Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has been informed that one of American Samoa’s sons is among those recently injured in Iraq.  SSG Americana Mulitauaopele is the son of the late Aalamoana Suiava Mulitauaopele of Laulii and Lelogoa Faumuina of Leloaloa, American Samoa. 

            “I was very saddened when I first received word that SSG Mulitauaopele had been injured in Iraq,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “My office was contacted by members of the Mulitauaopele family to request my assistance on behalf of Americana who was injured on June 16, 2004.”

            “SSG Mulitauaopele is with the Armored Battalion, 1^st Armored Division.  It is my understanding that he was injured in an accident involving a possible suicide bomber during a routine patrol.  SSG Mulitauaopele was MEDEVAC-ed out of Iraq to the Army Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany where he is being treated.  He was accompanied to Germany by his brother Sergeant Amarillo Mulitauaopele who is with the Stryker Brigade and is also serving in Iraq.”

“SSG Mulitauaopele will be transported to the Walter Reed Medical Center in Maryland for further treatment and rehabilitation, perhaps as early as next Monday.  He will be accompanied to the United States by his wife Lorraine Mulitauaopele and their four children.  His brother, Sergeant Amarillo Mulitauaopele, who has been on emergency leave, was due to report back to Iraq on June 25, 2004.  However, I initiated a Congressional inquiry and asked for Amarillo’s leave to be extended for another two weeks.”

“I am pleased to report that SGT Mulitauaopele’s chain of command has honored my request and he will now be allowed to accompany his injured brother to the United States.  SGT Mulitauaopele will also assist his brother’s family and help them settle in at Walter Reed.  I am very pleased to have been able to assist the Mulitauaopele family during this tragic time and my thoughts and prayers will continue to be with them,” the Congressman concluded.