Congressman Faleomavaega today congratulates Sergeant Panini Aliilua for receiving the Purple Heart award.  Sergeant Aliilua has been awarded the Purple Heart by the U.S. Army due to injuries he received earlier this year when his patrol vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device or IED.  In the presence of his batallion, Sgt. Aliilua was awarded the Purple Heart by the Brigade General, Batallion Commander, and Sergeant Major.

 Sergeant Panini Aliilua is a member of the U.S. Army Reserve in American Samoa, Charlie Company, 100 Battalion, 442nd Infantry currently serving in Iraq.  He hails from the village of Afono, American Samoa.  He is the son of Tofa Fainuulelei Faamuli Aliilua and Salote Aoelua-Aliilua of Afono.  He is married to Dorothy Gaoteote-Aliilua of Vatia and they have four sons.

  “I am proud of this son of American Samoa and I congratulate him for his courage and heroism,” said Faleomavaega.  “I also congratulate and thank Sergeant Panini Aliilua for his patriotism and service to our country.”

 “During this holiday season, let us keep Sergeant Aliilua and his family and all of the Samoan men and women who remain serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families in our thoughts and prayers.  To the veterans and the rest of the Samoan men and women who are serving our nation at home and abroad, our nation is grateful for your patriotism, professionalism, and dedication.  I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

“Again, I commend Sergeant Panini Aliilua for his bravery and devotion to duty and I wish him and his family the very best,” concluded Congressman Faleomavaega.