Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that Junior Seau, the famed twelve-time pro-bowl linebacker in the National Football League from American Samoa, was honored by President Bush during yesterday’s White House ceremony celebrating Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month.  Mr. Junior Seau, who currently plays for the Miami Dolphins and previously for thirteen years with the San Diego Chargers, is President and Founder of the Junior Seau Foundation. 

“During yesterday’s White House ceremony to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I was pleased to witness President Bush recognize one of Samoa’s favorite sons, Junior Seau,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “President Bush awarded Junior Seau the President’s Volunteer of the Year award for his endless efforts in assisting many underprivileged young people in the San Diego, California area through the Junior Seau Foundation.” 

“For over thirteen years, the Junior Seau Foundation has consistently inspired young people and has given them hope by offering them scholarships and other financial support for a variety of programs.  The foundation educates and empowers young people through its support of child abuse prevention, drug and alcohol awareness, recreational opportunities, anti-juvenile delinquency efforts, and complimentary educational programs.  I am very proud of Junior Seau and his achievements.  I congratulate him for his well deserved Presidential recognition.” 

“Like Junior Seau, another son of Samoa in the NFL, Joe Salave’a of the Redskins, operates annual youth football clinics in American Samoa and Hawaii.  Through the Joe Salave’a Foundation, Joe has been offering our young people in American Samoa free football clinics for the past six years.  Recently, his foundation has extended the same free opportunities to youth in Hawaii.”

            “I congratulate these two sons of Samoa for what they are doing to help young people.  Junior Seau and Joe Salave’a are good role models for our young people and I ask our Samoan community to support them,” the Congressman concluded.