May 13, 1999

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. ---- CONGRESSMAN FALEOMAVAEGA ANNOUNCES THAT THE U.S. MARINE CORPS IS COMING TO RECRUIT IN AMERICAN SAMOA

      Following a meeting with Sergeant Major Filipo Ilaoa, Congressman Faleomavaega today announces that the U.S. Marine Corps is interested in a few more good men and women from our territory and will pay a recruiting visit to American Samoa this month.

      Sergeant Major Ilaoa and Master Gunnery Sergeant David A. Save will be in American Samoa from May 21, 1999 to the end of the month. Their objectives are to recruit qualified men and women, as well as to discuss with Junior and Senior high school students the many excellent educational and employment opportunities available in the U.S. Marine Corps.

      "I am very pleased that the Marine Corps continues to be interested and is actively recruiting in our territory," said Congressman Faleomavaega. "I commend the U.S. Marine Corps Command for allowing two of American Samoa's own sons, Sergeant Major Ilaoa and Master Gunnery Sergeant Save, who both understand our culture and people to make this trip. It always makes a big difference when you can speak with one of your own people," continues Faleomavaega.

      Sergeant Major Ilaoa states, "We think there are many Samoan men and women that would be interested in what the Marine Corps has to offer, and we will be able to explain that. We also would like to visit the high schools and speak with the Juniors and Seniors and explain to them about the many opportunities that are available in the Marine Corps."

      To assist Ilaoa's efforts, Congressman Faleomavaega has written to Governor Tauese Sunia to request his help to facilitate the high school visits as well as their overall efforts to recruit in American Samoa.

      "I encourage our Samoan people and especially the high school students to take advantage of this opportunity to speak directly with Sergeant Major Ilaoa and Sergeant Save and learn all they can about the Marine Corp," added Faleomavaega.

      In the 26 years since joining the USMC, Sergeant Major Ilaoa has moved through the ranks and with each promotion brings bigger responsibilities. Prior to becoming Sergeant Major for the Marine Corps Recruiting Command, Ilaoa served in numerous responsible positions within the Corps.

      In 1983, he returned to the 3d MAW for duty and was assigned to the Marine Helicopter Training Squadron 301, MAG 16. He later was transferred to the 1st Marine Brigade in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii and was assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165, MAG 24, where he served as the Quality Assurance Representative and Maintenance Control Planner for the squadron. He served in this capacity until his selection to first sergeant in 1987. He was transferred to Brigade Service Support Group-1, 1st Marine Brigade as First Sergeant for Supply Company.

      Sergeant Major Ilaoa is from Leone where he graduated from the Leone High School in 1973. Soon after high school graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps in October of the same year. He is married to the former Vaisa Fuimaono of Independence, Missouri and they have seven children named Robert, Aaron, Nathan, Kaleb, Toli, Lima and Tai.