Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that five of the candidates he nominated to the U.S. Military Service Academies have received Offers of Appointment to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

“I would like to congratulate our young people for successfully meeting the high qualifying standards set forth by their respective academies and I commend each of them for obtaining one of these much sought after appointments,” the Congressman said.  “Each scholarship is worth over $320,000 and admission to the academies is highly competitive, both academically and physically.”

 “Because obtaining an appointment to a U.S. Military Service Academy is no easy feat, I would also like to extend my congratulations to the parents and teachers of these candidates.  The candidates who have now been offered appointments are Mr. Richie Liatama Amisone, a graduate of Samoana High School and the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School.  He is is the son of Li’atama and Lydia Amisone.”

“Mr. Edgar P. Carnecer, a graduate of Fa’asao/Marist High School and the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School, is the son of Edgar and Nima Carnecer.  Mr. David R.L. Kava, a graduate of Tafuna High School and the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School, is the son of Sione Lousiale and Saouila Fanene Lousiale Kava.”

“Ms. Mercy Sesilia Te’o, a graduate of Faga'itua High School and the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School, is the daughter of Samia Tupe Te’o and Epenesa Te’o Jennings.  Ms. Demitrah Selena Mele Williams, a graduate of Samoana High School and the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School, is the daughter of Simoa and Lily Williams.”

            “I am hopeful that next year will be another strong year for our students in American Samoa who wish to seek appointments to the service academies and I am thankful that more students have the opportunity to apply.  In November 2003, President Bush signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act for FY04 which included language that I offered to increase the number of military appointments from American Samoa.  As a result of this new law, American Samoa is now able to submit up to 20 nominations to each service academy compared to the 10 nominations in previous years.”

            “I am proud of our students for taking advantage of these opportunities and, again, I commend Richie, Edgar, David, Mercy, and Demitrah on their appointments.  They are trailblazers, role-models and future officers of our U.S. Armed Forces and I appreciate their willingness to serve our country and to represent American Samoa at this time in our nation’s history.  I pray for their success and I wish them the very best,” the Congressman concluded.