AGANA HEIGHTS, Guam — After more than four decades of dedicated service to military medicine in the Pacific region, Mr. James Terlaje, the environmental program manager at U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Guam, was honored by leadership July 10, 2026 ahead of his upcoming retirement.

Defense Health Agency Director U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Darrin K. Via presented Terlaje with a director’s coin of excellence, recognizing his 41 years of steadfast dedication and continuous impact on the USNH Guam's environmental readiness.

Serving as the environmental protection specialist and primary point of contact for USNH Guam’s environmental programs, Terlaje has been a cornerstone of facility safety. He flawlessly managed the lifecycle of all hazardous materials and regulated medical waste, Through meticulous oversight, he managed the lifecycle of all hazardous materials and regulated medical waste, guaranteeing continuous regulatory compliance and maintaining a safe environment for staff and patients.

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Defense Health Agency Director Vice Adm. Darin K. Via presents a Director's Coin of Excellence to James Terlaje, Environment of Care primary point of contact, during a visit to U.S. Naval Hospital Guam, July 10, 2026. Via recognized Terlaje for his outstanding contributions to maintaining the safety, security, and strict clinical accreditation standards of the overseas military medical treatment facility. (U.S. Navy photo by Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Ashli Heaton)

260710-N-BY698-1004

Defense Health Agency Director Vice Adm. Darin K. Via presents a Director's Coin of Excellence to James Terlaje, Environment of Care primary point of contact, during a visit to U.S. Naval Hospital Guam, July 10, 2026. Via recognized Terlaje for his outstanding contributions to maintaining the safety, security, and strict clinical accreditation standards of the overseas military medical treatment facility. (U.S. Navy photo by Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Ashli Heaton)

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Photo By: Petty Officer 2nd Class Ashli Heaton

VIRIN: 260710-N-BY698-1004

Described by hospital leadership as a highly dependable and "quiet professional," Terlaje rarely sought the spotlight despite his impact. His proactive leadership and technical expertise recently anchored a highly successful Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) external environmental audit, and his efforts continuously sustain the facility's rigorous Joint Commission "Environment of Care" standards.

“For 41 years, Jim Terlaje has been the quiet guardian of U.S. Naval Hospital Guam," said Ms. Jeannette Rivera, director of the civilian corps at the hospital. "He didn't just manage environmental safety, he protected our patients, our staff, and the island we call home. We owe him a profound debt of gratitude for a lifetime of selfless service, and his legacy of excellence will remain the standard for generations to come."

Beyond his daily responsibilities, Terlaje consistently bridged personnel manning gaps to sustain vital operations. He coordinated seamlessly with external partners to drive key facility initiatives, including complex pharmaceutical returns and backflow prevention programs.

Terlaje officially retires in August 2026, leaving behind a lasting legacy of excellence, safety, and environmental stewardship at USNH Guam.

U.S. Naval Hospital Guam is a 282,000 square foot military treatment facility (MTF) that supports the joint forces and strengthens the island by projecting forward-deployed medical power, delivering high-quality care, and forging strategic partnerships. The MTF and its staff of nearly 700 offers a broad range of primary and specialty medical services in support of more than 27,000 beneficiaries.