U.S. Army recognizes American Samoa Recruiter for recruiting achievements

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The U.S. Army Recruiting Command (USAREC), Portland Battalion, American Samoa Recruiting Station Commander, Sergeant First Class (SFC) Shaun Salanoa, was one of only 13 recruiters recognized by the Secretary of the Army and the USAREC Commanding General in Washington, D.C., February 9, as a result of his recruiting efforts for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2023.

A U.S. Army media release details the recognition ceremony hosted by Secretary of the Army, the Honorable Christine E. Wormuth and Commanding General of U.S. Army Recruiting Command, Major General Johnny Davis at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.  Wormuth is the most senior civilian official within the Department of Defense responsible for all matters relating to the U.S. Army. Davis is the highest-ranking military officer directly in charge of U.S. Army recruiting throughout the world.

U.S. Army SFC Shaun Falemanu Salanoa, a native of American Samoa, is from the village of Fagasa.

SFC Salanoa graduated from Le’atele Elementary School, Nu’uuli Vocational Technical High School, American Samoa Community College, and Colorado Technical University. He and his late wife, Nafanua Valentine Salanoa, have 5 children: Cornelius, Christian, Chauncey, Carmelina, and Chloe Salanoa.

In celebration of his recognition, several members of SFC Salanoa’s family were able to travel with him to Washington D.C. and attend the ceremony.

BACKGROUND

Recently, the U.S. Army raised its enlistment bonus to $50,000 for qualified individuals who sign for a six-year active-duty assignment. For some high priority specialties, the Army is offering career-based incentives that range from $1,000 up to $40,000.

Aside from the career-based bonuses, there are “quick ship” bonuses for those who are prepared to head to Basic Combat Training within 90 days of up to $25,000. As part of the Army Civilian Acquired Skills Program, foreign language skills can be worth up to $40,000 for certain career paths.

The Army also has a two-year enlistment option for 84 different career fields, ranging from infantry and combat engineers to paralegals and aviation operations specialists. Those who choose the two-year plan will serve two years full-time on active duty and then two years in the Army Reserve.

(See Samoa News Feb. 15, front page photo of the13 recruiters recognized at this event.)