Congressman Faleomavaega today expressed his deep condolences to Mrs. Jocelyn Milo of Union City, California, wife of the late SPC Avealalo Milo, and to his parents, Folola and Mareko Milo of Malaeimi, American Samoa, on the tragic passing of husband and son who was killed by small arms gunfire in Iraq on October 4, 2007.

“It is only by accepting the fact that Specialist Avealalo Milo made the ultimate sacrifice for his passion in life that we find comfort in how great a sacrifice he made for all those whom he dearly loved, and for the values he believed in,” Faleomavaega said.  “His death reflects the kind of heart that is implanted in each and every member of our military services.  His great loss is but a small reflection of his love for his family and country and especially of the magnitude of his courage.”

“I know this is an extremely difficult time for all of you as a family, especially a loving and closely-knit family, but I also know that your religious beliefs which Avealalo took after are so strong that you will be comforted by the same spirit of bravery that was with Avealalo.”

“SPC Avealalo was a very young man of 23 who was in the military for a short 25 months but he had already accumulated numerous military merits and was awarded more honors upon his death.  He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Posthumous; Purple Heart, Posthumous, Army Good Conduct Medal, Posthumous; National Defense Medal; Iraq Combat Medal; Global War on Terrorism Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Combat Infantryman Badge, Posthumous; Weapons Qualification Badge, and Avealalo was also classified as a rifle expert.”

“I cannot say enough about the honorable service Avealalo provided to his country, making the ultimate sacrifice so all of us would enjoy the many freedoms we often take for granted each day.  For that, Avealalo has joined the consecrated rank of Toa o Samoa and all other military heroes who have died before him in this tragic conflict,” Faleomavaega commended.

“I certainly intend to join the military representatives and family members who will be escorting Avealalo’s body home for his final resting and I am in contact with the U.S. Army at the Pentagon to coordinate the time and date when that will happen.  Again, I offer my sincerest sympathies to Jocelyn, and to Folola and Mareko, and to all the Milo family in their time of sorrow.  May our Father in Heaven provide them with comfort and solace in this time of grief,” Faleomavaega concluded.