AFRS, 369th RCS celebrate Flag Day in American Samoa Published April 18, 2008 By Staff Reports Air Force Recruiting Service AMERICAN SAMOA -- American Samoa celebrated one of its biggest events of the South Pacific Islands Thursday, the 108th observance of the raising of the American flag in the U.S. territory, and Air Force Recruiting Service representatives were there to honor the historical event. In a ceremony honoring service to the nation, Col. Bill Welch, AFRS Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, presided over the administration of the Oath of Enlistment to nearly 100 new U.S. Air Force, Army and Marine Corps enlistees in the island's main stadium. American Samoa Governor Togiola Tulafono served as host of the major televised event attend by thousands of Samoa's citizens, leaders of neighboring countries and Island States. Smaller celebrations took place Wednesday as Colonel Welch, and Chief Master Sgt. Patrick Brandell and Tech. Sgt. Steven Sutton, 369th Recruiting Squadron superintendent and the recruiter for the region, presented Certificates of Appreciation to Samoa high school educators for supporting U.S. military recruiting efforts. Former NFL running back for the Cincinnati Bengals, Samoa Samoa, who now scores big with area school students as the American Samoa Government Department of Education athletic director, was one of the educators thanked personally by the AFRS representatives. "Mr. Samoa's commitment to excellence in education and physical fitness is carried to the children of Samoa through his work as the country's athletic director," said Chief Brandell. "In addition to the benefits of sports activities on student health and self confidence his efforts are also a great benefit to the Air Force and sister services who have experienced tremendous recruiting succession the island." Samoa has many relatives who are veterans of service in all of the U.S. military services, including his son who is an Air Force Security Forces member stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. "Mr. Samoa has been especially helpful in encouraging his best and brightest students to enlist in the U.S. Air Force," said Sergeant Sutton. The colonel, chief and NCO also attended a Flag Day church service, special musical performances and meals, and the Governor's Ball.