Micronesian veterans are finally getting attention … but we’ll wait and see

Micronesian Basket By Alex Rhouwiniong

U.S. war veterans from Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands, who were honorably discharged from service, are one step closer to finding some relief for the literal and figurative pains they constantly experience.

Thanks to bipartisan legislation that would address the veterans’ frustrations. The bill, titled “Caring for Veterans and Strengthening National Security Act," would authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into agreements with governments of the freely associated states to ensure the veterans receive care “consistent with existing laws.”

The bill was passed unanimously by the U.S. Senate on Dec. 17, 2025 and is now awaiting action from the U.S. House of Representatives. It was authored by Hawaii Democrat U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and Kansas Republican U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran.

I am a veteran myself, who fought in the Middle East during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Many of us are experiencing difficulties in accessing health care and other benefits we have been promised.

The Department of Veterans Affairs anticipates the proposed services, such as telehealth, mail-order pharmacy benefits and beneficiary travel reimbursements will be implemented within a year after the law’s enactment.

However, details remain sketchy.  

“We don't have any answers for you yet,” said Johnny Silbanuz, the FSM’s acting consul general in Guam.

He said the consulate offices are waiting for the FSM Embassy in Washington D.C. to obtain information from the president, who will disseminate it through the appropriate channels. “So, this time, I'm sorry, I have no response for you.”

Diano Raigumal, a retired Navy veteran from Yap who now lives in California, agreed, saying, “It will take some time.”

For FAS veterans, the process might involve overcoming cultural and political barriers before they can access the benefits and services. 

“It'll get to the islands as a Department of State issue, already packaged, devoid of our island corruption and so forth,” Raigumal said, adding that the package will come through the Office of Insular Affairs.

Raigumal retired from service as an E-7 chief petty officer. He served during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom and also participated in small military operations in the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, the Horn of Africa, Kenya, Yemen, Tanzania and Kuwait.

The bill promises several relief benefits, but FAS veterans living in their home countries are not familiar with this proposed measure.

“I do not really understand this,” said Filemino Kilicho, a veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm who now lives in Chuuk with his family. “I will have to get back to you on this one.”

Domingko Saladier, a U.S. Army sergeant first class, is a veteran of U.S. overseas missions including Operation Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom I and II. “I am not sure about this one. I'll have to find out more information on this.”

Saladier lives on Guam with his family. His niece's son recently enlisted.

Some FAS veterans say they are excited and grateful about the bill but remain cautious. After years of shouldering pain and frustration, they question how long it will take before they see “boots on the ground.”

The “Caring for Veterans and Strengthening National Security Act” is a long-overdue bill that veterans from these FAS countries have long anticipated.

We'll just have to wait and see and watch what happens, if it happens. I'm not questioning whether the VA will keep its promises. I’m just wondering how the program will be implemented in this part of the world, or if it bears any resemblance to what the VA originally had in mind. If it actually does what it promises, great! If it doesn't, well, we'll still be here with our pains and claims. 

Now, it's our turn to pass along the information to our fellow vets. 

Alex J. Rhowuniong is a freelance journalist and longtime Guam resident. He worked for Marianas Variety-Guam and the Pacific Daily News. He was born and raised in Chuuk. Send feedback to justwrite.ar@gmail.com

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