Amata Hails DOD Decision to Restore Youth to National Guard Academy
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is hailing the U.S. Department of Defense decision to restore the students from American Samoa to the National Guard Youth Challenge Academy in Hawai’i.
Congresswoman Amata appreciates the presence of Rear Admiral Michael Day in American Samoa, and the important work of the 14th Coast Guard District that he leads.
“I received the call this morning, and I’m excited to let our youth and their parents know of this decision,” said Congresswoman Amata. “The DOD has reversed the earlier decision, and U.S. Nationals are allowed and will be returned to the Academy. I’m so thankful that the DOD acted quickly, and that they took to heart our concerns and did the right thing. This is very important to these young people and families. We must continue to assure that U.S. Nationals are always treated equally and fairly under programs like these, and this new precedent will help us do that. Thank you again to the decision-makers, and best wishes to our students as they get back to their studies and this excellent program, which I’m always delighted to support. Finally, I thank Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga for his efforts on this issue, and Hawai’i Governor Josh Green for his statement to the students and parents.”
Congresswoman Amata with some of American Samoa's youth
Congresswoman Amata on a visit and tour of the National Guard Youth Challenge Academy in 2019
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