August 26, 2026
Kolonia, Pohnpei — Under Secretary Samuel B. Brown of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs visited Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), from August 18-20 to participate in the Micronesian Islands Forum (MIF).
The MIF serves as a platform for regional leaders from the FSM, Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Naoero, the Republic of Palau, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Territory of Guam to discuss shared interests, including strengthening sub-regional cooperation, advancing sustainable development, protecting marine and terrestrial resources, and expanding opportunities for their communities. Under Secretary Brown’s participation underscores the United States’ enduring commitment to the Freely Associated States (FAS) and its dedication to advancing shared priorities across the Pacific.
During his visit, Under Secretary Brown met with FSM President Wesley W. Simina to discuss the deep and historic partnership between the United States and the FSM. Their discussion reinforced the strong bilateral relationship both nations enjoy under the Compact of Free Association (COFA).
Under Secretary Brown also met with FSM veterans who served in the U.S. military, honoring their service and sacrifice. U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Andrew Wylie hosted a private dinner reception for Gold Star families, providing an opportunity for Under Secretary Brown to personally express the nation’s gratitude for their profound sacrifice and to hear from them. He then led a wreath-laying ceremony at the Pohnpei International Airport’s portrait memorial, honoring FSM Citizens who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Under Secretary Brown concluded his visit with a tour of Pohnpei State Hospital, a facility benefiting from Compact health sector funding. This visit highlighted the tangible benefits being delivered to local communities through the U.S.-FSM partnership and demonstrates the United States’ ongoing investment in the health and well-being of the Micronesian people.
“As someone who was wounded in combat, I understand in a deeply personal way what it means to serve and sacrifice,” said Under Secretary Brown. “Meeting the Veterans and Gold Star families of the FAS and standing with them at the wreath-laying ceremony, reminded me that this bond between our nations is not just policy, it is personal, and one I will always carry with me.”
During the visit, Brown announced that the department is in the process of developing a proposal to provide certain VA health care reimbursements, telehealth, mail order pharmaceuticals and beneficiary travel services to eligible service-connected Veterans in the Freely Associated States (FAS) of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau, as per P.L. 118-42, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024.
Before providing such services, however, VA, the State Department must engage in negotiations and enter into agreements with FAS governments, navigate any possible needed regulatory changes and plan for necessary logistical and operational requirements.
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