Vietnam War vet Chargualaf dies

Mac Chargualaf

Veterans of Foreign Wars senior vice commander Mac Chargualaf passed away early Sunday morning due to complications from liver cancer. He was an ardent supporter of war veterans and pushed their issues, having served in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War.

Chargualaf is the VFW Post 3457 senior commander. He has been sick for quite awhile and the cancer had already metastasized. Around midnight, his liver shut down, soon followed by his other organs. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Chargualaf, known as Uncle Mac in the community, was the safety officer of the Saipan Mayor’s Office. He joined the office a few months after David M. Apatang, also a Vietnam War veteran, was sworn is as the mayor of Saipan.

SMO special assistant Henry Hofschneider told Saipan Tribune in a phone interview that they had already informed Apatang, who was really saddened by Chargualaf’s passing. “The mayor already got the message. He asked us to visit the family and provide whatever assistance they need.”

“We are really saddened by his passing because he was an integral part of our community. He was a hardworking and dedicated person, and he’s always been looking around for opportunities on how the Saipan mayor’s crew would complete their work in the safest way possible,” said Hofschneider.

“It is very fun to be with him and you can learn a lot from him. He has served the nation being a war veteran, and served our community to the fullest of his capabilities. We join his family at this hour of need and we hope for them to stay strong. All the memories that he spent with his wife and family will live forever,” said Hofschneider.

VFW Post 3457 junior commander Brad Ruszala said their Post commander Mike O’Kelly was with the family when Chargualaf died early Sunday morning. He added that the CNMI lost a dedicated, friendly, and honest man.

“We are deeply saddened to lose a dear friend and comrade. You can’t replace somebody like him. He is the reason why I joined the VFW Post. He was a former post commander,” said Ruszala, who added that Chargualaf would be buried at the Veterans Cemetery.

“I was lucky to have known him. His dedication to our post and the community will not be forgotten. He is very passionate about veterans’ issues and worked for the mayor as the person in charge of upkeep at the Veterans Cemetery. His final resting place will be with his fellow veterans.”