Be the change you want to see in this world

"Winning starts in the mind. Whatever the mind can conceive, it will achieve."
-Joaquin Nangauta Naputi

"Be the change you want to see in the world."
-Mahatma Gandhi

Saturday, September 30, 2023

CARES Certificate

I am pleased to announce I passed the CARES Dementia-Related Behavior exam, along with other members in my class.  The CARES approach aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals with dementia by providing caregivers with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to deliver person-centered care and maintain meaningful connections with those they care for.

Meet the Diversity & Inclusion Team for the USCG Auxiliary's Pacific Area Division!

Hafa Adai!  Meet the Amazing Diversity & Inclusion Team for the USCG Auxiliary's Pacific Area Division!  It was a pleasure to meet my fellow Officers early this morning!  There's no doubt that Diversity and Inclusion transcends mere acknowledgment of differences. It demands proactive adaptation of practices to create an environment where myriad skills, perspectives, and backgrounds are not just acknowledged but celebrated. It compels us to delve deeper into comprehending the nuances of individual distinctions stemming from a vast spectrum of backgrounds and lifestyles. By doing so, we harness the power of diverse perspectives, catalyzing the enhancement and enrichment of our mission's quality and outcomes.  BIBA, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION!  🎉

Diversity & Inclusion Team for the USCG Auxiliary's Pacific Area Division

Happy 5th Anniversary Guåhan Isan Famagu'on Lions Club!

The Guåhan Isan Famagu’on Lions Club (135033) expresses its sincere appreciation and gratitude to those who joined us for our 5th Charter Anniversary and Installation of LY 2023-2024 Officers & Board of Directors Celebration held Sunday, September 24, 2023, at the Guam Hilton Hotel’s Micronesia Room.  The celebration featured our CUBS and LEOS who were honored to be greeted with acknowledging handshakes by the District Governor, Immediate Past District Governor and Past District Governors.  They were excited to present their a-cappella National Anthems & Blessings that resonated with everyone’s voices, including the “Count on Me” song highlighting autistic Cub Logan.  Cub Gaj’s Inspirational message (future District Governor) was also well received.  It was truly a blessing sharing meaningful time with all of you.  Si Yu’os Ma’åse’!  Mahalo!  Fa'afetai!  Salamat!  Xiè Xiè!  Gracias!  Arigatō!  Kamsahamnida. Thank you!  Enjoy the following snapshots!  🌈🦁 🇬🇺ROAR!




















D14 Fall 2023 Conference A Success!

The District 14 Fall 2023 Conference held September 22-24, 2023 in Hawaii was a success! There's no doubt that we found the training and fellowship to be meaningful.  We were also recognized for 50 years of service to our community, along with awards given to Bob Sajnovsky for his Golden Key award for excellent performance as an advanced instructor, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera for her seventh superior service award with 5,250 hours to various missions, Richard Marston for receiving his Coxswain qualification, and the Guam Flotilla's NACO (National Commodore) Three Star Award for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion.  Bravo Zulu to all who continue to make a difference!  Semper Paratus!

Si Yu'os Ma'ase'! Salamat! Kalangan! Kommool tata! Mesulang! Kammagar! Xie Xie! Domo Arigato! Thank you once again!  Enjoy the following snapshots!


FC Vasquez receives an award in behalf of the Guam Flotilla in celebration of the flotilla's 50 years.

Richard Marston is awarded a certificate for achieving Coxswain qualification.

FC Vasquez with AUX Specialist Jessica Puchert


D14 Division 2 members gather for fellowship at Olive Garden at the Ala Mo'ana Mall.











Coast Guard Sustained Auxiliary Service Award

It is truly an honor to have received the Coast Guard Sustained Auxiliary Service Award for the seventh time! Kudos to all who continue to make a difference in the various missions that are carried out throughout the year.  Bravo Zulu! 🎉


Monday, September 11, 2023

LET US REMEMBER: 9/11


On September 11, we paid tribute to those who suffered from the 9/11 attacks on America. We will always remember those who lost their lives, those who sacrificed to help in any way they could, and the day that brought everyone from all walks of life, rich or poor, together as ONE! God Bless the families and friends of those we have lost, and the brave men and women who continue to fight for our freedom!


Image source: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/

Monday, September 04, 2023

You can and you will!




Within you resides unfathomable power, 
A strength that emerges in response to adversity. 
Don't let fear stop you from pursuing your dreams. 
With determination and fortitude, you will conquer the bold. 
Every adversity is an opportunity to reflect. 
The path may be difficult, but please don’t fret. 
You must recognize that you have the fire within to succeed. 
In this journey we call life, embrace every adventure. 
With perseverance and courage, 
You will overcome the hill. 
You can and you will!
©mnrivera

Join us for the D204 Lions Clubs October Fest Saturday Story Time - Oct. 7

 Register at https://bit.ly/lionsclubreading We look forward to seeing you there! 🦁🎃📚

Saturday, September 02, 2023

HAPPY LABOR DAY!













Pictured above: Steering committee members of the Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) are hard at work during the 28th Annual International PIBBA Conference held June 22-25, 2009 at the University of Guam, Guam Marriott Resort, and Merlyn Cook School in Malesso. The conference theme was “Invigorating Languages and Cultures of the Pacific.”


Hafa Adai! I just wanted to wish everyone out there a Happy Labor Day weekend! Hopefully, you’ll be able to enjoy the Labor Day holiday, since there’s no doubt that many of us have exerted much effort to contribute to the betterment of our island. Our genuine commitment to work hard and wisely should not go unnoticed. I salute all of you who sincerely strive to make a difference! Kudos to all of you and Happy Labor Day!

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

TALES Familia

It is always nice to be able to spend time with my Talofofo Elementary School (TALES) Tiger Familia.  Although Luwaina will be heading to Florida, she'll only be a keystroke or Zoom session away.  Safe travels, and keep in touch! 🐅 😘

Friday, August 18, 2023

AULOC C-School, March 2023

AULOC C-School, March 2023
St. Louis, Missouri

Saturday, August 12, 2023

Join us for the D204 Lions Clubs Community Saturday Story Time - Sept. 2

Register at https://bit.ly/lionsclubreading We look forward to seeing you there! 🦁🚤📚😀



RIP Bro Pete 🙏❤️

RIP Pete.  You are now in a better place in heaven above.  You will always be remembered. 🙏❤️

RIP Pete Phillip Quichocho 🙏❤️


Wednesday, August 09, 2023

Double Celebration!

It’s a double celebration! 🎉 My parents surprised my baby sister Felicia and I with a birthday and graduation celebration combined! 🥳 Happy 25th Birthday 🎂 (wishful thinking) to my baby sister Felicia, and Si Yu’os Ma’ase’ to my familia for the graduation celebration of my final doctoral degree! 👩‍🎓 We are truly blessed to be surrounded by love and support! ❤️💕🎉🏆🎈

Double Celebration of Birthday & Graduation with the Naputi's and Rivera's!


Monday, July 31, 2023

Another Doctoral Achievement!

The Guam Cohort graduated with a Ph.D. in Educational Management from Philippine Women’s University on July 29, 2023 at PICC in Manila.  Kudos to the following cohort members:  Dr. Afshin Amoui, Dr. Erika Arceo, Dr. Therese Flores, Dr. Philip Patricio, Dr. Jim Reyes, Dr. Matilda Rivera, Dr. Jennifer San Nicolas, and Dr. Sylvia Taylor! 👩‍🎓🎉


The Guam Cohort take a pose to celebrate their doctoral achievement!  They are proud to represent Guam.  


Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera smiles as she receives her doctoral diploma.  This is her third and final doctoral journey.  Pictured L-R:  PWU President Marco M. Benitez, Rivera, and Board of Regents Member.


Monday, July 24, 2023

Happy Liberation Day, Guam!

Biba Ha’ånen Libirasion!

1st Annual World War II Seven Heroes of Malesso’ Dinner Meaningful

Si Yu’os Ma’åse’ to our families & friends who joined us for the 1st Annual World War II Seven Heroes of Malesso’ Dinner on July 20, 2023.  Thank you also to Malesso’ Mayor Ernest Chargualaf for his Opening Remarks, along with Inarajan Mayor Anthony Chargualaf and Talofofo Mayor Vicente Taitague, for being present.  We truly appreciate Governor Lou Leon Guerrero for her presentation of the Proclamation of The World War II Seven Heroes of Malesso’ Remembrance Day.  Si Yu’os Ma’åse’ also goes out to Jeremie Cepeda and Dakota Camacho for the beautiful Bendision of prayers and chants as we remember our 7 Beloved Heroes who prevented a total massacre of the people of Malesso’.  I’m proud to say that my Tata, Juan Acfalle Naputi, and my 2 uncles (my Nana’s brothers), Mariano Nangauta & Jose Nangauta, are 3 of the 7 heroes. Malesso’ is the only village liberated by the villagers themselves and not by the U.S. Armed Forces.  Let us remember the following beloved heroes:  Jose S. Reyes, Mariano N. Nangauta, Jose N. Nangauta, Juan A. Naputi, Patricio S. Taijeron , Vicente M. Meno, and Nicolas A. Chargualaf.  May all our heroes Rest In Peace! If it weren’t for them, I would not be here today.  🙏😘  Enjoy the following snapshots, and we look forward to seeing you next year!




Pictured L-R:  Joaquin Nangauta Naputi, son of Juan Acfalle Naputi, one of the 7 heroes; and Julia Santos Naputi, daughter-in-law of Juan Acfalle Naputi.

Jose D. Naputi, grandson of Juan Acfalle Naputi, one of the 7 heroes, and 
Coordinator of the 1st Annual World War II Seven Heroes of Malesso’ Dinner

Pictured L-R:  Julia Santos Naputi and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, granddaughter of Juan Acfalle Naputi, one of the 7 heroes.

Pictured L-R:  Julia Santos Naputi; EvaDior Arjean Naputi Hernandez, great granddaughter of Juan Acfalle Naputi, one of the 7 heroes; and Joaquin Nangauta Naputi, son of Juan Acfalle Naputi.



Pictured L-R:  Art San Nicolas and Julia Santos Naputi, daughter-in-law of Juan Acfalle Naputi, one of the 7 Heroes of Malesso'

Pictured L-R:  Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Joaquin Nangauta Naputi, and Jeremy Cepeda


Pictured L-R:  EvaDior Arjean Naputi Hernandez, great granddaughter of Juan Acfalle Naputi, one of the 7 heroes; and Jose Naputi, son of Juan Acfalle Naputi



Pictured L-R:  Julia Santos Naputi, daughter-in-law of Juan Acfalle Naputi, one of the 7 Heroes of Malesso', and Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero.

Pictured L-R:  Joaquin Nangauta Naputi, son of Juan Acfalle Naputi, one of the 7 Heroes of Malesso'; Julia Santos Naputi, daughter-in-law of Juan Acfalle Naputi; and Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero.


Malesso' Mayor Ernest Chargualaf saying his Opening Remarks




Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero speaks to the participants of the 1st Annual World War II Seven Heroes of Malesso’ Dinner 







Pictured L-R:  Dolores Cruz Naputi, daughter-in-law of Juan Acfalle Naputi, one of the 7 heroes; and Renee Angoco, and great granddaughter of Juan Acfalle Naputi.