Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise as an original sponsor of H.R. 2930, The STOP Act, to celebrate the House's passage of this important legislation and to express my disappointment over the fears that led to 57 of my colleagues voting against the bill and will lay out the facts to dispel those fears. The fact is the bill incorporates the concerns of the various stakeholders impacted by the legislation. This melding of concerns was eloquently stated on the House floor by Chairwoman Leger Fernandez, The STOP Act's sponsor who told the House that: ``This version reflects negotiations with Tribal leaders, Federal agency experts, and the Authentic Tribal Art Dealers Association,'' all of whom are impacted by the legislation. Chairwoman Leger Fernandez comments on the melding of stakeholder concerns were reinforced by Ranking Member Westerman on the House floor when he stated: ``I want to thank the sponsor of the legislation for working with stakeholders impacted by this bill, including the Acoma, the Pueblo, the Antique Tribal Art Dealers Association, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Justice, and others.'' Clearly, there was bipartisan recognition that the concerns expressed by the bill's various stakeholders were legitimate and had to be incorporated into the final product. I am providing here, for the record, the ways in which The STOP Act meets the concerns of all the stakeholders mentioned by Chairwoman Leger Fernandez and Ranking Member Westerman, which should dispel the fears of those opposed to bill. For starters, the bill does not ban all exports of Native American items as some fear. The bill only prohibits the export of items in violation of NAGPRA and ARPA, no other items for export are prohibited. In fact, the bill clearly states: ``an item made solely for commercial purposes is presumed to not qualify as an Item Requiring Export Certification;'' while an additional provision specifies that Certification requirements be ``sufficiently specific precise to ensure that an export certification is required only for Items Requiring Export Certification.'' Clearly, the bill provides for a targeted ban on the export of illegal items, not the broad ban opponents fear. The facts dispel the fear that certification provenance requirements would lead to a de-facto export ban given the limited provenance of many items. The fact is the bill explicitly states: ``include all available information regarding the provenance,'' so the bill clearly only requires ``available information'' and does not require the historical provenance of the item. Finally, opponents fear that The STOP Act placed the burden of proof on the citizen, not the government. In fact, the bill had no need to address this issue. It is a foundational principal of our democratic system of laws and governance that the burden of proof is on the government, not the citizen. In conclusion, I would like to, once again, congratulate the House for passing The Stop Act and urge all to consider these facts.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank GAO Director David Gootnick for his 27 years of federal service, including 20 years at the Government Accountability Office. His leadership on 50 reports and testimonies covering the territories and freely associated states has been a critical source of information and insight for the Natural Resources Committee. In particular, I want to highlight David's five reviews of the implementation of minimum wage increases in American Samoa--beginning in 2010 and last reporting in 2020. These reports provided vital information that helped Congress monitor economic conditions in the territory and take appropriate actions to revise the schedule of America Samoa minimum wage increases. I thank David for his service, and congratulate him on his retirement. Best wishes to him on his future activities.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the late John J. Whitt, who ably served as Legislative Director and then Chief of Staff to two of our former colleagues from Guam: Congressman Robert A. Underwood and Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo, respectively. Sadly, John died from cancer at the age of 64 on September 16, 2021. His funeral Mass was celebrated this morning at Our Lady of the Chesapeake Catholic Church in Pasadena, Maryland, where his family and many friends gathered to memorialize his life and offer prayers of thanksgiving for his public service. I was fortunate to be among them as my husband, Fred, and I were friends with John for many years.

John was well known to the territorial Delegates and their staffs in the House as he was a strong collaborator and visionary when it came to joining forces and forging consensus--where appropriate and possible-- to advance Federal policy to improve the quality of life for Americans residing in the territories and to enhance understanding in Washington about indigenous culture and the way of life in the Pacific islands.

Born on October 15, 1956, to the late Charles and Christina Whitt, John was immensely proud of his CHamoru heritage and his upbringing in Barrigada, Guam. He graduated in 1974 from Father Duenas Memorial School in Chalan Pago, Guam, and in 1978 from the United States Air Force Academy, having been nominated for appointment there by Guam's first Delegate to Congress, the late Antonio B. Won Pat. Thereafter, John served our country as a B-52 pilot. But his other love, of politics, lured him back to his home island of Guam. One of his mentors, the late Colonel Edward Diego ``Eddie'' Reyes, USAF, who was a candidate for Lieutenant Governor on a winning ticket with the late Governor Ricardo J. Bordallo in 1982 recruited John to work on their gubernatorial campaign. It was on the campaign trail that Governor Bordallo, and his wife, Madeleine, took notice of John's sharp intellect and keen political instinct. Not long after being sworn into office, Governor Bordallo tapped John to be his Chief of Staff at a tender young age of 27. After Governor Bordallo's term ended, John embarked on a short career as a commercial regional jet service pilot in the Southeast United States.

When Congressman Underwood was sworn into office in 1993, he brought John on board as part of his legislative team. In the 1990s, John helped advance the Guam Commonwealth Act for consideration by the House Natural Resources Committee and the Clinton Administration and assisted with Congressman Underwood's successful efforts to return excess lands taken by the Federal government to the people of Guam. When Typhoon Paka struck Guam in 1997, John was tapped by Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez and Lieutenant Governor Madeline Z. Bordallo to help coordinate the GovGuam response with FEMA. Thereafter, John returned to Washington--this time to serve as the Governor's liaison in town. When Lieutenant Governor Madeleine Bordallo was elected as Guam's first woman Delegate to Congress in 2002, she tapped John to serve as her Chief of Staff. John served in that capacity for her first seven terms helping her advance the Guam war claims legislation toward its eventual enactment and to provide for an orderly and balanced realignment of military forces on Guam.

John was a longtime, active member of the Guam Society of America, Inc., here in Washington, D.C. He was a consistent, consoling presence whenever one of the elders in the community passed away. John loved to lift our hearts in song and was fond of joining in the choir on special occasions. He would recite the CHamoru hymns and prayers. He was a gifted speechwriter and political strategist with an appreciation for history. He loved politics, the U.S. Air Force, to fly, his home village of Barrigada, and Guam. Most of all he loved his family, especially his brothers and sisters and his numerous nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Albert, Edwin, Emmett, and Julie Sisson. He is survived by his sisters, Frances Lucero (Larry) and Arlene Osorio (David), and his brother Jim Whitt (Debbie), and his nephews and nieces.

Madam Speaker, I take this opportunity to remember John for his contributions to this institution as one of its staff members and for the positive force he made for the betterment of my constituents and our fellow brothers and sisters residing in the other territories. On behalf of the people of American Samoa, I offer our condolences to his family and to our former colleagues, Congressman Underwood and Congresswoman Bordallo, on whose staff he served.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John Iriarte Whitt who passed away on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Bernie, Maryland.

John had a decades long career in public service working as an important advisor to several of Guam's key elected leaders over the years including Gov. Ricardo Bordallo, Gov. Carl Gutierrez, Congressman Robert Underwood, and Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo.

He was proud of his Chamoru heritage and was a longtime member of the Guam Society of America. He understood what it meant to be a Pacific Islander and lived his life serving others. He was a true patriot and was proud of his military service.

As a graduate of the Air Force Academy and a B-52 Pilot, John had a tactical mind, which he put to good use developing political strategies and policy not just for the benefit of the people of Guam, but also for American Samoa and the rest of the territories.

When I was first elected to Congress, John was still the Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Bordallo and was a great help to my freshman office. He was quick to volunteer his time and expertise not only with matters of policy, but with fostering a sense of camaraderie among the territorial delegation.

His passing is not just a loss for Guam, but for the Pacific region at large. He will be missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a true Samoan warrior, Captain Miguel L. Peko, who will retire later this year from the United States Navy after a remarkable 35-year career as a Midshipman and Aviator.

In American Samoa, military service is more than just a job--it is a calling to serve not only our country, but our fellow countrymen. Contributing to the defense of this great nation day in and day out is a singular honor, and I am proud to represent a place that so values this service that it is continually recognized as one of the top recruiting stations anywhere in America for the U.S. military.

Few people know more about that kind of honor through service and duty than Captain Peko. This son of Utulei and Fagatogo flew combat missions in support of Fleet and Joint Operational commanders, coordinated maritime homeland defense efforts across the unified combatant commands, and had a direct impact on the formation of senior military leaders during his most recent post as Director of the Joint Advanced Warfighting School.

Captain Peko's career has garnered numerous decorations for excellence and leadership, including a Legion of Merit, four Air Medals, a Meritorious Service Medal, and a Joint Commendation Medal.

Finally, I would also like to recognize those who stood with him in these years, Captain Peko's family. Behind this successful military career is a wife who went months without her husband, daughters who spent hours of their young lives speaking to their father through a phone or on a video screen, and worried parents who prayed daily for their son's safety.

I thank Mrs. Kerrith Ann Peko and daughters Brenna and Alyssa, for their patience and for all the sacrifices that they have made over the past years. I congratulate Lolesio and Belinda Peko on the immense pride that they must feel for their son's exemplary service. God bless Captain Peko

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2109, introduced by Representative Rice of New York.

Mr. Speaker, to improve employment opportunities for veterans and business opportunities for the companies that employ them, H.R. 2109 would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, to consider the number of veterans who would be employed by a potential contractor and give the company that employs certain veterans credit for doing so during the contract approval process.

The bill would also allow VA to debar any contractor who willfully and intentionally misrepresents the number of veterans they employ.

Mr. Speaker, thanks to President Trump and Republican pro-growth policies, the veteran unemployment rate is at a near historic low of 2.7 percent.

I firmly believe that we should encourage businesses to provide job opportunities to veterans as well as provide VA with the authority to consider veteran hires when making contracting decisions. This legislation emphasizes that.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Rice for her work on this bill, which has my full support. I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 2109.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2196. This bill, which is introduced by an outstanding new member of our committee, Representative Barr of Kentucky, would clarify the eligibility for the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship program.

This program, enacted as part of the Forever GI Bill, authorizes extra GI bill funding to help veterans complete their undergraduate degrees in a STEM field.

Mr. Speaker, we all know about the need to fill vacancies for high- paying jobs in the STEM field. The Smithsonian Science Education Center projected that, in 2018, 2.4 million STEM jobs went unfilled. This program is critical to ensure that veterans are the ones who fill these vacancies. However, because of the way the law was drafted, most students are prevented from using this new benefit due to a technical glitch that excludes all but a few STEM programs.

With this program going live on August 1, just over a month from now, I am grateful to Representative Barr for quickly stepping up to the plate and offering this bill to fix the law's language. Hopefully, with cooperation from our friends in the Senate, we can make this change before August.

I encourage all Members to support H.R. 2196.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Barr).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meuser).

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chair, I rise to offer an amendment, and I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Madam Chair, I rise for the purpose of offering an amendment to provide an increase in American Samoa's nutritional assistance grant funding by $13 million in order to ensure food security for the American Samoan population due to damages sustained by Cyclone Gita in February 2018.

Cyclone Gita's ravaging 100-miles-per-hour-plus winds and torrential rains of over 30 inches devastated family farms and small farm businesses, farms that most American Samoans need for their immediate and extended families for subsistence purposes or to generate small business income. Cyclone Gita wiped out an entire growing season for the American Samoan farmer.

But this is a hand up, not a hand out, Madam Chair. This emergency food aid, along with the additional Medicaid funding Federal matching support in this bill, will allow American Samoans to get back on their feet and fight for their community and country. It is what we do best.

American Samoa has been the number one Army recruiting station in America for 2 of the last 5 years and suffered the worst casualty rate in the Iraq war, both on a per capita basis. This bill will truly help our local veterans, soldiers, and their families, churches, and greater community get back to their fighting weight.

Madam Chair, I thank Chairman McGovern for his leadership on nutritional assistance programs for so many years and Ranking Member Cole and the Rules Committee members for listening to my testimony and providing this opportunity.

I thank Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Granger for their consideration, as well as thanks to Ag Subcommittee Chairman Bishop and Ranking Member Aderholt.

I thank President Trump for swiftly declaring an emergency and FEMA for their response, and especially our Governor, Lolo Moliga, and his staff at home and in D.C., who have been so helpful on this request, and for his leadership in the recovery efforts.

Madam Chair, I ask again for your support for this emergency food assistance need for American Samoa.

Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment, although I am not opposed to it.

Madam Chair, I rise in support of Vice Chairman Sablan's amendment to provide much-needed emergency funding to repair the wastewater treatment plants devastated by Typhoon Yutu.

I thank the vice chairman for his leadership on disaster assistance and for securing a Medicaid hearing for the U.S. territories. The upcoming hearing will provide an opportunity for territory Medicaid issues to be brought to the forefront of Congress so that we can solve our access and funding issues, ensuring future equity and accountability for our Medicaid programs.

Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of the last surviving Fita Fita Guard, WWII, and Korean War veteran Sualua Tui Masaniai. From the villages of Vatia and Ili'ili, he embarked on his journey in 1941 as he was sworn into the First Samoan Marine group. Shortly after, Sualua enlisted in the U.S. Navy fighting alongside his Samoan brothers during the Korean era and WWII.

Sualua dedicated much of his time, spiritual legacy and talents to Kingdom Building which led him to the creation of churches within Ili'ili, Puapua, and Westminster, CA.

After serving 20 years of active duty in the U.S. Navy, Sualua was honorably discharged as an E-7 Chief Petty Officer and Electronic Technician. He returned to Santa Ana, CA where at request of the American Samoa Government, he introduced television. Sualua arrived with his family in 1964 where he became the Chief Technician at KVZK-TV on Mount Alava. Shortly after he served in Leone at the WVUV radio station. Sualua was a passionate man who poured his knowledge of electronic profession into the students at Nu'uuli Poly Tech High School.

Sualua's wife of 62 years--Fesili Mata'u Penitusi Amituana'i Masaniai from the villages of Faga'alu and Fitiuta preceded him to heaven on April 1, 2019. Sualua's legacy will continue in his 12 children, 26 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren.

He was a dedicated community leader of strong work ethic who served his people and always a man of great faith, compassion, gratitude and reciprocation. He has brought great honor to our Samoan people. Sualua Tui Masaniai will be deeply missed, and his life is worthy of our best memories.

Thank you (Soifua).

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Frank Wilfred McCoy, a friend, a business leader in American Samoa, and a beloved family man. His family wrote the following tribute to his life and memory:

``Frank Wilfred McCoy, 71, left us after a battle with

pancreatic cancer on February 5th, 2019, surrounded by

family. Born on April 7th, 1947 in Utulei, American Samoa to

Marie Henrietta Wulf, he is survived by his loving wife,

Edith Iliganoa, children Judith Lynn McCoy, Jessica Liz

Lafaele, Janice Laumata Pele, Frank Wilfred Jr., and Douglas

Aloysious, siblings Grace Laumata Allen, Mary Horne, Ernest

Bernard, and 19 grandchildren.

Frank attended Marist Brothers Elementary in Atu'u,

American Samoa, and Long Beach Polytechnic High School in

Long Beach, CA. He returned home to the islands in 1970 to

work for Van Camp Seafoods where he met Edith. They were

married on June 16, 1970, and set off once more for

California. Frank worked several years with Thums Oil Company

on oil rigs, in the oil fields, and the Catalina Islands. He

also owned a lawnmower repair shop, McCoy's Lawnmower Shop on

Norwalk Boulevard in Hawaiian Gardens.

In 1977, Frank, Edith, and family moved back to American

Samoa. After a stint with Southwest Marine Railways and a few

years as a commercial fisherman, Frank started up Harbor

Refuse & Environmental Services, Inc. (HRES Inc.) in 1985 and

provided hazardous waste response and clean-up and debris

removal from the Pago Pago Harbor. HRES Inc. was a Coast

Guard BOA contractor and the only Mobile Waste Oil Reception

Facility for many years. He was also deputized as an officer

by the Department of Public Safety--Marine Patrol Division.

In 2001, Frank fulfilled his lifelong love of fishing and

started two additional companies: Northwest Fisheries and

McCoy's Icehouse. Northwest Fisheries consisted of two

longline fishing vessels, F/V Northwest and F/V Ali B, and

one bottom fishing/trolling vessel, F/V Leilani. He captained

the voyages to bring the F/V Northwest and F/V Ali B from

Washington and Hawaii to American Samoa, respectively.

McCoy's Icehouse provided retail and commercial ice to local

stores and fisheries.

Frank was an influential leader and contributor to the

local fishery management programs, including the Department

of Marine & Wildlife Resources training programs as well as

the Sea Grant program. He also served the larger Pacific

fishery community through his years of service with the

Western Pacific Fishery Management Council. He was an active

member from 1978 to 2007, and held several posts--most

notably as Chairman in 2006, and Council Vice-Chair in 2004

and 2005. He also Served as a member of the Council's

Advisory Panel as Vice-Chair and Pelagic Advisory Panel Chair

in 2008.

In 2013, Frank and Edith moved to Gorman, TX, and built a

cabin out in the country. He relished living `off the grid',

and built the cabin to be self-sustaining with its own power

and water systems. His pond was his pride and joy, and he

spent many hours during the dry season dredging it and

preparing it to be stocked.

Frank was a man of the highest character, integrity, and

spirit, and he was living proof of the indomitable spirit of

man. He brought his dreams to life, time and time again. He

was truly a force of nature in his own right, and he touched

the lives of countless people with his love, laughter, and

light.

His memory lives on and burns brightly in each and every

one of us whose life he impacted.

Rest in peace and love Dad, you are always in our hearts!''

Thank you (Soifua).

Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight the service of Major Ulisses Taymes, who was the Executive Officer for the 9th Mission Support Theater Support Group--Pacific Battalion located in American Samoa.

In American Samoa, our men and women of the Armed Forces are very important to us. The people of our islands take great pride in being patriotic Americans and our people are known for a high rate of service in our military. In particular, our U.S. Army recruiting center ranks number one in the nation in enlistment rate.

To that end I would like to recognize all the work Major Taymes has done to prepare our Army Reserve Soldiers for success by providing them with the necessary resources and guidance, and for his efforts to instill pride and professionalism in the units.

He has an extensive list of military awards and decorations including the Bronze Star, two Meritorious Service Medals, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, and numerous other awards. He is a graduate of the prestigious Harvard University.

In honoring this outstanding officer today, we also express our deep appreciation to all who serve, including the many in uniform from American Samoa serving with distinction all over the world.

In American Samoa, we've come to appreciate Major Taymes as one of our own, and

the end of his assignment in American Samoa is bittersweet. I thank Ulisses for his outstanding leadership and commitment to our Soldiers, American Samoa and our great Nation. Best wishes to him and his family as he departs American Samoa. Congratulations to him on his next assignment and the great future ahead of him. Thank you for your service and your time on our beautiful islands. God bless your path and goodbye. Fa'amanuia le Atua i ou ala. Soifu

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Bishop Vaifanua Suiava Mulitauaopele. He was a friend of many years, a trusted adviser, and a respected leader to our Samoan people in the islands and in the U.S.

A native of Laulii, American Samoa, Bishop Mulitauaopele lived a full and joyful life in the service of the Lord, and he was a blessing to far more people than any of us will ever know. Even as we feel a sense of loss at his passing, we know he would be the first to comfort us. Our hearts are with his dear wife Eva, the rest of his family and his many friends.

He served our country as well as his church, and retired from the U.S. Army as a decorated Veteran of the Vietnam War. He gave 20 years of service to medical missions in Samoa, and was engaged in an ongoing clinic project at the time of his passing that will be of great help to our people.

He was a spiritual and community leader, and always a man of great faith, compassion and integrity. He brought honor to our Samoan people. Bishop Mulitauaopele will be missed, and his life is worthy of our best memories.

At the service, Pastors Salt and their congregation sang beautiful Samoan hymns, and it was livestreamed to be available anywhere he was known.

In addition to his wife, Eva Gonzalez Mulitauaopele, Bishop Pele was also survived by his son Anthony V. Mulitauaopele (Lauren) of Inman, SC, and two daughters, Jennifer Cotton (Nikko) of West Columbia, SC, Laura Frick (Ted) of Little Mountain, SC.

He also had six grandchildren: Victor, Grant, Marla, Chloe, Callie, and Cash; and his sister, Sua Peko; and two godchildren, Lautofa and Sam. Finally, his two beloved dogs were Buddy and Sammi.

Thank you and goodbye (Soifua).

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chair, I thank Representative Brownley for introducing this legislation to help our veterans and their families.

Madam Chair, I am offering this amendment to clarify that the childcare benefit be made available for veterans while they are actively participating in VA healthcare services, i.e., when they are traveling to or attending VA appointments, and not at any other time.

This small clarification will ensure that the childcare assistance is reserved for veterans who need it most and that it does not accidentally replace more long-term childcare programs.

If there is a need for an expanded childcare program, I believe it should be created separately, and I would be happy to work with my colleagues on that.

Madam Chair, I ask my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. David P. Roe).

Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Will the gentleman yield?

That is a good question, and that is something we are going to have to work on.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for the REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act (H.R. 3998).

When Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005, no reference was made to the Freely Associated States (FAS) of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau--trusted U.S. allies and friends. Instead, in a true technical glitch, the law defined ``State'' to include the ``Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands,'' a legal entity that has once included the FAS but has not existed since 1994. This anachronistic reference to the Trust Territories of the Pacific clearly demonstrates congressional intent to include FAS citizens in the law.

As a consequence of the law's wording, FAS citizens today are denied anything more than a temporary ID or driver's license valid only for one year. This makes it extraordinarily difficult for them to maintain employment and otherwise contribute meaningfully to society.

This problem must be resolved and our House Dean, Congressman Don Young of Alaska and my good friend Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii have devised the right Bi-Partisan solution in crafting H.R. 3998.

The Republic of the Marshall Islands, Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia are some of the U.S.'s closest allies and great friends and neighbors in the Pacific to American Samoa. They vote with us consistently and reliably at the United Nations. They send their sons and daughters to fight with us, side by side, in the United States Armed Forces.

The RMI in particular, which was once my home, is also home to The Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll, which I recently visited on a CODEL, and all three nations play a key critical role in U.S. national defense and strategy in a threatening part of the world, close to North Korea and China.

Congress needs to make this technical correction and enable those from the Freely Associated States to fully contribute to the American communities in which they live. I urge my colleagues to please vote yes on final passage of H.R. 3998.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the service of Lieutenant Colonel Clinton ``Clint'' Seybold as Commander of the American Samoa Detachment upon the occasion of the Change of Command Ceremony.

In American Samoa, our men and women of the Armed Forces are very important to us. The people of our islands take great pride in being patriotic Americans and our people are known for a high rate of service in our military. In particular, our U.S. Army recruiting center ranks number one in the nation in enlistment rate.

Lieutenant Colonel Seybold has deployed in numerous postings from Kentucky to Korea, and in 2015, assumed Command of the American Samoa Detachment, Theater Support Group, 9th Mission Support Command, Tafuna, American Samoa.

He has an extensive list of military awards and decorations, and is a graduate of the prestigious Virginia Military Institute with a Bachelor of Arts in History. He also graduated U.S. Army Airborne School, Ranger School and Air Assault School, followed by a Master of Arts in U.S. History from Eastern Illinois University.

In honoring this one outstanding officer today, we also express our deep appreciation to all who serve, including the many in uniform from American Samoa serving with distinction all over the world.

In American Samoa, we've come to appreciate Clint as one of our own. Congratulations to Lieutenant Colonel Seybold, on his next role and the great future ahead of him. I thank him and his wife, Wendy, for his service and his time on our beautiful Islands.

God bless and Soifua.