July 17, 1997

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. ----

WASHINGTON, D.C. ---- FALEOMAVAEGA TO VISIT SAMOAN RESERVE TROOPS IN HAWAII AND ATTEND CONFERENCE

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has been invited by Brigadier General Raymond E. Gandy, Jr., Commander of the 9th U.S. Army Reserve Command, to observe the military maneuvers of the units of the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry in Hawaii as they conduct their annual training. These units are composed in part of the Army Reserve units based in American Samoa and commanded by Major Supply Seau.

"First of all, I want to commend Lieutenant Colonel Mapu Jamais for his initial efforts and leadership in establishing an Army Reserve unit composed of Samoan men and women. The two companies now in Samoa are members of one of the most highly decorated units in American military history. American Samoa should be grateful that Hawaii has extended its hand of Aloha to be a part of this famous unit," said Faleomavaega.

"I would like to take this opportunity," continued the Congressman, "to remind the Samoan community of the famous military history of this unit: 300% casualty rate (representing an average of three casualties for each member of the units); over 9000 purple hearts; 560 silver stars; 67 distinguished service crosses; and, ironically, only one Congressional Medal of Honor," he continued.

"The 100th Battalion 442nd Infantry has never been composed of mediocre units. The history of these units should always be remembered because it was the blood sacrifices by the Japanese-Americans in these units that moved President Truman to integrate the U.S. armed forces, and we Samoans have received significant benefit from that integration process," said Faleomavaega.

"As a former Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve and a Vietnam veteran, I have a special affection for our men and women in military uniform and am pleased and honored to accept General Gandy's invitation to visit our troops in Hawaii," continued the Congressman.

"Also while in Hawaii, I will be speaking in a conference at Farrington High School concerning the serious problems our youth are facing today. I also understand that House Speaker Mailo Sao Nua will be attending the conference, and I look forward to participating with him," concluded Faleomavaega.