The Department of Health Services hosted a Welcoming Ceremony

Tuesday, April 28, 2026, /// DYCA PIO

Yap FM - This past Sunday, April 26th, the Department of Health Services hosted a Welcoming Ceremony for the PAC ANGEL Medical Mission at the Yap Living History Museum at 5:00 pm.

The ceremony began with the opening introductions delivered by the Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Everlino Yolomai.

After the opening introductions, the Master of the Ceremony welcomed Governor Francis Itimai for his welcoming remarks. In his speech, Governor Francis Itimai highlighted the importance of this medical opportunity provided by the U.S. Pacific Air Forces through the US Embassy in the FSM. Governor Francis Itimai also emphasized that he strongly encourages everyone to take advantage of this rare opportunity.

The Master of the Ceremony then welcomed the United States Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia, Her Excellency Jennifer L. Johnson, for her special remarks. Ambassador Jennifer Johnson acknowledged the Yap State Leadership, including Speaker Nicholas Figirlaarwon, for their warm hospitality and emphasized the shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities.

After Ambassador Jennifer Johnson’s remarks, the Master of the Ceremony welcomed the Pacific Angel Lead Medical Planner, Major Jewlyn De La Cruz. Major De La Cruz expressed her team's gratitude to the Yap State Leadership, the US Ambassador, and the Pacific Angel Medical Team for the opportunity to conduct a medical outreach in the State of Yap. Major Jewlyn De La Cruz also called upon Ambassador Jennifer L. Johnson to present tokens to Governor Francis Itimai, Speaker Nicholas Figirlaarwon, the Director of the Department of Education, Mr. Dominic Fanasog, the Director of the Department of Health Services, Mr. Theo Thinnifel, and the CEO of the Waab Community Health Center (WCHC), John Gilmatam.

Major Jewlyn De La Cruz then introduced the Pacific Angel Medical Team, which included Lt Col Kenneth Jacobs, Lt Col Matthew Nielsen, Maj Jewearly Lundby, Maj Kristie Kovalenko, Maj Shayna Jayde Alisasis, Maj Torin Carver, Capt Aileen Somera, Capt Alexandra Churchill, Capt Alfred Guo, Capt Breanna Brock, MSgt Dominique Cunningham, MSgt Jesus Cazares, TSgt Ashley Brown, TSgt Austin Lindsey, TSgt Precious Walker, TSgt Quashon Skinner, SrA Aiyana Scott, SrA Benjamin Young, SrA Chlowyd Echavez, A1C Arisara Suwanchanchai, and SSgt Sarah Williams.

After the introduction of the Pacific Angel Medical Team, representatives of the Department of Health Services, including Director Thinnifel, presented them with leis as a symbol of hospitality and appreciation.

The Master of the Ceremony then called upon Director Thinnifel for his closing remarks. In his speech, Director Thinnifel expressed his sincere appreciation to the Pacific Angel Medical Team and how his team is looking forward to working closely with the Medical Team.

Before closing out the Ceremony, the Gagil Community School performed a traditional local dance, followed by refreshments.

At 7:30 pm, to initially close out the ceremony, the men from the Rumung Municipality performed a traditional men's standing dance.

(For more information, please contact the Department of Youth and Civic Affairs at 350-DYCA)