Diron Cruz to Chair Veterans Advisory Council

Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo today announced that Colonel Diron Cruz, USA (ret.), has been selected to chair the Congresswoman’s Veterans Advisory Council (VAC). VAC members recently elected COL Cruz and Command Sergeant Major Ben Palacios, USA (ret.) to serve as chair and vice chair, respectively. The VAC recently met with Congresswoman Bordallo on Guam and discussed several issues important to Guam’s veterans, including progress being made at the Community Based Outpatient Clinic and concerns over veterans’ benefits processing.

The VAC was established by Congresswoman Bordallo in 2003 to serve as a link between the Congresswoman’s Office and veterans on Guam. The VAC is comprised of representatives from each of Guam’s veterans’ service organizations as well as veteran leaders in the community. The Council provides input to Congresswoman Bordallo on policies important to Guam’s veteran community and advises her on local veterans’ concerns.

“I look forward to working with COL Cruz and CSM Palacios as they take on leadership positions on my Veterans Advisory Council,” said Congresswoman Bordallo. “The VAC has been an important partner in keeping me abreast of our local veterans’ concerns and providing input to me on policies that impact the lives of veterans living in Guam. Guam’s veterans have made invaluable contributions to our nation, and we owe it to them to ensure that their issues are appropriately addressed. While we can never fully repay them for their sacrifices, I am committed to continue working to ensure that our veterans receive the benefits and services they have earned.”