Vice President Pence Visits American Samoa
News Release from Rep Amua Amata (R-AS) April 24, 2017
Pago Pago, AS –Monday, at the request of Congresswoman Amata, Vice President Pence and the Second Lady stopped in American Samoa Sunday on their way back to Washington, D.C. from the V.P.’s tour of Asia, where he met with strategic partners in the region to bolster economic and military cooperation.
“After the Vice President asked me to be a part of the transition team, which I was honored to serve on, I felt it was an opportune time invite him to visit our beautiful home here in the South Pacific,” said Amata. “I wanted him to see first-hand, the love our people have for this great nation, as well as help us dedicate the newly named Eni F.H. Faleomavaega Veterans clinic,” continued Amata. The local VA clinic was renamed after legislation introduced by the Congresswoman was signed into law last month by President Trump.
Congresswoman Amata, Vice President Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence
wave to the crowd gathered at Pago Pago Intl Airport before departing for Honolulu on Air Force II
Upon his arrival, Vice President Pence was welcomed by Governor Lolo Moliga and the First Lady, Lt. Governor Lemanu Palepoi Sialega Mauga, the Speaker of the House Savali, Chief Justice Kruse, the Secretary of Samoan Affairs Mauga, Congresswoman Amata and other local dignitaries at Pago Pago Intl Airport. The Governor then led a traditional welcoming ceremony for the Vice President and his family. The Vice President also helped dedicate the renaming of the local VA clinic to the Eni F.H. Faleomavaega Veterans clinic, during which time he addressed the soldiers from the 100th Infantry Battalion stationed in American Samoa. Vice President Pence spoke on the challenges the United States faces in the Pacific; and thanked them for their dedicated service. Vice President Pence is now only the 6th White House dignitary to visit the Territory.
“The Vice President’s trip was a massive success,” stated Amata. “I want to thank Governor Lolo and the Lt. Governor for their hard work in helping us welcome the Vice President and Second Lady to our beautiful home without a hitch…it truly was a historic day for American Samoa,” said the Congresswoman. “I was honored that he accepted my invitation to visit the territory on his way back to Washington, DC, after his trip to South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and Australia. His visit has brought great exposure of American Samoa, and our conversations on Air Force II were very productive and hope inspiring. The Vice- President and President Trump are demonstrating with their actions that they truly care about the people in the Pacific territories, and I look forward to continuing to work with them to see that our people are given the same opportunities and resources as those in the states,” continued the Congresswoman. “Vice President Pence’s dedication of the Eni F.H. Faleomavaega clinic brought tears to my eyes. He and Eni were colleagues together in the House of Representatives, which made it that much more significant the Vice President could lead the dedication, and we are all truly honored and grateful,” concluded Amata.
* * * * *
Vice President Mike Pence to Travel to the Republic of Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Australia, and Hawaii
News Release from The White House, April 6, 2017
WASHINGTON, DC - Vice President Mike Pence will travel to the Republic of Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Australia, and Hawaii from April 15-25, 2017. This trip will serve as the Vice President’s first official travel to the Asia-Pacific region. During his trip, the Vice President will emphasize President Trump’s continued commitment to U.S. alliances and partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region, highlight the Administration’s economic agenda, and underscore America’s unwavering support for our troops at home and abroad.
The Vice President on April 16 will arrive in Seoul, Republic of Korea, where he will spend Easter Sunday with United States and Republic of Korea troops and their families. During the remainder of the visit, he will participate in a bilateral meeting with Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn and meet with National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun. Vice President Pence will also participate in a listening session with local business leaders and give remarks to the business community.
On April 18, the Vice President will travel to Tokyo, Japan, where he will meet with Prime Minister Shinzō Abe and lead the inaugural U.S.-Japan Economic Dialogue with Deputy Prime Minister Tarō Asō. The Vice President will participate in a listening session followed by remarks to the U.S. and Japanese business community. Continuing the Administration’s commitment to rebuilding the U.S. military and to our alliances in the region, the Vice President will tour the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and give remarks to U.S. and Japanese service members.
The Vice President will then travel to Jakarta, Indonesia on April 20 to meet with President Joko Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla. Noting the 40th Anniversary of US-ASEAN relations, Vice President Pence will meet with the ASEAN Secretary General and ASEAN Permanent Representatives. Among other events, the Vice President will participate in a listening session with U.S. and Indonesian business leaders and give remarks to the business community.
On April 22, the Vice President will visit Sydney, Australia, where he will meet with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Vice President Pence will also meet with Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten along with U.S. and Australian service members. Focusing again on American businesses, jobs, and the economy Vice President Pence will join a listening session and give remarks to the U.S. and Australian business community.
The Vice President will conclude his trip with a visit to Honolulu, Hawaii on April 24. Vice President Pence will meet with senior leadership from the Pacific Command and pay honor to those who fought and perished during the attack on Pearl Harbor by visiting the USS Arizona Memorial. Finally, the Vice President will meet with U.S. troops and their families before returning to Washington, DC.
Note: The Vice President will travel with the Second Lady of the United States, Karen Pence, and his two daughters. Mrs. Pence will release a more detailed schedule of her meetings and cultural visits in the coming days.
* * * * *
Second Lady Karen Pence to travel to the Asia-Pacific Region to Highlight Art Therapy and Recognize Military Service Members
News Release from The White House
WASHINGTON, DC – Second Lady Karen Pence will travel to the Republic of Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Australia, and Hawaii from April 15-25, 2017 with the Vice President. During the trip, Mrs. Pence will highlight her initiative, art therapy, meet with military service members and spouses, and participate in cultural activities.
Mrs. Pence will arrive in Seoul, Republic of Korea on April 16, where she will spend Easter Sunday with United States and Republic of Korea troops and their families. During the remainder of the visit, she will observe an art therapy program and participate in a roundtable discussion with art therapists.
On April 18, the Second Lady will travel to Tokyo, Japan, where she will meet with Mrs. Chikako Aso, wife of the Deputy Prime Minister, Taro Aso. During the visit in Japan, Mrs. Pence will tour the USS Ronald Reagan and visit with U.S. and Japanese service members and military spouses. She will also observe an art therapy program for children at a local hospital and participate in a roundtable discussion.
Mrs. Pence will then travel to Jakarta, Indonesia on April 20 and participate in a cultural event with First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo. Focusing again on art therapy, she will participate in a roundtable discussion with art therapists.
On April 22, the Second Lady will visit Sydney, Australia where she will visit with U.S. and Australian military members, tour iconic cultural sites, and participate in an art therapy roundtable discussion.
Mrs. Pence will conclude her trip with a visit to Honolulu, Hawaii on April 24. The Second Lady will visit Schofield Barracks to see how the base is integrating their behavioral health unit to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. While she’s there, she will pay honor to those who fought and perished during the attack on Pearl Harbor by visiting the USS Arizona. And before returning to Washington, DC, Mrs. Pence will meet with U.S. troops and their families.