Active Duty Military

As a Vietnam veteran, I am proud of our young men and women who are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.  At a time when our nation is at war, the U.S. Congress is united in its support for our troops and this is why by a vote of 391 - 34 the House came together and supported the DOD authorization bill which set aside $450 billion to pay for the needed expenses of our troops, including those from American Samoa.

The U.S. Congress is also united in its belief that our military men and women should have the right to vote in Federal elections held in American Samoa.  This is why the House and Senate unanimously supported H.R. 2010, a bill I introduced to protect the voting rights of American Samoa's active duty military members and overseas voters.  President Bush also supported this historic legislation and signed it into law on October 30, 2004.

Also included in the Iraqi Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill was my initiative to allow soldiers from American Samoa who have served 12 straight months in Iraq or Afghanistan to return home and see their families and be reimbursed for their travel costs.

As one who has also served our nation in a time of war, I will continue to make our troops my priority. If you are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and need assistance, please consider my office your home away from home.  You may contact me by phone in Washington DC at (202) 225-8577 or by fax at (202) 225-8757.  In American Samoa, you may contact me by phone at (684) 633-1372 or by fax at (684) 633-2680.  You may also reach me by email at faleomavaega@mail.house.gov.

If you need assistance in requesting a compassionate reassignment, changing your home of record, or any other matter which may require my support, be sure to provide me with your name, address, social security number, and a phone number where you can be reached.  I will make sure your request is expedited and given fair consideration by the Department of Defense. That's because while you are serving us, I am committed to serving you.

As your Congressman, I will continue to make sure that you have the same rights and privileges as every other American serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.  I will also continue to pray for your safe return.

Until we meet again, please accept my heartfelt thanks for the sacrifices you and your families are making so that future generations may live in peace.  May God bless you and may God bless America.