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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2007

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Army informs Faleomavaega about the death of PFC Timothy Ray Vimoto

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he recently received official notification from the U.S. Army in the Pentagon about the death of Private First Class Timothy Ray Vimoto. According to the U.S. Army, PFC Vimoto died on Tuesday, June 5, 2007, in Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, due to injuries sustained when his dismounted patrol received small arms fire by Anti-Coalition forces. PFC Vimoto was serving in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

PFC Vimoto was 19 years and 10 months of age and served in the U.S. Army (Regular) for seven months at the time of his death. He was assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade in Caserma Ederle, Italy when deployed to Afghanistan. He became the 13th known soldier of Samoan ancestry killed in the War on Terror and second killed in Afghanistan.

PFC Timothy Vimoto is the son of Command Sergeant Major Isaia "Ace" Vimoto Tauanu'u of Sala'ilua, Samoa and Mrs. Misimua Aiono Vimoto of Pago Pago, American Samoa. He is the grandson of Vimoto Tauanuu of Ta'u, Manu'a and Soosootuliaigamalietoa of Malie, Samoa, and Tuaifaiva Lulualii Aiono of Vaitogi and Lina Gray Williams of Pago Pago, American Samoa. PFC Vimoto is survived by his parents, sisters Sabrina and Ariel and brothers Isaia Jr. and Nephi.

Funeral services for PFC Timothy Vimoto are scheduled for June 16 and 17, 2007 in San Jose, California with burial scheduled for June 18, 2007.

"I am very saddened by the news of another son of Samoa killed in this tragic conflict," Congressman Faleomavaega said. "PFC Timothy Vimoto died in honor serving his country. He is a true Army soldier, an American hero and a Toa o Samoa."

"I know that all Samoans join me in extending to Command Sergeant Major Isaia Vimoto and Mrs. Misimua Vimoto and their children, Sabrina, Ariel, Isaia Jr., and Nephi our deepest sympathies on the loss of their loved one," Congressman Faleomavaega said.

"It is difficult enough to imagine the pain felt by any parent when a child is killed in war, but when your child is killed while under your own command as I am told in the case of Command Sergeant Major Ace Vimoto � that is a different level of mourning that is beyond anyone's imagination," Congressman Faleomavaega said.

"The case of PFC Timothy Vimoto and his father, CSM Isaia Vimoto, is exactly similar to the case of PFC Jonathan Falaniko who died in 2003 and his father, Command Sergeant Major Ioakimo Falaniko. Timothy was killed while serving in Afghanistan as a member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade to which his father, Isaia Vimoto was the Command Sergeant Major. Jonathan was killed while serving in Iraq as a member of the Engineers Brigade to which his father, Ioakimo Falaniko, was the Command Sergeant Major."

"Timothy's selfless service and sacrifice reflects the same devotion and commitment shown by his fellow soldiers and Samoan warriors who have died before him in defense of our country and our values. I call on our Samoan community everywhere to please continue to keep the Vimoto family in prayers and thoughts. Let us also continue to pray for our troops and especially those Samoans who are in harm's way fighting terrorism around the world," Faleomavaega concluded.

U.S. Defense Department Honors Asian Pacific American Service members
June 01, 2007

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

ARLINGTON, Va., June 1, 2007 � About 500 guests gathered to pay tribute to Asian Pacific American servicemembers here yesterday at the Defense Department's 6th Annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Month luncheon and military awards ceremony.

David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, was the keynote speaker at the luncheon sponsored by the Defense Department and the Federal Asian Pacific American Council.

"It is widely agreed that today's military is the finest force this nation has ever fielded, and that quality reflects the quality of our people," Chu told the audience. "Diversity is part of that quality, and it has made us stronger -- diversity that is offered in good measure by the Asian Pacific community."

The Asian Pacific community is a "tapestry" that comprises Americans with Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Indian, Pakistani, Native Hawaiian, Cambodian, Thai, Tibetan, Burmese, Laotian and ancestries from about 20 other nations, Chu said. Asian Pacific Americans now represent more than 4 percent of the U.S. population, he added.

Asian Pacific Americans played a vital role as the U.S. military personnel during World War II, Chu said. Japanese-Americans were denied entry into the military in 1943, he noted, but they later were admitted and became part of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team that earned more than 18,000 individual decorations for valor during campaigns in Italy and France.

Asian Pacific Americans continue to contribute as military members, Chu said, and he paid a special tribute to former and current servicemembers from American Samoa - a small, unincorporated U.S. territory between New Zealand and Hawaii.

American Samoa has suffered the highest number of casualties in the war on terrorism, "more than any other American state or territory on a per capita basis," Chu said.

American Samoa has a total population of less than 58,663. More than 200 American Samoans deployed to Iraq in 2005 and 2006, and 12 of them lost their lives, Chu said.

"This diverse group of Asian Pacific Americans has helped the nation build a military force capable of preserving our national liberty while serving as a role model for other freedom-seeking nations and people around the world," he said. "And many have given their lives."

Chu, the most senior Asian-American in the Defense Department, helped to hand out meritorious service awards to nine servicemembers, most of whom were recognized for their contributions to diversity and equal opportunity for Asian Pacific Americans in the federal workplace.

The theme for this year's Asian Pacific American Heritage Month observance -- "Pursuing excellence through leadership, diversity, and unity" -- is embodied by the award recipients from each service branch, Chu said.

Servicemembers recognized during the ceremony were:

-- Army Reserve Lt. Col. Evelyn Vaitautolu Langford, who has made significant contributions to helping pave the way for Asian Pacific Americans throughout her 24 years of military service. With the start of her career in the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry, the most highly decorated unit of World War II, Langford made history by becoming the first American Samoan woman to achieve the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army.

-- Army Staff Sgt. Karim-Azar A. Grajo, who continuously promotes national and cultural heritages in the military and civilian communities in which he has lived and served for the past 18 years. Grajo's selfless efforts in founding and organizing Asian Pacific American Association events have paid huge dividends in promoting cross-cultural awareness and fostering a positive living environment.

-- Navy Capt. Myles Esmele Jr., whose passion and enduring vision have helped create opportunities and promote diversity for Asian Pacific Americans within the armed forces and the federal civil service. His role as a leader and mentor in spreading cultural awareness truly stands out in both local and international communities.

-- Navy Reserve Cmdr. Thirumanaliyur Subramanian Shankar, who distinguished himself as a Sunni engagement officer for multinational forces in Baghdad, and who also supported operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom. In his role as a senior engagement officer in the Directorate of Strategic Effects, Office of National Reconciliation, he works on various confidence-building measures directed at insurgent groups, and he actively assists with implementation of the new Counterinsurgency Manual doctrine.

-- Marine Master Gunnery Sgt. Stephane M. Castonguay, who distinguished himself as the noncommissioned officer in charge of a recruiting substation in Hawaii and as Pacific recruiter instructor for the 12th Marine Corps District. While in Hawaii, Castonguay led seven canvassing recruiters in assessing 135 applicants in the Far East. Toward the end of his tour as NCO in charge, he restructured and expanded Recruiting Substation Hawaii into two recruiting substations.

-- Air Force Maj. Leonard J. Kosinski, who distinguished himself as an operations officer with the 437th Airlift Wing, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. He led a diverse group of more than 200 officers, enlisted personnel, and civilians through 11 major operational activities supporting the wing's C-17A Globemaster III airlift mission. His leadership enabled 1,100 crewmembers to accomplish the missions of combat and humanitarian airlift and airdrop throughout the world.

-- Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Bernie H. Lagasca III, who distinguished himself as a paralegal in the California Army National Guard. He consistently provided positive representation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders as well as other ethnic groups, both within and beyond the California Army National Guard. He demonstrated excellence in individual achievement and became a valuable asset to the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate by providing legal assistance to the office, as well as to countless soldiers who request legal assistance.

-- Air National Guard Maj. Anni Mu Loeb, who distinguished herself as executive officer for the director of the California Air National Guard's Joint Staff and the 162nd Combat Communications Group. As a committee member for the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month ceremony, Loeb excelled in supporting initiatives that created a positive focus on cultural awareness to enhance the representation of Asian Americans in the California National Guard. She contributes her talents by mentoring servicemembers and individuals in the local community.

-- Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Krysia Pohl, who distinguished herself as a waterways management officer for the Coast Guard's Delaware Bay sector. She is a positive role model for Asian Pacific Americans. Pohl volunteered to mentor a company of recruits at Training Center Cape May, N.J. She prepared discussion notes and activities for a group of more than 60 recruits on two separate visits at which she shared insights about her experience within and outside the service. As a result, the recruits invited her to be the keynote speaker for their graduation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2007

Washington, D.C. -- United States Army notifies Faleomavaega about the Death of Sergeant Raymond Sasa Sevaaetasi of American Samoa

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has received official notification from the Department of the Army at the Pentagon announcing the death of Sergeant Raymond Sasa Sevaaetasi. According to the U.S. Army, SGT Sevaaetasi died on April 11, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near his military vehicle while conducting combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sergeant Sevaaetasi served in the United States Army for 9 years and 5 months. He was assigned to the 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, at Fort Hood, Texas.

Sergeant Raymond Sasa Sevaaetasi was married to Maugaosaa "Angel" and they have two children - Nakaysaia and Talimaitalosaga Tualeata. He is the son of Robert Sevaaetasi of Pago Pago and Leata Siaki Sevaaetasi of Leone, American Samoa. He was 29 years old.

"I am very saddened by the news of Sergeant Raymond Sevaaetasi's death," Faleomavaega said. "Sergeant Sevaaetasi made the ultimate sacrifice while helping bring freedom to the people of Iraq. He is now the twelfth Samoan killed in the war on terror according to my count."

"I extend my most heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Raymond's wife, Angel, and their two children, Nakaysia and Talimaitalosaga, also to his parents, Robert and Leata, and the Sevaaetasi and Ameperosa families on their great loss. Raymond will be remembered for his bravery and his honorable service to our country," Faleomavaega concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2007

Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega offers condolences to the Toomalatai family on the death of Private First Class David Tipo Toomalatai

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has been informed about the death of Private First Class David Tipo Toomalatai in Iraq. According to the Department of Defense, PFC Toomalatai was killed on Saturday, January 27, 2007, when an Up-Armored Humvee he was riding struck an IED (improvised explosive device) while conducting a reconnaissance mission in Baghdad, Iraq.

PFC David Toomalatai is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Vailala and Sally Toomalatai - originally from Matautu and Lotofaga, Samoa who are currently residing in Long Beach, California.

PFC Toomalatai was 19 years and 9 months old and served in the U.S. Army (Regular) for one year at the time of his death. He was assigned to the HHT, 2nd Squadron, 8th Cavalry, 1BCT in Fort Hood, Texas when he was deployed to Iraq.

"It is always a difficult and a very sad time whenever we hear about our men and women in uniform killed in war, but that is especially so to the parents and loved ones of David Toomalatai," said Faleomavaega. "Upon receiving the sad news, I called the parents of PFC David Toomalatai in Long Beach to offer my condolences on the passing of their loving son. In my conversation with Mr. Vailala Toomalatai, I extended my heartfelt and deepest sympathy to him and his wife and family members. I also offered my prayers for them during their moment of grief."

"David's selfless service and sacrifice resembles the devotion and commitment by his fellow Samoan brothers and sister that have died before him in defense of our country and safeguarding the countless freedoms we enjoy each day. I pray that our Heavenly Father will comfort them and members of their family during this most difficult of time," Faleomavaega concluded.

"Fort Sam Houston Celebrates 2006 Asian Pacific Heritage Month in San Antonio, TX"

During the month of May across the nation and in military communities worldwide, the observance and celebrations of Asian Pacific American Heritage will bring greater awareness of the rich history and contributions that Asian Pacific Americans have made and continue to make American a strong, vibrant and free society.

The military community of Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas has a reputation for implementing creative educational and cultural programs every year that enhance and promote the achievements and contributions of Asian Pacific Americans in areas of science, education, business, government, medicine, entertainment and the military.

This year the Fort Sam Houston community had the distinct honor of hosting Congressman Eni Faleomavaega as their special guest to their celebration activities. Despite having received a previous invitation from President Bush to attend the White House ceremony in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month during the same timeframe, Congressman Faleomavaega respectfully declined and kept his commitment to the military community in Texas. Congressman Faleomavaega was able to pay a special visit to the Brooke Army Medical Center which includes the Amputee Center and the Department of Defense Burn Center where casualties from Iraq and Afghanistan receive medical treatment for injuries sustained in combat.

Congressman Faleomavaega met with the Commanding General of the medical center, Brigadier General James Gilman and received a tour of the Amputee Center and Burn Center. Congressman Faleomavaega visited with Army Staff Sergeant Pio Paau who was in the Intensive Care Unit of the Burn Center and also spent time with his family. Paau is receiving treatment for burn injuries sustained from an Improvised Explosive Device on April 12, 2006 during a convoy operation. It was a unique opportunity for Congressman Faleomavaega as he observed firsthand the top notch care the injured combat casualties are receiving from the medical staff in the Burn Center.

When hosting a dignitary at a military installation, part of the protocol includes the tasking of a military escort and driver. When the protocol office learned of Congressman Faleomavaega's visit, they were able to provide two Asian Pacific Americans to serve as his escort and driver. Colonel Kent Nabarette who is of Hawaiian-Filipino descent was Congressman Faleomavaega's escort and Specialist Vena Sele of Samoan heritage served as the driver.

Colonel Nabarette is assigned to the Surgeon's Office of the Army North Command and will complete thirty years of military service this summer in July 2006. Specialist Sele is assigned to the Medical Holding Company and is from American Samoa. Sele was medically evacuated from Iraq to Fort Sam Houston last year in April 2005 and has been receiving treatment and rehabilitation for his burn injuries but was able to perform driver duties during the Congressman's visit.

An added blessing to the festivities along with Congressman Faleomavaega's presence was a guest appearance by Mr. Lauvale Sape #93 Defensive Tackle of the Buffalo Bills. Mr. Sape is from American Samoa, a graduate of the University of Utah and currently resides in Buffalo, New York. During his visit he was also able to visit with the combat casualties at the medical center and participated in an autograph session hosted by the Army and Air Force Exchange Services at the local post exchange store.

Congressman Faleomavaega and Mr. Sape were among the special guests who joined the Commanding General of Fort Sam Houston, Major General George Weightman at the highlight of the celebration in the first annual luau which had over 500 military personnel and family members in attendance of which a large majority were of Asian Pacific heritage.

The program began with a display of the Sua Presentation performed by Army Staff Sergeant Mario Lefiti and Army Sergeant First Class Jacqueline Savusa Pona. Both are military instructors with the Army Medical Department Center and School and provide medical training to Soldiers undergoing their Advanced Individual Training (AIT) to become a combat medic. There were also performances by a group of non-islanders from the U.S. Army Medical Command who took the time to be instructed in the art of Polynesian dancing during the whole month of April and performed dances from the Tahitian and Samoan islands. An added feature to the program was a performance by Army Sergeant Leilani Hart who is stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky but is attending a Dental Hygienist course at Fort Sam Houston.

The main entertainment was provided by Hawaii Entertainment Productions featuring Savea's South Seas from Houston, Texas. The husband and wife team of Savea and Vaveao Partsch and their seven children and grandchildren have provided Polynesian entertainment for over 26 years and are the only full-time Polynesian troupe in Texas. The dinner was provided by C&H Hawaiian Grill from Killeen, Texas. The owners of C&H are Hensan and Cora Timo and have been in business for over two and a half years and are located outside of Fort Hood, Texas where a large number of military personnel are stationed.

Congressman Faleomavaega shared in his remarks during the event excerpts given during the Congressional Asian Pacific Caucus on May 9th 2006 that acknowledged the contributions of Asian Pacific American individuals and communities to the success of our great nation. He highlighted the accomplishments in the areas of government, sciences, sports, entertainment and the military. He spoke of the rich history of the 100th Battalion and 442nd Infantry and recounted the events that resulted in the Go for Broke element becoming the most decorated combat unit of its size in the history of the U.S. Army.

The Congressman then provided a moving conclusion to his remarks in describing what America is all about. "I cannot think of it said better than on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in the summer of 1963 when an African American minister by the name of Martin Luther King Jr., poured out his heart and soul to every American who could hear his voice when he uttered these famous words - "I have a dream. My dream is that one day my children will be judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

As with every Asian Pacific American Heritage celebration at Fort Sam Houston, the intent is always to inform, educate and enhance the awareness of individuals and communities worldwide of the history and contributions of Asian Pacific Americans to this great nation called America. The visit by Congressman Faleomavaega and Mr. Sape of the Buffalo Bills enhanced the appreciation and understanding of the Fort Sam Houston and San Antonio community as to who Asian Pacific Americans are and their role in the enrichment of our nation's culture and history.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 24, 2006

Washington, D.C. -- CSM Savusa takes over as Command Sergeant Major of the United States Army Europe & 7th Army

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today his congratulations to Command Sergeant Major Iuniasolua Tului Savusa for his recent promotion to Command Sergeant Major of the United States Army Europe and Seventh Army. On March 3, 2006, General David D. McKiernan, Commanding General of United States Army Europe and 7th Army in Heidelberg, Germany announced the selection of Command Sgt. Maj. Savusa as the next USAREUR command sergeant major. The official assumption of responsibility or change of guard ceremony for CSM Savusa is tentatively scheduled for May 5, 2006.

Prior to his new assignment, CSM Iuniasolua Savusa served as Command Sergeant Major for the Southern European Task Force (SETAF) in Vicenza, Italy. He recently returned from Afghanistan after completion of his second tour where he was deployed with SETAF as Command Sergeant Major for the Combined Joint Task Force-76 in Bagram Airfield in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Previously, he was the Post Command Sergeant Major at Fort Polk and Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana.

"Command Sergeant Major Iuni Savusa truly has been a great soldier and leader for the Army and I am pleased the U.S. Army leadership, especially General David McKiernan, agrees," Faleomavaega said. "When announcing his selection of Mr. Savusa as Command Sergeant Major for the U.S. Army Europe and the Seventh Army, General McKiernan said of Savusa, 'he is an outstanding senior non-commissioned officer, warrior and leader, who has all the right skill sets our troopers and families deserve.'"

"This native of American Samoa has achieved more than any other enlisted Samoan I know of in the Armed Forces," Faleomavaega said. "He has proven that a Samoan can achieve any position in the military. There are no limitations."

"Iuni Savusa was the first Samoan to attain the level of Post Command Sergeant Major less than three years ago. Less than two years later, he was given greater responsibilities when he became Command Sergeant Major for the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force in Italy. He has once again raised the bar as the first Samoan to be Command Sergeant Major in an Army installation with command over all of Europe."

"Without a doubt, Iuni Savusa has broken down many barriers and has clearly paved the way for many other Samoans in the military to move up in the ranks. He is definitely an inspiration and a great role model for our youth and for other Samoans currently serving in the military."

Command Sergeant Major Iuni Savusa began his military career over 30 years ago upon graduating from high school in American Samoa. He holds an Associate of Arts degree from Kemper Military School and College and is a graduate of the United States Army Sergeant Major Academy.

Command Sergeant Major Iuni Savusa is married to the former Mareta Siatini Iese of Fagatogo, American Samoa. They have four children: Alexis Salainaoloa, Alexandrya Falegaui, Alexander Lototasi-Chester, and Alexandrite Maima. He is the son of the late Savusa Tului of Nu'uuli and Talaitupu Savusa of Fagasa.

"As any married member in the military would agree, Mr. Iuni Savusa could not have done it alone without the strong support of his wife Mareta and the many sacrifices by everyone in the family. Throughout their military career that included many tours around the United States and overseas, Mareta has been typical of many military spouses who are the backbone of the family in both raising the children and doing everything necessary to keep the family together."

"I am very proud of Mr. Iuni Savusa and his accomplishments. I have every confidence he will continue his extraordinary service at his new assignment. He has done so much for our country and for our Samoan community and I am glad that his service has been recognized with this honorable promotion. I congratulate him and wish him and his family all the best in their new assignment at Heidelberg, Germany," Faleomavaega concluded.

Resolution commends Eric Howland for bringing JROTC to the territory
by Fili Sagapolutele
Samoa News Correspondent

Eric Tuatagaloa Howland, the man who pushed for the establishment of the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) in American Samoa, is being honored by the Fono through a Senate Concurrent Resolution endorsed by both chambers this week.

The resolution "commends and extends its sincere appreciation" to Howland "for having a vision to bring the JROTC program to American Samoa and pursing that vision until it became a reality."

Born here, Howland attended school in Hawaii where he was a JROTC member. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in education, and later taught at Samoana, Leone and Tafuna high schools.

All public high schools and Kanana Fou High School, a private school, have JROTC programs, which Senators say is vital to the academic development of local students with plans to enter the U.S. armed forces.

While a teacher at Samoan High School in 1972, Howland wrote to the U.S. Army Recruiting Office in New York expressing local public schools' interest in having a JROTC program in the territory. According to the resolution, Howland wrote that "many of our young people leave for the mainland every year and the majority of them end up joining the armed forces. It is with this in mind that we would like to prepare them for the future."

Pursuing the establishment of the JROTC program locally, Howland sent letters to Newsweek Magazine, the ROTC Directorate of the Department of the Army, U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye, the late U.S. Sen. Spark Matsunaga, former ASG Education director Mere Betham, and then Delegate at Large to Washington, A.P. Lutali.

In May 1980, Howland was acknowledged and presented the certificate of Appreciation for Patriotic Civilian Service by the U.S Army. In 1999, he was awarded an Outstanding Civil Service medal for his role in the development of the JROTC program in the territory, according to the resolution.

As a high school teacher for 18 years, Howland conducted various summer workshops for teachers. He is married to Repeka Isara Howland, a longtime nurse.

According to the resolution, Howland included his wife in his JROTC quest, which prompted several letters from Delegate-At-Large A.P. Lutali, recommending Mrs. Howland to the State Department "as the right person to give the JROTC project a lift by encouraging girls to join the program."

The resolution says the JROTC program, which has been part of the public high school curriculum for the past 27 years, has provided opportunities resulting in an increased number of graduates attending off-island colleges and universities.

"The encouragement, discipline and confidence instilled by the JROTC program has resulted in hundreds of college and United States Armed Forces academy graduates and prompted an increase in American Samoans joining" the military or the reservists, it says.

The resolution says the JROTC program continues to be an integral part of our high school system "inspiring patriotism and honor for our homeland American Samoa and mother country, the United States of America."

The bill's main sponsor is Sen. Alo Dr. Paul Stevenson.

Reach the reporter at fili@samoanews.com.