E1692 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 2, 2014 standing with us. At this time and on behalf ‘‘BG Wojtecki works under the command [Press Release, Dec. 11, 2013] of the people of American Samoa, I thank of General Grass of the National Guard Bu- NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR General Lee for his continued support. As a reau, and the NGB is coordinating with the 2014 people, we are deeply appreciative of the DOD as this study moves forward. With the Congressman Faleomavaega announced service he renders in support of our troops United States pivoting towards the Asia Pa- today that the National Defense Authoriza- and we commend him for his dedication, cific, I have asked the DOD and NGB to con- tion Act (NDAA) for 2014 contains a provi- commitment and leadership, the Congress- sider foremost the strategic importance of sion requiring the Department of Defense man concluded. both American Samoa and CNMI, especially (DOD) to do a feasibility study on estab- since our military men and women serve our lishing National Guard units in American [Press Release, Mar. 13, 2009] nation in record numbers. BG Wojtecki Samoa and the CNMI. The House is expected FALEOMAVAEGA PUSHES AIR NATIONAL GUARD agreed that this would be a top consider- to vote later this week. FOR AMERICAN SAMOA ation.’’ In the case of American Samoa, Congressman Faleomavaega announced ‘‘Other areas that are being reviewed are Faleomavaega has worked on this issue since today that he is pushing to establish a Ha- force structure, demographics, what units 2004 with the late Senator Daniel K. Inouye waii Air National Guard unit in American would be best suited and if a National Guard and 2005 with Major General Robert Lee, Samoa. On January 28, 2009, Faleomavaega unit can be sustained in American Samoa former General of the 9th Regional Support wrote to Senator Inouye and also met with since the local government would have to Command. the Senator on January 29. On March 12, participate in cost-sharing. Also, there are As previously stated, ‘‘While I am pleased 2009, he sent a letter to General Craig R. many legal matters which must be ad- that the U.S. Congress supported efforts to McKinley, Chief of the National Guard Bu- dressed, including the need for lawyers to as- construct a new $20 million U.S. Army Re- reau. A complete text of the letter, which sess how National Guard legalities would fit serve Center in American Samoa, I am hope- was copied to Senator Daniel K. Inouye, fol- with local law but I am confident we can re- ful that the Congress will now give serious lows: solve any issues that might be of concern.’’ consideration to the establishment of a Na- Dear General McKinley: ‘‘One issue that BG Wojtecki and I agreed tional Guard unit in the Territory as I be- I am writing as a follow-up to discussions on, which Governor Lolo also supports, is lieve that it is in our national interest for I have had with U.S. Senator Daniel K. that due to legal issues American Samoa the United States to increase its military Inouye, Major General Robert Lee who is may not be able to have a guard unit func- presence in American Samoa,’’ The Adjutant General (TAG) for the State of tion under the Hawaii National Guard be- Faleomavaega said. Hawaii, and also Major General Darryll D.M. cause, unlike the Reserve, different rules ‘‘During WWII, the naval station in Amer- Wong, Commander of Hawaii Air National govern the National Guard.’’ ican Samoa served as a critical refueling Guard, regarding the establishment of a Ha- ‘‘And so, if the study team recommends a point for U.S. troops. With increasing ten- waii Air National Guard unit in Pago Pago, guard unit for American Samoa and should sions in the Asia Pacific region, now more American Samoa. the DOD agree, our next step would be to in- than ever the U.S. needs to reconsider its re- Major General Lee and Major General clude funding in the National Defense Au- lationship with U.S. insular areas in the Pa- Wong have informed me that you are aware thorization Act for 2016, and after that we cific.’’ of this request, and that our efforts look could still be looking at three years out be- After many discussions and delays in Con- promising. I thank you for your support fore we transition into a fully functioning gress, in May 2013, the Congressman provided which is critical to our success, and I am National Guard. If we succeed, then the Gov- testimony before the House Committee on hopeful that you will join me in sending a ernor would select an Adjutant General but Armed Services where he urged the Com- joint letter to Governor Togiola Tulafono so a Colonel would also be appointed who would mittee to finally include language for a fea- that we may expedite this process. work directly with General Grass of the Na- sibility study for a National Guard in Amer- As you may know, American Samoa has a tional Guard Bureau. The Colonel would ican Samoa. The Committee decided to in- per capita enlistment rate in the U.S. mili- oversee all U.S. fiscal funding, property, and clude CNMI as well because it does not have tary which is higher than any State or U.S. equipment and would report directly to the a National Guard unit. Territory. Our sons and daughters have National Guard Bureau.’’ In June 2013, Congresswoman Bordallo of- served in record numbers in every U.S. mili- ‘‘In hopes that we can one day make this a fered an amendment at Faleomavaega’s re- quest and the amendment was passed. The tary engagement from WWII to present oper- reality, I also suggested, and the Brigadier language is now included in the final bill to ations in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have General Wojtecki agrees, that we should con- sider having a National Guard unit co-share be considered. stood by the United States in good times and A feasibility study is the first step for the bad, and I believe this relationship would the Reserve building, and the study team would review this option as a cost-savings to establishment of a National Guard unit in only be strengthened by establishing a de- American Samoa, and the conferees to the tachment of the Hawaii Air National Guard strengthen our case for establishing a Na- tional Guard presence in American Samoa.’’ NDAA agreed to include language author- in American Samoa. izing the study. The House is now expected Faleomavaega concluded his letter by stat- ‘‘BG Wojtecki also informed me that the to vote on the NDAA as early as tomorrow. ing, ‘‘I am hopeful to work with you on this timeline for the study to be completed could important initiative, and I congratulate you be as early as September or as late as No- f vember or December of this year, given that on being the first four-star General in Na- JORDAN’S MIXED SIGNALS HARM tional Guard history.’’ the NGB needs to coordinate with DOD, USAR, and other federal agencies to make REGIONAL PEACE AND STABILITY [Press Release, June 11, 2014] sure the study team has the most accurate information possible upon which to base its CONGRESSMAN FALEOMAVAEGA MEETS WITH HON. MATT SALMON recommendation. BG Wojtecki and I firmly GENERAL WOJTECKI TO DISCUSS NATIONAL OF ARIZONA believe the NGB and DOD must receive input GUARD FEASIBILITY STUDY from Command Sergeant Major Iuniasolua IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Congressman Faleomavaega announced Savusa, who was once a candidate for CSM of Tuesday, December 2, 2014 today that he met with Brigadier General the Army.’’ Timothy Wojtecki, Vice-Director of Force ‘‘In fact, they said that the study requires Mr. SALMON. Mr. Speaker, I want to bring Structure, Resources and Assessment for the his input since he is the Director of Home- to my colleagues’ attention an incident that oc- National Guard Bureau (NGB) to discuss the land Security in American Samoa. To allevi- curred on November 16, 2014 in which two feasibility study now underway for a Na- ate any concern about his time commitment, American rabbis and three Israeli citizens tional Guard unit in American Samoa. Colo- I was assured in today’s meeting that the were brutally murdered in a West Jerusalem nel Mike Mellor, Branch Chief of the Force time commitment on CSM Savusa’s part synagogue by two cousins associated with the Capabilities and Requirements Analysis Di- would be minimal making it possible for him Har Nof terrorist group. vision, and Master Sergeant (MSG) Bryan to devote all of his time and attention to his Rotherham, Joint Programs Legislative Li- While I appreciate the role Jordan, her gov- job as Director of Homeland Security while ernment, and her people play in fighting ter- aison, also attended the meeting held in the also contributing his unparalleled expertise Congressman’s Washington, DC office. to this historic study.’’ rorism and promoting regional stability, I am ‘‘I want to personally thank BG Wojtecki ‘‘I very much look forward to working deeply disappointed at the Jordanian govern- for the update he provided me regarding the closely with Governor Lolo to make sure ment’s response to this sickening, ruthless act feasibility study on establishing National that the study put forward by the team is as of terrorism and murder. Guard units in American Samoa and CNMI,’’ strong as possible in hopes that the rec- While the Prime Minister’s office officially Faleomavaega said. ‘‘In 2013, the House and ommendation from the NGB and the DOD condemned the action and its extremist ide- Senate agreed to my request to include lan- will be for the establishment of a National ology, these admonishments are rendered guage in the National Defense Authorization Guard unit in American Samoa. With the Act (NDAA) authorizing a feasibility study support and the prayers of the people of moot when they are followed by a letter of and I am pleased that the Department of De- American Samoa, it is my intent to work condolence from Jordanian Prime Minister fense (DOD) and the National Guard Bureau hand in hand with Governor Lolo and our Abdullah Ensour to the terrorists’ family. Addi- have formed the study team and are now local leaders until we accomplish our goal,’’ tionally, the Jordanian parliament not only con- conducting an assessment.’’ Faleomavaega concluded. doned but celebrated the murders by holding

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:46 Dec 03, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A02DE8.011 E02DEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS December 2, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1693 a minute of silence on the parliament floor to Johnson, Sr., and Willie Johnson, Jr. Jewel mation about former Secretary of State Hillary memorialize the perpetrators. Such mixed sig- leaves many family members and loved ones Clinton’s authorization of emergency relief nals from the Jordanian government are un- to cherish her lasting memories, including: her supplies to Samoa in response to the dev- conscionable and counterproductive to ongo- children Regina Pierre, Vonda Yvette, and astating tsunami of September 29, 2009. ing efforts toward regional stabilization and Levelle Christopher; her sisters Rosetta Wil- [Press Release, Oct. 10, 2009] peace. liams, Lula Phillips, and Mary Walton (Ray- SECRETARY CLINTON GETS IT DONE; EMER- Praising those who commit acts of terrorism mond); her grandchildren Monique D. John- GENCY RELIEF SUPPLIES TO BE AIRLIFTED promotes the culture of political violence that son-Smith (Rodney), Chanel E. Moore, Jarrett FROM GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA TO continually shocks the neighborhoods of East L. Moore, Brandon D. Brazziel, Maya A. SAMOA IN RESPONSE TO DEVASTATING TSU- NAMI and West Jerusalem, further derailing an al- Moore; her great-grandchild Myles X. Smith; ready strained reconciliation process at each Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, and her 38th Street Church family We are the Pacific and the Global Environment, turn. Such official endorsements send the grateful to Geraldine ‘‘Jewel’’ Blue for her tre- Congressman Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, and wrong message to Jordanian citizens and mendous contribution to so many in Chicago Congresswoman Laura Richardson (D–CA), Muslims worldwide, especially youth who are and our nation; her nurture and love strength- announced today that the U.S. Department faced each day with the decision to turn to vi- ened individuals and communities. of State called them this morning to inform them that Secretary Clinton has authorized olence or toward peace. f The U.S. Congress must encourage the Jor- the use of funds from the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) to get emer- danian government to stand in condemnation ST. PAUL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 175TH ANNIVERSARY gency relief supplies airlifted from the great- of such acts of violence. er Los Angeles area to Samoa in response to f the devastating tsunami that struck Apia on HON. WILLIAM L. ENYART September 29. A TRIBUTE TO MRS. GERALDINE OF ILLINOIS In his capacity as Chairman of the Asia ‘‘JEWEL’’ BLUE Pacific Subcommittee which has broad juris- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES diction for U.S. foreign policy affecting the Tuesday, December 2, 2014 region, including Samoa, Chairman HON. DANNY K. DAVIS Faleomavaega personally spoke to Secretary OF ILLINOIS Mr. ENYART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Clinton on Oct 1 and, in letters dated Oct 4 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating and Oct 5, followed up with her regarding the St. Paul United Church of Christ on its 175th specific need to airlift emergency supplies to Tuesday, December 2, 2014 anniversary. Apia, which were gathered by the Samoan Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speak- From humble beginnings in 1839, St. Paul’s communities and congregations in the great- er, I wish to pay tribute to a wonderful has seen an incredible cross section of Amer- er Los Angeles area. Chicagoan, Geraldine Blue, who passed from The Samoan communities in the greater ican history in the Midwest. Born from Belle- Los Angeles directly contacted this world on November 22, 2014. ville’s German immigrants, the church first Faleomavaega for assistance because many Affectionately known as ‘‘Jewel’’ to her held services at the local court house, while of their families and relatives live in his dis- friends and family, she was born in Little awaiting a physical structure to be built. trict of American Samoa or Samoa. Con- Rock, Arkansas on March 8, 1940 to Blanche St. Paul’s provides worship and community gresswoman Laura Richardson has worked and Willie Johnson, Sr. Jewel’s passion for appeal to the Belleville area and beyond. closely with Faleomavaega throughout this music and dance started early. As a young What makes St. Paul’s exceptional is its mis- process given that she represents part of the child and teenager, Jewel competed in mul- greater Los Angeles area, and the Samoan sion to serve those who need it most. communities living in that area are her con- tiple talent competitions with her sisters and Through Christmas and Thanksgiving chari- stituents. cousins. Indeed, the multiple invitations to per- table programs, the Franklin Community ‘‘I want to personally thank Secretary form locally that they received serve as testi- Neighborhood Association, Tuesday Commu- Clinton for her untiring efforts in getting mony to the skill she and her family pos- nity Dinner, afterschool programs, a food pan- these relief supplies airlifted,’’ Chairman sessed. Her family used to say that Jewel try, and much more, the church reaches out to Faleomavaega said. ‘‘Since the tsunami would ‘‘sing her way to heaven and dance every age group and background in the com- struck, Secretary Clinton has spared no ef- right out of her shoes’’. This description makes fort in coming to our aid, and even called munity. upon the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) me smile because it captures her zeal for A shining star of St. Paul’s Church is the to quickly move these supplies from the music and life. As a young woman, Jewel de- love and care that developed and grew St. West Coast to Samoa. Last evening, Con- cided to move to Chicago where she met the Paul’s Home into the senior community it is gresswoman Richardson and I learned that love of her life, L.C. Blue, with whom she cele- today. For over 85 years, St. Paul’s Home has DOD had agreed to move the supplies but brated 30 years of marriage. Her friends em- faithfully provided respite care, memory care, that due to legalities of moving privately-do- phasize her devotion to her family and com- assisted living services, and skilled nursing to nated goods, the process would take too mitment to ensuring their well-being. Jewel long.’’ the elderly in Belleville and surrounding com- ‘‘In a previous conference call yesterday, was a wonderful stay-at-home mother to four munities. And today, the church can proudly anticipating that DOD might be unable to lovely children, Norris Timothy, Regina Pierre, boast its new additions coming soon. quickly move these supplies, we requested Vonda Yvette and Levelle Christopher. Her St. Paul’s is proud to call the Illinois metro the State Department to fund a commercial nurturing nature and talent with children led east home, and Belleville is proud to call St. flight through the Office of Foreign Disaster her husband to encourage her to start a home Paul’s one of its own. Assistance should we encounter any prob- day care. Her 30 years of service to her Chi- Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me lems with DOD,’’ Faleomavaega and Rep. cago community as a local child care provider Richardson said. ‘‘Last night, upon learning in congratulating St. Paul’s United Church of that the DOD process would take too long gave hundreds of children and families the Christ on 175 years in the Belleville commu- and in consideration of our request for a strong foundation and support needed to nity. more immediate airlift, Secretary Clinton thrive in life. f assessed the options while en route to Eu- Jewel’s enthusiasm for life and dedication to rope, and this morning the State Depart- others also showed in her work with the HISTORICAL RECORD OF U.S. SEC- ment informed us that Secretary Clinton has church. She served God via multiple min- RETARY OF STATE HILLARY agreed to fund the flight with OFDA funds.’’ istries; she used her glorious voice in the CLINTON’S AUTHORIZATION OF ‘‘The agreement is that this will be a one- EMERGENCY RELIEF SUPPLIES time airlift, and our Samoan communities music ministry and her passion for helping should make future donations in cash, rather others as a member of the Adult Usher Board, TO SAMOA IN RESPONSE TO than in commodities. We will not be able to Junior Missionary Board, and Alter Workers. I DEVASTATING TSUNAMI airlift frozen goods, and our offices will work understand that her church family appreciated closely with the communities to gather the the unconditional love she gave to so many HON. ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA supplies to a central location for the airlift. Also, the airlift provided by the U.S. Depart- without judgment or shame. She was genuine OF AMERICAN SAMOA and loving. What a beautiful combination. ment of State can only be authorized to land IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in Samoa. While we were also hopeful to get Jewel was preceded in death by: her hus- Tuesday, December 2, 2014 supplies in to American Samoa, all matters band L. C. Blue; son Norris Timothy; parents relating to American Samoa are decided be- Blanche and Willie Johnson, Sr.; and siblings Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise tween the Governor and FEMA, according to Credale Johnson, Emma Jean Brown, Robert today to include, for historical purposes, infor- federal law.’’

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:46 Dec 03, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A02DE8.013 E02DEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS