[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 102 (Tuesday, July 10, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE LIFE OF CHRISTINE ``TINA'' MICHELLE DRABBLE-McCORMACK

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. ENI F. H. FALEOMAVAEGA

                           of american somoa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 10, 2012

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with deep sympathy to 
offer my condolences to the family and friends of a beloved daughter of 
American Samoa, Christine ``Tina'' Michelle Drabble-McCormack, who 
passed away early on the morning of July 9, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona 
following a 6-year battle with melanoma.
  Christine, who was known as ``Tina'' among family and friends, was 
born on May 30, 1971 in American Samoa, the eldest child of Thomas 
Hingston Drabble of Te Puke, New Zealand and Ta'alolo `Chande' Lutu-
Drabble of Pago Pago, American Samoa.
  As a young girl, Tina attended South Pacific Academy, a private 
school where her father was one of the founders. At the early age of 9, 
she learned how to play golf from her uncle Fuga Tolani Teleso and she 
was selected as a member of the American Samoa Team in the 10 and under 
age group in the Junior Golf World Competition in San Diego, 
California, placing 2nd World and 1st Place International.
  In the following years, Tina would continue to represent American 
Samoa, serving as an American Samoa Flag Carrier in the 15-17 age group 
Junior Golf World Competition and earning additional 2nd and 3rd place 
World trophies, and an additional 4th place and two 1st place 
International trophies among junior golfers.
  In 1985 she became a member of the American Samoa Team in the South 
Pacific Mini Games in the Cook Islands, where her team won the gold 
medal. Two years later, at the age of 15, she participated in another 
gold-winning American Samoa team in the renowned South Pacific Games 
held in New Caledonia in 1987. That year, Tina also won the Individual 
Silver Medal.
  Tina attended Seabury Hall in Maui, Hawaii where she attained a 4.0 
High School Grade Point Average in all four years. She was also the 
only female golfer on the school's all-male golf team. During high 
school, she also represented American Samoa in the three Fijian Ladies 
Opens in Suva, Fiji and the Fijian Ladies Classics in Deuba, Fiji in 
1989, 1990 and 1991. She won all six of them.
  After high school, Tina was accepted at Stanford University and 
Brigham Young University in Utah but chose New Mexico State University 
for its golf program. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 
Accounting & Marketing and was selected as Captain of her college golf 
team. Before turning pro in 1996, Tina participated in the United 
States Amateur Links, finishing second to Natalie Gulbis, who is now 
one of the LPGA's top golfers.
  After Tina turned Professional, she played at the Futures Tours and 
won at Bay Hill Country Club. In 2007, a year after she was diagnosed 
with cancer, Tina was selected as an American Samoa Flag Carrier in the 
2007 South Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa, where she culminated her 
career by winning the Individual Gold Medal for American Samoa.
  After college, Tina worked at Ashcraft Investment Company in 
Encinitas, California, as a Special Assistant to her dad at Sadie's Inn 
& Sadie's by the Sea in American Samoa and briefly at PICED, an 
educational development center in American Samoa. Tina was 41 years old 
in May this year.
  It is a very sad time for not only the Drabble family, but also for 
our American Samoan community. We have lost a beautiful young lady 
whose contribution to the people of American Samoa, especially as a 
sportswoman, will always be an inspiration to our young people. Tina 
was not only an ambassador of the Samoan people to the world but she 
was also a loving daughter, sister, and friend.
  I cannot imagine what a terrible experience it is for any parent to 
witness their child's life slowly coming to an end and I cannot find 
any words sufficient enough to comfort the Drabble family. In closing 
today, I can only extend my heartfelt sympathy to the Drabble family, 
especially Mr. Tom Drabble, Tina's father, and Mrs. Ta'alolo `Chande' 
Lutu-Drabble, Tina's mother, who has also been Tina's full time 
caregiver and patient advocate in the final stages of her daughter's 
life.
  In the Book of Matthew we read, ``Blessed are they who mourn, for 
they shall be comforted.'' I pray that the comfort of God will give 
Tina's family strength and that through the tremendous sorrow, memories 
of Tina's life and her beautiful spirit will bring lasting joy to all 
who loved her. Tina, you will surely be missed.
  Ia manuia lau faigamalaga.

                          ____________________