Jim Moylan: “Today I rise to pay tribute to an influential figure from my district who has made extraordinary contributions to the…”

“Today I rise to pay tribute to an influential figure from my district who has made extraordinary contributions to the field of medicine, the late Dr. Ralph Guerrero Sablan. Dr. Sablan sadly left this Earth several weeks ago and was well known throughout Guam as a talented physician through his exceptional skills, compassionate care, and unwavering dedication to his patients. Dr. Sablan became interested in medicine after experiencing a life- threatening situation early in life. His uncle, Dr. Ramon Sablan, who was the first Chamorro physician, saved his life. This incident instilled in him a lifelong passion for pursuing a career in medicine. Upon completing medical school, Dr. Sablan joined the United States Navy. He was stationed at the U.S. Naval Hospital in San Diego and provided medical services at Camp Pendleton. He was soon transferred to the U.S. Naval Hospital on Guam. From 1968 to 1969, Dr. Sablan was deployed to Vietnam where he served in Da Nang and Saigon. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Navy Unit Commendation. Upon request from Delegate Antonio B. Won Pat, Dr. Sablan was reassigned to U.S. Naval Hospital in Guam in 1970. After 20 years of service, Dr. Sablan retired from Guam's U.S. Naval Hospital. In his last tour of duty, he served as the executive officer and chief of clinical services.…”