“I felt very honored and privileged to be invited back, not only for the third year in a row, but to speak twice in the same conference,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “FAPAC is becoming the premiere Asian Pacific American employees’ organization of the government, building close relationships with the Department of Defense, the Department of Labor, Congress, the White House, and other federal agencies.”

       “Without a doubt, a major part of FAPAC’s annual conference agenda is to recognize the contributions and achievements Asians and Pacific Islanders are making in strengthening our nation.  Among the few who received awards this year was Master Sergeant Iosefa Elisara, a United States Marine stationed in Kaneohe Marine Base, Hawaii, who was awarded the Military Meritorious Service Award for the Marine Corps,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.

       “This award is presented annually by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) to recognize outstanding military service members who have made significant contributions to the advancement of Asians and Pacific Islanders and this is why I congratulate Master Sergeant Iosefa Elisara for the outstanding job he has done to improve the recruitment and retention of Samoans and other Pacific Islanders in the U.S. Marine Corps.”

       “As a Career Retention Specialist, Master Sergeant Elisara has worked tirelessly to encourage Pacific Islanders who are currently enlisted to remain in the U.S. Marine Corps,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “Master Sergeant Elisara has also reached out to enlist new recruits throughout the Pacific Islander community.  I am proud of Master Sergeant Elisara’s accomplishments and he has represented American Samoa well as a result of his dedicated service.”

       “I am also proud of FAPAC and its continued commitment to highlighting and showcasing the accomplishments of Asian Pacific Americans.  As I have said time and time again, ours is a heritage that is rich in culture and tradition.  Our accomplishments are being recognized by Congress and by the President of the United States.  Asian Pacific Americans are making a difference and are shaping America’s future.”

       “Once again, I am deeply honored that as the Ranking Member of the House International Relations Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific I was able to speak on behalf of the people of American Samoa and offer the congratulatory remarks at this year’s FAPAC conference,” Faleomavaega said.  “This year’s theme was a salute to liberty and, in the spirit of this theme and in recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I salute Master Sergeant Elisara and the sons and daughters of American Samoa who are proudly serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.  May our prayers be with them and may God bless America.”


Photo captions (Left to Right)

Photos 1 & 2:
Congressman Faleomavaega is speaking in front of a crowd of approximately 1,000 people at the FAPAC Dinner Banquet and Awards Ceremony.

Photo 3:
Congressman Faleomavaega and Master Sergeant Iosefa Elisara who was the reciepient of the FAPAC Military Meritorious Service Award for the Marine Corps.

Photo 4:
Congressman Faleomavaega is pictured with a few Samoans who attended the FAPAC Dinner Banquet and Awards Ceremony. From left to right:  Fereti Semaia of Federal Bureau of Prisons-Los Angeles, Congressman Faleomavaega, Elizabeth Tuaau of Air Force Base-Los Angeles, and MSG Iosefa Elisara of Kaneohe Marine Base-Hawaii.