Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he recently had the privilege of meeting U.S. Air Force Major Dwayne Apisa LaHaye and his wife, Kathy, and their two children in Washington, DC.  He was also accompanied by his mother, Mrs. Vitolia (Victoria) Fola-LaHaye who currently resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, but was originally from Iliili, American Samoa.

“Maj. LaHaye presently works at the Pentagon where he serves as U.S. Air Force Congressional Liaison on Budget and Appropriations.  Previously, he was Budget Analyst for Pacific Air Forces, and Military Assistant, Executive Officer on Financial Operations at the Pentagon,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.

 “I am very pleased to know that Maj. LaHaye is another son of Samoa who is proud of his Samoan heritage and he is eager to learn more about his mother’s Leituala and Fola families in American Samoa,” the Congressman said.

“A 1993 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado, Maj. LaHaye has ascended the ranks during his military career.  In 2003, Maj. LaHaye graduated with a Masters’ degree in International Relations from Troy State University in Alabama.  His other professional training includes the Financial Management Squadron Officer Course at Sheppard AFB in Texas, Foreign Area Officer Exchange Program in Portugal, and Professional Military Comptroller School at Maxwell AFB in Alabama to name a few.”

“Throughout his thirteen-year military career, Maj. LaHaye has received numerous distinguished awards associated with his work.  He was named the Air Combat Command (ACC) Budget Officer of the Year in 1997 and again in 2000.  Also, in 2000, he received the ACC Best Small Budget Office of the Year and the ACC Inspector General Superior Team awards.  In 2001, he received the Wing Staff Company Grade Officer of the Year as well as the Comptroller of the Year awards.  In 2003, he was recognized as Federal Government-Certified Financial Manager.”

“I am proud of this Samoan son and I thank Maj. LaHaye for serving our country and representing American Samoa with pride and honor.  At this time, I also thank all the sons and daughters of American Samoa in the military for serving courageously our Armed Forces during a time when our nation is at war.  To Maj. LaHaye, his wife, Kathy, and their children, and to all the sons and daughters of Samoa in the military and their families, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” Congressman Faleomavaega concluded.