Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has nominated eleven young men and women from American Samoa to the United States Military Service Academies for the classes entering in June, 2009.

“It has always been an honor for me to nominate students from American Samoa to the military service academies,” Faleomavaega said.  “The military academies offer incredible opportunities for these young men and women and I hope they will be successful in their pursuits of becoming officers in one of the branches of the military.”

The candidates who have been nominated are as follows.

US Military Academy, West Point, NY

• Alexander Savusa, Heidelberg High School, son of Iuniasolua and Mareta Savusa of Nu’uuli and Fagatogo.
• Marcelin Saipele Fu’e Leau, Samoana High School, son of Michael and Francis Leau of Aua and Fagaalu.
• Joseph Eugene Mao, Leone High School, son of Aipolo and Anita Mao of Leone.
• Raelynn Tuilefano-Mapu, Tafuna High School, daughter of Eileen and Joe Mapu of Nu’uuli.
• Aimoto Taase, Fagaitua High School, daughter of Maoluma and Fagaese Taase of Lauli’i.
• Ruby Michelle Tapuai, Tafuna High School, daughter of Tina and Siaosi Tapuai of Ottoville.

US Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO

• Boem Shin Kim, South Pacific Academy, son of Sung Nam and Yeon Suk of Iliili.
• Marcelin Saipele Fu’e Leau, Samoana High School, son of Michael and Francis Leau of Aua and Fagaalu.
• Joseph Eugene Mao, Leone High School, son of Aipolo and Anita Mao of Leone.
• Raelynn Tuilefano-Mapu, Tafuna High School, daughter of Eileen and Joe Mapu of Nu’uuli.
• Justin Tuiasosopo, Tafuna High School, son of Meritiana Aliitaeao of Fitiuta and Falealii Tuiasosopo of Tafuna.

US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD

• Arletta Peau, South Pacific Academy, daughter of Tui and Lelei Peau of Tafeta.
• Ernest Einstein Telemu Haleck, Kanana Fou High School, son of Lafogaula and Rhine Haleck of Pago Pago.
• Marcelin Saipele Fu’e Leau, Samoana High School, son of Michael and Francis Leau of Aua and Fagaalu.
• Joseph Eugene Mao, Leone High School, son of Aipolo and Anita Mao of Leone.
• Michael Sagapolutele, Fa’asao-Marist College Preparatory High School, son of Leatanu’u and Dorothy Sagapolutele of Ili’ili.
• Justin Tuiasosopo, Tafuna High School, son of Meritiana Aliitaeao of Fitiuta and Falealii Tuiasosopo of Ottoville.

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY

• Raelynn Tuilefano-Mapu, Tafuna High School, daughter of Eileen and Joe Mapu of Nu’uuli.
• Justin Tuiasosopo, Tafuna High School, son of Meritiana Aliitaeao of Fitiuta and Falealii Tuiasosopo of Tafuna.