President Urusemal

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

On the Passing of the Honorable Joseph J. Urusemal

It is with deep respect and profound sadness, that the Federated States of Micronesia announces the passing of the Honorable Joseph J. Urusemal, Sixth President of the Federated States of Micronesia, who passed away on September 16, 2025, in the Republic of Palau.

Born on March 19, 1952, on Woleai in the State of Yap, President Urusemal dedicated his life to public service, education, and the advancement of our nation. After completing his early schooling on Woleai and graduating from Xavier High School in Chuuk, he pursued higher education at Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Administration of Justice in 1976. He went on to work in the United States before returning home in 1982 to serve as a teacher and counselor at the Yap State Department of Education, where he contributed significantly to the Yap State Education Plan.

In 1987, he was elected as the State of Yap’s at-large representative to the Fifth Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia, a position he held with distinction for many years. Known for his humility, strong principles, and commitment to traditional values, he served as Floor Leader for twelve years before being elected the Sixth President of the Federated States of Micronesia, serving from May 11, 2003, to 2007.

Following his presidency, he continued his service in Congress, most recently as Chairman of the Committee on Education and the Yap Congressional Delegation. Throughout his career, he was a member of several key congressional committees, including Ways and Means, Health and Social Affairs, and Transportation and Communication. His leadership and vision helped guide the Nation’s development while remaining grounded in respect for culture, education, and the sustainable use of our limited resources.

President Urusemal is remembered as a soft-spoken but resolute leader, a devoted husband to Olania Latileilam of Satawal, and a loving father to their four children: B.J., Tarsis, Craig, and Elenita.

The Federated States of Micronesia mourns the loss of a great leader, statesman, and son of our islands. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, the people of Yap, and all who were touched by his life and service.

State funeral arrangements will be confirmed in due course, at which time a Presidential Proclamation will also be issued declaring a period of national mourning, including the lowering of flags to half-mast throughout the Nation.

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Amy M. - Jaylyn’s Update

Day 44 9/16: We wanted to take a moment to update everyone who has been so kind to check in, pray, and send love to our family. Your support has meant more than words can express during this incredibly difficult time.

Jaylyn remains in ICU on life support. She recently had a shunt placed to help drain the excess fluid on her brain. Unfortunately, she hasn’t been very responsive since the procedure. The doctors have told us that at this point, it’s a matter of waiting — only time will tell how her body responds and whether the fluid decreases.

There are no easy answers, and every day feels like a rollercoaster. But through it all, we’re holding tightly to faith, hope, and strength — for Jaylyn, for each other, and for whatever comes next. Watching someone you love go through something like this is heartbreaking, but we believe in her strength and in the power of prayer.

Please continue to keep Jaylyn in your thoughts and prayers. We’re so grateful for this community of love around us — even on the hardest days, we feel it. 💜

Thank you to everyone who have been there for us, for those who have shown up to visit (even just for hugs) We greatly appreciate you all! 💞

#JaylynStrong #jaylynshealingjourney #tbiawareness #ourstrongprincessgirl

Bhev - Heart Surgery

Hello. Pls pray for me as I get my heart surgery to help with my blocked arteries. Keep me and my family in your prayer pls

Tony E. - Strength and Comfort

Defeated, frustrated confused.

Angry angry sad.

Wanting to give up. Physically spiritually and emotionally drained just dry

Debbie D. - Kevin Nagasaki

This morning I have heard of the passing of a dear friend Kevin Nagasaki and I am broken-hearted. He lived his life with a Christ-like heart and will be sorely missed by the many he served, tirelessly and joyfully. He and his wife Vidella served as the Corp Officers at the Salvation Army Lahaina Corps. When I first heard of the fire I asked if anyone knew if they were safe and I was told although they had lost their home and the corps building that they were safe and serving meals to the people in the shelters that were forming for the people who had fled from the fire. Kevin was a blessing to so many people. Always there to help with whatever was needed. I know he is in Glory with Our Lord and that it will be a joyful reunion when it is my time to join him. God bless you Kevin and God please comfort and bless Vidella and all who love him. Well done faithful servant of God.

Franklin G. - Charlie Kirk RIP

What a tragedy. It has been announced that Charlie Kirk has died after being shot during an event at Utah Valley University today. This young man loved his country and invested his time and energy in trying to make it the best it could be. He stood boldly for conservative values and defended free speech for all of us. Most importantly, Charlie loved the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for his wife Erika, their two young children, and all of their family. It’s in these moments of darkness that we need to stand on the Scripture that Erika shared on social media, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

Kathryn O. - Vehicle Accident

Well today definitely could’ve gone very differently for me than it did. I’m grateful I walked away from this accident with just some bumps and bruises. I was hit by an intoxicated driver who lost control of their car and came three lanes over to me on my way to band practice tonight. I’m extremely grateful for the safety features of my car and to this beast of a vehicle that barely budged when hit by a vehicle going 60+mph. I will forever be driving a Subaru.

#SubaruAscent