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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR – AMERICAN SAMOA
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – Tuesday, December 28, 2009)
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Gov. Togiola honors Lt. Bryan Fa’avae at ASCC Commissioning Ceremony
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 (UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today honored Lieutenant Bryan Fa’avae --a recent graduate of the University of Hawaii (UH) at Manoa, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science-- in a commissioning ceremony at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC).
Joined by Lieutenant Colonel Evelyn Vaitautolu Langford, Governor Togiola expressed the gratitude of the people and government of American Samoa.
"A special day like today is a day to say thank you. Thank you to your parents. The foundation for your life began with them. Your parents have been your beacon light. They set the example for you to follow. And we owe our gratitude to them,” said Governor Togiola. “Such accomplishment is priceless. A big burden has been lifted from your shoulders. You have carried a heavy load for yourself and especially for your family, for your church, and for American Samoa.”
Governor Togiola said it is a wonderful feeling to celebrate the completion of Lieutenant Fa’avae’s studies and being sworn in as a military officer.
“And we have also come together to say thank you to you - a son of American Samoa. Be proud, but be humble. Be brave, but be bright. Make sure that you show compassion and share love to all the people that will come into your military life,” said Governor Togiola. “Your job begins today. You can't go wrong with a Dad named Aitu. My father's name was also Aitu. It's a big responsibility that is being handed to you. Nurture it with the Word of God and you will be an excellent leader. Congratulations.”
The minister for the Commissioning Ceremony was Rev. Aitu Fa’avae, father of Lieutenant Bryan Fa’avae; perhaps considered to be a first in history for a father to conduct his son’s Oath of Office ceremony.
Guest speaker Lieutenant Colonel Evelyn Vaitautolu Langford shared her views of military life and the skills that are required for to be a good leader.
“I just want to offer you words of experience. Stay fit because it's a requirement. And as you go to your leadership course, I want you to stay close to two buildings on the base. One is the gym, and the other is the church. Combine the two, make it balance, and it will form the foundation for your success. After all your last name means ‘foundation’ in Samoan,’” said Lt. Colonel Langlford. “I encourage you to stay connected. Support the soldiers and their families. Lead by example. And start a graduate program soon. The military will pay for your education - so start it soon while you are young and motivated. Be wise who you choose to associate yourself with. I wish you all the best.”
Lt. Bryan Fa’avae, 24, is the son of Rev. Aitu Fa’avae and Mrs. Matautu Fa’avae of Tafuna. As an active participant at the Tafuna High School Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, Lt. Fa’avae graduated in 2003 and immediately joined the US Army Reserve and became a proud member of Bravo Company, 100th Battalion / 442nd Infantry.
In 2005, he was deployed on a one-year tour with the 100th Battalion in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon returning, he enrolled at ASCC where he graduated in 2007. After graduation he attended and successfully completed the Warriors Leader Course at Fort Richardson, Alaska.
In the Fall of 2007, Lt. Fa’avae was transferred to the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and subsequently from Bravo Company, 100th Battalion to the HHC Scout Platoon at Fort Shafter, Honolulu. He was contracted as a Simultaneous Membership Program ROTC cadet while attending UH, where he graduated on December 19, 2009.
---americansamoa.gov---
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