[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E48]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN MEMORIAN: GENERAL BEN GARRIDO BLAZ

                                 ______
                                 

                  HON. GREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO SABLAN

                    of the northern mariana islands

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 10, 2014

  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands 
extend their condolences to the people of Guam on the passing of their 
former Delegate to Congress, General Ben Garrido Blaz.
  Especially, we extend our sympathies to his sons, Mike and Tom, and 
to all of General Blaz's family for their great loss.
  Ben Blaz was a trailblazer for all the Chamorros of the Mariana 
Islands, the first of us ever to rise to the rank of General in the 
U.S. Armed Forces.
  And he served here from the 99th to the 102nd Congresses, often 
looking out for the interests of the people of the Northern Mariana 
Islands, whom I represent, as well as for his own constituency in Guam.
  Beyond those professional accomplishments, Ben Blaz was a warm and 
caring man.
  He was knowledgeable about policy, committed to finding solutions, 
and in his passing, the Marianas have lost an important leader.
  The people of the Northern Mariana Islands share the sadness of our 
friends and neighbors in Guam.
  And I thank Ms. Bordallo for bringing us together here this afternoon 
to salute General Ben Garrido Blaz.
  May he rest in peace.

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