Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo offered her congratulations to a U.S. Army soldier on Thursday at the Non Commissioned Officers Association’s (NCOA) National Legislative and Military Vanguard Awards ceremony held in Washington, D.C.  U.S. Army Sergeant Mariano R. Cali, the son of Patricia Rivera Cali and Cristito Cali, formerly of Dededo, received the Military Vanguard Award for Individual Acts of Heroism.  SGT Cali rescued three fellow soldiers from drowning in Waimea Bay Beach on the island of Oahu, where he is currently stationed. These events transpired during a tropical storm.

 

“Today I offer heartfelt congratulations to SGT Cali and the rest of the recipients honored at the NCOA Awards.  The selflessness of his actions reflect the ideals of the U.S. Army.  I join with the people of Guam in commending him and honoring his heroic actions,” Bordallo stated. 

 

The Military Vanguard Awards are distributed by the NCOA to one servicemember from each branch of the United States military:  the U.S. Army, the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Coast Guard.  The Non Commissioned Officers Association was established in 1960.  NCOA offers benefits and services designed especially for current and former enlisted servicemembers and their families.