Congressman Faleomavaega today congratulates Lieutenant Colonel Evelyn Langford for receiving the Federal Asian Pacific American Council Military Meritorious Service Award.  LTC Evelyn Langford received the award for her significant contributions and outstanding service in the promotion and the advancement of Asian-Pacific Americans during her exceptional military service in the Army. 

This distinguished award is annually awarded by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) to active-duty and reserve military service members who best support the ideals of duty, honor, and country.  These individuals are also recognized for their endless volunteer service and contributions in promoting the diversity of equal employment opportunities in the Federal work force and within the Asian Pacific American communities throughout the U.S.

LTC Langford is the Executive Officer of the recently activated 3rd Medical Training Brigade headquartered at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.  LTC Langford has been serving in the Army both active-duty and reserve for more than 24 years.  Historically, LTC Langford is the first American Samoan woman to achieve the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Army.  She is the daughter of Senator Vaitautolu Liugalua of Fitiuta, Manu’a and the late Simeamao Fiaseu-Vaitautolu of Masausi.

“I am proud of this daughter of American Samoa for her recent success in achieving such a distinguished service award,” said Congressman Faleomavaega.  “I want to commend LTC Langford for her continued success in promoting the core values of our Samoan and Polynesian heritage of humility, respect, and perseverance.”

“For the many years I have known Evelyn, she has gone out of her way to help fellow soldiers and, importantly, those in need.  More recently, Evelyn has been diligently working hard through the Wounded Warriors program in accommodating and assisting many of our sons and daughters who have returned from Iraq with serious and tragic injuries.  Whether she is fulfilling her duties as a soldier, she remains committed to her many positions within the Asian Pacific American community as well as her faith.  This is just a mere example of her distinguished service,” said Congressman Faleomavaega.

“Again, I want to thank and congratulate LTC Langford for being a role model for many of our Asian Pacific Americans who continue to serve our country proudly.  I also want to thank Under Secretary of Defense, the Honorable David S.C. Chu, for acknowledging the heroic contributions of our Samoan sons and daughters and for honoring the many fallen heroes from American Samoa during his keynote address,” said Congressman Faleomavaega.

“At this time, I want to personally welcome Senator Vaitautolu, who traveled afar from American Samoa, and David Langford who are here in Washington, D.C. to attend Evelyn’s awards ceremony,” concluded Congressman Faleomavaega.

Photo 1:  LTC Evelyn Langford receiving the FAPAC Military Meritorious Service Award presented by (left) the Honorable David S.C. Chu, Under Secretary of Defense, and (right) Mrs. Chau Le Williams, President of FAPAC.

Photo 2:  Mr. & Mrs. David and Evelyn Langford with father, Senator Vaitautolu Liugalua, in front of the U.S. Capitol steps.