LTC Evelyn Vaitautolu "Evey" Langford of Manu'a gets top Army FAPAC award
June 03, 2007

First American Samoa woman lieutenant colonel gets top Army Reserve award
By Samoa News Staff

Reprinted from Samoa News
June 3, 2007

As Asian Pacific American Heritage Month came to a close, the very prestigious Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) held its annual leadership conference this week in Washington, D.C., rounding out an exciting month of events all over the country to recognize the many contributions of Asian Pacific Americans throughout the history of our Nation. FAPAC is a national, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization representing the civilian and military Asian Pacific American (APA) employees in the Federal and District of Columbia governments. It is organized exclusively for educational purposes.

Lt. Col. Evelyn Vaitautolu "Evey" Langford of Manu'a was among those receiving a top award at the FAPAC conference. She was accompanied by her husband Sgt. Major (Ret.) Dave Langford of Fagatogo and her dad Senator Vaitautolu of Manu'a District #l.

Congressman Faleomavaega sent Tavita Richmond, son of Papaliitele Violet Hunkin and Associate Justice Lyle Richmond, to represent his office.

Evelyn extended a special invitation to Aumua Amata to be at the ceremony.

"I cherish this invitation because I am particularly proud of our Samoans who serve in our Nation's military to protect the freedoms we all treasure," Amata said.

When Evelyn's name was called, she came to the stage to be recognized for her tireless efforts to reach out to the Asian Pacific American communities in and outside of her service, the U.S. Army.

She was acknowledged for her extraordinary generosity of person, time, resources and spirit in serving the interests and needs of Asian Pacific Americans (APA) both on-duty and off-duty. And since President Bush challenged everyone to look at ways they can address the unmet needs of the APA community, this dovetailed with the President's commitment to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders during May, the designated month to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage.

In his keynote address, Under Secretary of Defense Dr. David Chu highlighted the many military contributions of Samoans over the years. He cited that American Samoa has suffered the highest of Iraqi war casualties per capita than any other American state or territory.

"Within the context of the history of significant military contributions by Samoans, about which Under Secretary Chu so eloquently spoke, our own LTC Vaitautolu-Langford is in great company and has distinguished herself in carrying out her duties with excellence," Amata said.

As an Executive Director in the 3rd Medical Training Brigade, Headquarters, Medical Readiness and Training Command, Evelyn has contributed much to the fabric of diversity for Asian Pacific Americans throughout her 24 year military career.


Mr. David Langford, Aumua Amata, Colonel Corrine Ritter, Office of the Chief, Army Reserve, LTC Evelyn Langford, Mr. Wes Lewis, Headquarters, Army Reserve Medical Command, Senator Vaitautolu of Manu'a District No.1, Colonel Susan Cunnup, Commander, 7306th Medical Exercise Support Battalion, Medical Readiness & Training Command.

With the start of her service in the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry, the most highly decorated unit of World War II whose few remaining veterans were recently recognized by the President at the White House, Evelyn made history by becoming the first American Samoan woman to achieve the rank of LTC in the United States Army.

Her leadership of many Asian Pacific American committees has led to many significant programs linked to Army Family Team Building. Her belief in recruiting, retaining and advancing Asian Pacific Americans and her zeal to serve the APA community is also evident in her work with the Wounded Warriors program in capacities outside the scope of her normal responsibilities.

For years, she has volunteered her time on military service programs and as a pianist, choir leader, Sunday school teacher and coordinator for youth and young adult ministries, Evelyn has provided for the spiritual growth of soldiers, civilians, contract employees and their families. Her stellar achievements reflect great credit upon herself and the United States Army Reserve.

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