FREEPORT, Maine — The U.S. Senate has confirmed the appointment of a Maine man as the country’s ambassador to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, where he was born.
The Portland Press Herald reports more than two years have passed since President Barack Obama nominated Freeport’s John Estrada for the post, but the Republican-led Senate refused to vote on any of the Obama administration’s appointments until recently.
The 60-year-old Estrada admits he was surprised when he received the call last month, saying he was prepared to move on.
Estrada was born in Trinidad and came to the United States at 14. He served 34 years in the Marine Corps and achieved the highest enlisted rank of sergeant major.
Estrada will serve as ambassador for the remaining nine months of Obama’s term.