Michael Warren Cruz (born September 8, 1958) is a Guamanian surgeon and former politician who served as the 8th Lieutenant Governor of Guam from January 1, 2007 to January 3, 2011.[1] In 2023, he was appointed adjutant general of the Guam National Guard.
Biography
Personal life
Cruz was born on September 8, 1958, a son of Miguel de Gracia Cruz and Rosalinda Quinata.[1] His father was Chamorro while his mother was Filipino.[2]
He has three children from his first marriage: Shaunn, Mika’ele and Christine.[1] Cruz is currently married to his second wife, Jennifer Rosario Cruz. The couple have two daughters, Taylor & Bella, as well as Rosario Cruz's son, Christian, from her previous relationship.[1]
Cruz received a bachelor's degree in biology from Walla Walla College in Washington state.[1][3] He obtained a Doctor of Medicine from Loma Linda University in California.[1]
Military
Cruz is a colonel in the Guam Army National Guard.[1] He is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm.[1] Cruz volunteered as a commander in the Rapid Advanced Medical Team during the Iraq War, serving from 2003 to 2004.[1] He was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for his tour of duty in Iraq.[1]
In March 2023, the governor of Guam appointed Cruz as adjutant general of Guam's National Guard.[4]
Medical career
Cruz is a surgeon, and served as the medical director of the Guam Memorial Hospital.[1] He is a member of the American Board of Surgery, and the American Society of Breast Surgeons, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.[1]
Political career
Cruz was elected as a Republican Senator in the 28th Guamanian Legislature from 2005 to 2006.[1] He served on the legislature's Health and Human Services Committee, authoring legislation to combat childhood obesity in Guam.[1]
He was elected Lieutenant Governor of Guam in November 2006 as the running mate of Governor Felix Perez Camacho. Cruz took office on January 1, 2007.
Cruz-Espaldon Campaign
Cruz declared his candidacy for the 2010 gubernatorial election and was a candidate in the September 2010 Republican primary. His running mate for lieutenant governor was Senator Jim Espaldon.[1][3] Cruz was defeated by Eddie Baza Calvo in the Republican primary election on September 3, 2010.
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Michael 'Mike' W. Cruz, MD". Asian Journal. 2010-07-14. Archived from the original on 2010-08-06. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
- ^ "Lt. Governor Mike Cruz - Candidate Profile". Pacific News Center. 2010-07-09. Archived from the original on 2010-07-14. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
- ^ a b "Calvo, Cruz take stances on issues: Lt. Gov. Mike Cruz and Sen. James Espaldon". Pacific Daily News. 2010-07-23. Archived from the original on 2010-08-29. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
- ^ Leon Guerrero, Lou (March 1, 2023). "Governor Taps Colonel Mike Cruz as New Adjutant General". Office of the Governor. Hagåtña, Guam. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
