Visiting Rotarian wants to revive AMP fundraising arm

 A visiting Rotarian who was instrumental in raising funds for the development of the American Memorial Park wants its fundraising arm revived to accomplish projects that would encourage more tourists in the CNMI.

John M. Romisher, who is now based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, said in an interview that bringing back the non-profit group Historical Society of the American Memorial Park would allow the completion of a track, soccer field, and a stadium with bleachers-projects which they were unable to accomplish during their time.

“If somebody would do that, I will be happy,” he said, referring to the re-establishment of the Historical Society of the American Memorial Park, which raised funds used to build the amphitheater and other elements of the memorial park.

Romisher, who was the group’s fundraising committee chair, stressed the need to revive the group despite the economic downturn so as to undertake projects which would encourage tourists to come to Saipan and provide them with places to visit.

“The economic situation is always going to be a problem in the near future,” he told Saipan Tribune. “However, we have beautiful hotels, we still have airplanes coming in with tourists, we still have tour buses, and we should have more activities oriented to the park. We should get some outside tour groups to also come in and help us promote. I think it’s a viable option and always will be.”

Romisher, a former associate professor at the Northern Marianas College and director of training for DFS Saipan Ltd, arrived on Saipan with wife Lydia Camacho Romisher for a visit which was originally scheduled back in 2004. “Some unusual incidents regarding health” prompted the couple to move back their trip this year.

“I’m always happy to come back to Saipan,” said Romisher, who now teaches culinary arts and tourism classes at Santa Fe Community College. He noted, though, that there have been “obvious economic changes” in the Commonwealth since they left in 1997.

Romisher, who is also a member of the Saipan Rotary Club, turned over to Rotary president Pete Igitol on April 17 a flag and a copy of the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Saipan commemoration “because the speech for fundraising was made here at a Rotary meeting.”

He also presented Yosh Gabaldon a coin commemorating the golden year of the battle and was minted by DFS. Gabaldon is the son of the late Marine Private First Class and author Guy Gabaldon, whom Romisher described as “one of the strongest individuals that helped prepare the park.”