributed, and who led by example. [[Page E261]] Major San Nicolas' life reflects a broader story--one shared by many from Guam who served in uniform, returned home, and continued to give back. It is a story of humility, of resilience, and of a lifelong commitment to others. As we reflect on his life, we are reminded that service does not end after we are gone, it lives on in the values we uphold, in the communities we strengthen, and in the example we set for future generations. Major San Nicolas embodied that commitment. His life was one of purpose, discipline, and enduring service. His contributions-- both in uniform and at home--leave a lasting imprint on our island. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. We recognize that behind every life of service is a family that shares in that sacrifice. We hope they find comfort in knowing that his legacy continues to live on in the community he helped shape. Mr. Speaker, today we honor more than a memory, we honor a life that continues to guide us. With immense gratitude, we honor the legacy of Major Irenio Borja San Nicolas--a Marine, a leader, and a proud son of Guam.