By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has selected Col. Michael Cruz as the next adjutant general of the Guam National Guard, succeeding Maj. Gen. Esther Aguigui, who announced her intent to retire in December 2022.
Cruz takes command of the Guard beginning today while awaiting legislative confirmation.
“We thank General Aguigui for her over 37 years of service to our island and nation, and for her leadership of the Guam National Guard during one of the most challenging times in history,” said Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio. “
The exemplary performance of our troops during the Covid-19 pandemic, the U.S. Capitol attack, the THAAD defense missions, and multiple other deployments is a testament to General Aguigui’s leadership, which brought out the best in our soldiers and airmen. We now look forward to the seasoned leadership of Col. Mike Cruz, who also has a proven record of faithful service to the people of Guam.”
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“Dr. Cruz is not only a surgeon, a former senator, and former Lieutenant Governor of Guam with an MBA in Healthcare Administration, he is also a combat veteran of Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom," Leon Guerrero said.
"His military leadership and medical expertise in aiding both Americans and foreign nationals earned him the prestigious Bronze Star Medal and a Combat Medical Badge. Right here at home, he’s served our people as the Medical Director of the Guam Memorial Hospital, the president and CEO of Guam Regional Medical City, and the president and co-founder of the Ayuda Foundation,” she added.
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