“He passed away but seven others would have another chance to live.”
That's how family members and others in the community described former U.S. Army Specialist Robert Jason Santos Deleon Guerrero, who donated seven of his organs-including his heart, liver, and pancreas-to those who needed them as his last act of kindness, selflessness, and service above self.
He passed away in Nashville, Tennessee on Tuesday, his uncles, Juan “Pan” Guerrero and Herman “Pan” Guerrero, told Saipan Tribune yesterday.
Deleon Guerrero received an Afghanistan campaign medal with two campaign stars.
He was “honorably discharged from the Army in May of this year,” said Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan (Ind-MP) yesterday, adding that, “Robert Jason was a soldier who served his country.”
Juan “Pan” Guerrero said he is proud of his nephew for donating his heart, liver, and pancreas, among seven organs, to persons needing them.
“He's helped seven people. He's a very kind person, wonderful to be around. He fought for his country, he enjoyed being in the military. We ask family and friends to remember him in your prayers,” he said.
Herman Guerrero, for his part, said “seven people will have a second chance in life because of him.” The Board of Education member said his nephew just turned 36 on Aug. 24.
Rep. Ray Yumul (R-Saipan), who served in Iraq in October 2004 to January 2006, said Deleon Guerrero's service to the country “will not be forgotten.”
“I understand that his last act of selfless service must especially be remembered, for he gave the greatest gift of life by being an organ donor. The CNMI is forever grateful for his and his family's ultimate act of generosity,” Yumul said, adding that his prayers go out to Deleon Guerrero's family for his untimely passing.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, in a statement upon learning of Deleon Guerrero's passing, said: “With great sadness and heavy hearts, we join the people of the Commonwealth in mourning the loss of one of our own sons in uniform, U.S. Army Specialist Robert Santos Deleon Guerrero.”
Fitial and Inos said that, in choosing a career in the U.S. Army, Deleon Guerrero, or Bobby, as he was fondly known, “demonstrated his willingness and determination to live a life of discipline and personal sacrifice so that all citizens of our country would be able to live in freedom and security.”
“In choosing this noble path in his life, he exemplified his strength of character and his patriotic courage and fortitude to carry through. From his humble beginnings as an island boy, to his service on the international warfront, Specialist Deleon Guerrero lived his life on the principles of duty, honor, and country. In this time of sorrow, we extend our sincerest condolences and prayers to the late Bobby's wife Jennifer, his parents, former representative Florencio and Lucy Deleon Guerrero, and his family and friends. Rest assured that his life of service to defend our freedom, our Commonwealth, and our country, will not be forgotten,” the governor and lieutenant governor said.
By far he is one of the greatest men that I have had the honor of serving our country with. We had both studied for the NCO promotion board in Afghanistan and he had taught me a lot about the airframe we worked on. Extremely patient and kind, Papa D (as I've known him) will be missed dearly by friends and family alike. Rest in peace buddy. We will all meet at Fiddlers Green one day.
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