Congressman Michael San Nicolas has recommended retired U.S. Air Force Major Anthony Borja to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Palau.
In further exercise of his duties as the senior elected federal official for Guam, Congressman San Nicolas continues to make formal recommendations to the Biden-Harris transition team for presidentially appointed positions.
"We are proud to recommend for nomination USAF Major (Ret.) Anthony Borja for consideration to serve as United States Ambassador to the Republic of Palau," opened Congressman San Nicolas. "Major Borja's historical family ties to Palau and his success in navigating Palau political and judicial systems, in context with his service to our country in Vietnam, Desert Storm, and Bosnia, affords the United States with an opportunity to have a regionally astute battle-tested diplomat in service of our country," Congressman San Nicolas continued. "It is an honor to recommend this veteran son of Micronesia to serve our people and country, and further strengthen the historic CHamoru-Palauan ties that unite our past and our future with America," Congressman San Nicolas added.
Retired Air Force Major Anthony Borja defended our country as a Sailor in Vietnam, and Airman in Desert Storm and Bosnia. As a descendent of the late Mariano Borja, Major Borja's parents and family were WWII survivors having narrowly escaped imperial Japan atrocities in Palau with the help of many of the Palauan people. Reared on Guam, Major Borja is currently married to the lovely Clare Crisostomo James-Borja, loves his three children Jeni Isa, Tasi Lynn, and Napu Anthony, and currently resides in Las Vegas, NV where he actively volunteers in service of our nation's veterans in the National Organization of Chamorro Veterans (NOCVA).
Mr. Borja's extensive military career began in 1968 in the U.S. Navy, then transitioned in 1980 to the U.S. Air Force. He retired in 1998, after holding numerous positions of leadership, including responsibility for the production of the Pacific Islands Defense Region Plan in support of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands.
His father is from Palau and his mother is from Saipan. His family moved to Guam in July 1950. In 1967 he graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in Tamuning. He earned associate and bachelor degrees in criminal justice during his career in the Navy, then in 1991 earned a masters degree in aeronautical science. He is fluent in Chamorro and conversational in Palauan and Tagalog.
Mr. Borja has been a teacher, counselor, litigator, investigator, Karate Dojo Master, and auto mechanic. He is a 1st Degree Black Belt holder, and a canoe carver.
"More appointment opportunities and candidate viability options continue to be considered as we seek to put meaningful and relevant options forward for the Biden-Harris administration to consider," Congressman San Nicolas concludes.
See below to read Mr. San Nicolas's letter to President-elect Biden, and to view Mr. Borja's extensive work and life experience.
