By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff

GUAM officials expressed their condolences upon learning of a vehicular accident in the Horn of Africa that took the lives of two Guam Guardsmen and injured a third.
Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo described the accident as heartbreaking news and said she was deeply saddened over the deaths of Guam Army National Guard Spc. Chris Fernandez and Spc. Gregory Fejeran.
“I offer my sincere condolences to their families. I pray for their loved ones and the National Guard family. I also join our island community in praying for the full recovery of Sgt. Robert Balajadia, who is receiving care in Landstuhl Military Hospital in Germany,” Bordallo said.
The congresswoman said she has been to the Horn of Africa to visit Guam Guardsmen and women and she has seen first-hand the dedication and commitment of Guam soldiers, and their enthusiasm for their mission.
“I pray for the safe return of all our men and women who serve in harm’s way,” Bordallo said.
Acting Gov. Michael W. Cruz, who also serves as the commanding officer of the Guam Army National Guard Medical Command, also offered his condolences.
As the head of the Medical Command, Cruz personally knew the fallen soldiers.
“This is a sad day for our island. As a soldier, it is a daily prayer that our brothers and sisters who are in harm’s way will return home safely,” Cruz said.
He added that the whole island should mourn these soldiers who sacrificed their lives for Guam and the nation.
“Their families and friends are in my thoughts and in my prayers during this very hard time. These men are heroes whose sacrifices will never be forgotten. Jennifer, the governor, the first lady and I mourn with the families of these American heroes and we pray for the safe return of all of Guam’s sons and daughters very soon,” Cruz said.
Fejeran and Fernandez were killed when their sport utility vehicle rolled over while they were traveling between Addis Ababa and Hurso, according to a Guam National Guard news release.
Balajadia, the injured soldier, has been medically evacuated to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. The Ethiopian driver also was injured, according to military officials.
All three soldiers were assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry Regiment, the Guam Guard said.
The unit deployed to the Horn of Africa in February 2006 and is scheduled to return in May. The unit is part of the U.S.-led Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, headquartered at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti.