by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - A public hearing was held this past week on Senator Michael San Nicolas' Bill 175. The bill allows non-commissioned officers to have their service recognized for management positions in the government.

Guam Veterans Commission's Bill Cundiff raised concern over the measure instead wanting the inclusion of veterans' unemployment insurance, saying, "I commend the intent of 175-32, however, the intent should make the employment of our veterans much more concrete. You got to have a little more guts to go on to the employers see instead of giving them the opportunity to have their skills assessed for employment."

Guam National Guard Adjutant General Benny Paulino provided written testimony in support of the bill. About 600 of the island's servicemen and women are currently deployed with 178 currently holding the various NCO ranks in the Guam National Guard.