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.