Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has received news that Command Sergeant Major Iuniasolua (Iuni) Savusa has been selected as Post Command Sergeant Major for the United States Army Southern European Task Force (Airborne) in Italy. 

“I am very pleased by the progress of Command Sergeant Major Savusa’s military career,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “It has only been one year ago since Iuni Savusa returned from the war in Iraq and was promoted to Installation or Post Command Sergeant Major at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana.  Previously, Savusa served in Iraq under Operation Iraqi Freedom and in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.  During the Iraq conflict, he was the first soldier from the 101st Airborne Division to cross the border of Iraq.”

“According to the U.S. Army, ‘the Southern European Task Force or SETAF is the organization of choice when it comes to responding to crises and contingencies anywhere within U.S. European Command’s area of responsibility.  SETAF’s mission is to provide trained forces, including a Joint Task Force headquarters, deployable within 72 hours.  With about 1,900 soldiers assigned or in tenant support units, SETAF is the largest U.S. Army force south of the Alps in Europe, with responsibilities throughout the southern region and the Mediterranean area.’”

“With the continuing unstable situation in Iraq and other areas in the Middle East, the proximity of SETAF in the area becomes very crucial for any involvement by our military forces.  Needless to say, the challenges for Command Sergeant Major Savusa and SETAF will be enormous in terms of providing leadership and support in the area.”

“CSM Iuniasolua Savusa joined the U.S. Army in June of 1975 upon graduating from high school.  The numerous decorations awarded to him include the Bronze Star Medal w/V (2 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (5 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (2 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (7 OLC), National Defense Ribbon, Multinational Force and Observer Medal. He was also awarded the coveted Ranger Tab, CIB, EIB, Airborne, Air Assault, Pathfinder and the Drill Sergeant Badge.”

“Mr. Iuni Savusa hails from the village of Nu’uuli, Itu’au County, American Samoa.  He is the son of Savusa Tului of Nu’uuli and Talaitupu Savusa of Fagasa.  He is married to the former Mareta S. Iese of American Samoa.  They have five children named Alexis, Alexandrya, Alexander, Alexandrite, and Meiyann.”

“I am very proud of Iuni Savusa and his accomplishments.  I have every confidence that with the kind of leadership skills and experience he has demonstrated time and again, he will succeed with his new assignment at SETAF.  He certainly has made us all proud.  I wish him and his family the very best at their new duty station,” the Congressman concluded.

Command Sergeant Major Iuniasolua Savusa