Awards, media coverage and recognition for local businesses making names for themselves in the region and beyond
GTA recognized
Rosanna M. Torres, retail manager at GTA; receives the Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. This accomplishment underscores the exceptional efforts of employers and their representatives in supporting employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. The Patriot Award is part of ESGR’s broader initiative to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employer. |
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Dusit Thani receives award
Dusit Beach Resort Guam has been recognized in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best for 2024, ranking No.1 in the resorts category in Guam. At the highest level of Tripadvisor’s awards, the best of the best winners are among the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor. |
![]() Photo courtesy of Dusit Thani and Tripadvisor |
Guam couple meet president
President Joseph R. Biden greets Command Sgt. Maj. Phil Barretto of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and wife Marlene Barretto at The White House on May 6. Barretto, daughter of retired major general Benny Paulino and former Guam Guard adjutant general, say, “West Point was presented with the Commander in Chief’s Trophy since the Army’s football team beat both the Air Force and Navy teams this season.” |
![]() Photo courtesy Marlene Barretto |
Marianas Visitors Authority top photo
Rota’s iconic Wedding Cake Mountain captured by the lens of Elmer Javier won 1st place in the Marianas Visitors Authority “Capture the Beauty of The Marianas” photo contest. |
![]() Wedding Cake Mountain in Rota Photo Courtesy of Elmer Javier and Marianas Visitors Authority |
Guam Regional Medical City honors staff
Guam Regional Medical City announced the recipient of its 2023 Physician of the Year award to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Carmelino Galang. Each year, the GRMC employees select a physician who exemplifies innovation, collaboration, accountability, respect, and excellence. Galang expressed his gratitude and says, “We are nothing without our patients.” Guam Regional Medical City also honored Betty Ann Buentipo, a registered nurse in the emergency department as the recipient of the 2024 DAISY: Diseases Attacking the Immune System award. The award acknowledges exceptional nurses who have made a profound impact on their patients’ lives, says GRMC. |
![]() Betty Ann Buentipo, registered nurse, Guam Regional Medical City ![]() Dr. Carmelino Galang, orthopedic surgeon, Guam Regional Medical City Photos courtesy of Guam Regional Medical City |
Guam Department of Education
The Guam Department of Education recognized the outstanding achievements of Tiyan High School and John F. Kennedy High School with the AY 2023-2024 Unit Awards and Community Service with Excellence Awards by the Department of the Air Force Air University.
Initiative honors World War II survivors
In collaboration with the Guam Visitors Bureau, The Office of Senator Jesse Lujan are working on an initiative to honor living World War II survivors from Guam, both on and off-island. The joint effort titled “Project Today,” aims to collect the information of all living war survivors who endured the Japanese occupation in Guam between December 8, 1941, to August 10, 1944, which is the same timeframe as the war claims, so they may be recognized for their courage, strength, and resilience.