United as One: A Tribute to District 14

Håfa Adai, Aloha, and Talofa! we say, 

As we greet the new quarter and light the way. 

With hearts full of purpose and hands to the task, 

We honor our mission — in service, we bask. 

From Emergency Management, vigilant eyes, 

Scanning the Pacific, where danger may rise. 

RFF ready, Everbridge alerts set, 

Your courage and planning we’ll never forget. 

We call on all members to sharpen their skill, 

ICS courses, a must to fulfill. 

For when FEMA calls or storms make their way, 

Our team stands ready, by night or by day. 

Operations charge forward, hands-on and strong, 

Training on islands, where we all belong. 

On Oahu, our crews meet each demand, 

Completing their ACM, firm as the land. 

Aviation Flotilla 10, soaring the skies, 

With five active wings, their mission flies high. 

Air operations with power and grace, 

Bringing support to each faraway place. 

Our Public Education and outreach extend, 

Where Boat America helps boaters defend 

Against risks at sea, with knowledge in hand, 

Keeping them safe on ocean and sand. 

And who brings joy to the youngest hearts? 

Coastie’s Story Time, where learning starts! 

With families gathered, online and near, 

Teaching water safety with laughter and cheer. 

So as we march to the future ahead, 

With readiness, training, and knowledge well-spread, 

We hold fast to our goal, to protect and to teach, 

And ensure that safety is always in reach. 

Si Yu’os Ma’åse’, Mahalo, Fa'afetai, 

To each of you walking this mission-highway. 

Remember this truth as onward we motion: 

"Individually, a drop; together, an ocean." 

Biba District 14! Semper Paratus! 

Forever prepared — for all that calls us.

(c) mnrivera

Mangga Days

I remember the mangga days,

When we would gather, a family united,

For the season of abundance,

Knowing the mango trees awaited,

Their branches heavy with golden fruit.

Twenty trees stood tall in our yard,

And my father, a climber with grace,

Would scale their heights with skill,

Shaking the branches with all his might,

As mangos rained down like heavy drops,

Sometimes hitting our backs and arms,

If we didn't dodge their path.

Those mangga days were a symphony,

Of laughter and shared labor,

Filling sacks with the sweet bounty,

Feasting to our hearts' content,

And selling the excess at the market.

Though those days have slipped away,

Their memory remains ever vivid,

A time of togetherness and joy,

Etched in my heart forever.

(c) mnrivera

You can and you will!

Within you resides unfathomable power, 

A strength that emerges in response to adversity. 

Don't let fear stop you from pursuing your dreams. 

With determination and fortitude, you will conquer the bold. 

Every adversity is an opportunity to reflect. 

The path may be difficult, but please don’t fret. 

You must recognize that you have the fire within to succeed. 

In this journey we call life, embrace every adventure. 

With perseverance and courage, 

You will overcome the hill. 

You can and you will!

©mnrivera

Letting Go

Sometimes, letting go is the hardest thing to do,  

Yet, in the release, we find a path anew.  

With every step, we must move forward,  

Trust the journey, let go, and let God.

(c)Rivera, M.N.

/Guam Poet/

Guam will prevail!

Guam poets,  

Guam authors,  

Guam stars,  

Guam storytellers,  

Guam masters,  

Guam teachers—  

Guam wisdom surrounds us, a tapestry woven with the threads of our ancestors' legacy.

If we pause to uncover the richness within these hidden gems,  

We will unlock a wonder like no other,  

A force powerful enough to shape the future,  

To safeguard our CHamoru language and culture from fading into obscurity,  

To preserve our identity,  

To stand as living proof to the world that we are survivors—  

And that we will prevail!

(c)Rivera, M.N.

Nothing to Fear

 "Nothing in life is to be feared.  It is only to be understood."

                                                                    - Marie Curie

No limits

We must be mindful not to place limits on greatness.  It is through one's ongoing vision and dreaming for the best that one can achieve great things.  In fact, the following quote says it all:

"You can't put a limit on anything.  The more you dream, the farther you get." 

                                                                                     -Michael Phelps