[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 104 (Tuesday, June 15, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING CAPTAIN MIGUEL PEKO UPON 35 YEARS OF SERVICE

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                   HON. AUMUA AMATA COLEMAN RADEWAGEN

                           of american samoa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 15, 2021

  Mrs. RADEWAGEN. 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

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