[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 129 (Wednesday, July 26, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E724]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CONGRATULATING MAJOR CHRISTOPHER MATTHAI

                                 ______
                                 

                   HON. AUMUA AMATA COLEMAN RADEWAGEN

                           of american samoa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 26, 2023

  Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Major Christopher 
Matthai for his dedicated service to the American Samoa and all the 
Pacific Islands as a U.S. Army Liaison in the Office of the Chief, 
Legislative Liaison.
  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 MAJ Matthai has 
done to serve our country throughout his career, so far. He enlisted in 
1999 and was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and 
Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2009 he earned a direct commission 
through the Army Reserve.
  He has an extensive list of military awards and decorations including 
the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, the Army 
Commendation Medal with 5 oak leaf clusters. He was awarded the Mark 
and Debbie Kennedy Frontiers of Freedom award and the Dean of the 
Business School Merit award. He is a graduate from the University of 
Baltimore, receiving a Master of Business Administration from there and 
receiving another Master's in Legislative Affairs from George 
Washington University.
  In congratulating 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.
  I thank Christopher for his outstanding leadership and his commitment 
to our Soldiers, American Samoa, and our great Nation. Best wishes to 
him and his family as they depart Washington, D.C., for Indiana and his 
next duty assignment. I thank him for his service and his time 
dedicated to our beautiful island.
  God bless you on your journey (Fa'amanuia le Atua i ou ala. Soifua.)

                          ____________________