Red Cross honors 3-term governor

The American Red Cross NMI Chapter used Saturday’s Club 200 at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan to not only mark the chapter’s 40th anniversary, but also to honor the late Pedro P. Tenorio, who was a three-term governor of the CNMI.

The award presented to the former governor last Saturday credited him with the chapter’s creation in the CNMI. According to American Red Cross NMI Chapter executive director John Hirsch, Tenorio established the chapter during his term.

“He provided the infrastructure for us to establish the chapter here, which was really the spark that lit the fire. Once we had an office, we had a place for the volunteers to come and things started to roll from there,” he said.

Hirsch said that if it wasn’t for Tenorio’s vision, the chapter would not have become as successful as it has become over the years.

“We are just incredibly grateful for his vision and be able to pause and say ‘hey, these things are really important, we need to make an investment’ and that’s what he did. He made an investment at that time, financially, through the government, to make our chapter what it is today,” he said.

Hirsh added it was because of Tenorio’s dedication to organizations like the American Red Cross that he was beloved by his constituents and made history as the only CNMI governor to serve three terms.

“He, as we all know, was a three-time governor…so he was beloved by our community. The community really loved him, his family, and he was very engaged in a lot of social services and organizations like the Red Cross,” he said during the 29th Annual Club 200 fundraising event last Saturday.

Tenorio’s widow, Sophia, accepted the award on his behalf.

“I am very thankful to the American Red Cross for recognizing my husband…He always put his time into the Red Cross…even though he always had a very busy schedule…he loved this organization,” she said.

The chapter also recognized Gov. Ralph DLG Torres for his partnership and collaboration during Typhoon Mangkhut.

The chapter also recognized volunteer Maryann Taman for her years of service to the American Red Cross.

The chapter’s Disaster Action Team that consists of volunteers who are on call and ready to respond to house fire calls and flood calls were also given an honorable mention during the event.