News and Information for Samoans around the world; American Samoa's Off-Island Connection.

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SSG Taumua Graduates Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course
MAJ Tauapai Laupola

Staff Sergeant (SSG-E-6) Faasi'usiuga Taumua of Fagalii/Poloa, AS has graduated Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course (BNCOC) class 92A 09-025, from the United States Army Quartermaster Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Ft Lee, Virginia, Friday, 20 MAR 2009. SSG Taumua graduated with honors and was listed amongst the top six soldiers who made the commandants list.

SSG Taumua is assigned as an automated logistical specialist for the 7th Special Forces Group, Ft Bragg, NC. His specialty handles the largest portion of the Army's logistics needs with lots of assignment possibilities.

SSG Taumua is the son of the late Taumua and Laalaai of Fagalii & Poloa, AS, respectively. He thrives on helping and supporting Samoans at Ft Bragg and was instrumental in the establishment of the Ekalesia Kerisiano Amerika Samoa Ft Bragg/Fayetteville, NC, serving as its first secretary/treasurer.

Joining SSG Taumua at the graduation was his wife Drill Sergeant, SSG Doreen Fiaui, Ft Jackson, SC; Missionary Mana'omia Tauanu'u and MAJ Tauapai Laupola, Ekalesia Kerisiano Amerika Samoa, Ft Bragg/Fayetteville, NC.

Send congratulatory messages to faasiusiuga.taumua@us.army.mil

March 23, 2009

Corporal (E4) Sala Graduates Warrior Leader Course
MAJ Tauapai Laupola

Corporal (CPL- E4) Gloria T. Sala has graduated Warrior Leader Course Class 07-09, with 298 other soldiers on Thursday, 19 MAR 09, at XVIII Airborne Corps Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the completion of the WLC, CPL Sala will go before the E-5 board next month.

Warrior Leader Course (WLC), formerly Primary Leadership Development Course (PLDC), is the first course of study in the US Army Non-Commissioned Officer Education System. Students are taught basic leadership skills and are graded on Physical Fitness Training, Individual Skills Training, Drill and Ceremony, Land Navigation and a written examination. The course ends with a Situational Training Exercise (STX). This course is a requirement for the rank of Sergeant.

CPL Sala is currently assigned as a Human Resources Specialist with the 22nd MOBILE Public Affairs, Ft Bragg, NC. She joined the United States Army in June 2006, after graduating from Samoana High School. CPL Sala, Gloria is the daughter of Fitu Sala of Fagasa and Ane Taase of Auto, AS.

After the graduation, CW5 Kokolua Yandall hosted a luncheon for CPL Gloria Sala, and all those who attended the graduation.

CPL Sala thanked Missionary Mana'omia Tauanuu, wife Seela and all Samoans that attended her graduation. "I wish my parents were here so they can reciprocate the love and support you have shown during this milestone of my military career." These sentiments were echoed in a telephone conversation with CPL Sala's mother, Mrs Ane T. Sala in Fagasa AS; she is humbled by the support of Missionary Tauanu'u and the military Leadership at Ft Bragg for standing in on their behalf and it is such a blessing knowing that their daughter is supported and taken care of by other Samoans in the military.

Joining Missionary Mana'omia Taunuu and wife Seela at the graduation is: Command Segeant Major Charles Tobin, CW5 Kokolua Yandall, SSG Burgie & Rina Perofeta, SPC Justin Talalotu, Taua Mana'omia, Rosa & baby Vainuupo Fanuaea & MAJ Tauapai Laupola.

Send congratulatory messages to CPL Gloria Sala at Gloria.sala@us.army.mil

Samoans at Ft Bragg Welcome CPT Faagai, STS1 (E-6) Pittman, & SFC Ve'e
MAJ Tauapai Laupola

March 15, 2009

Senior Samoan military personnel at Ft Bragg, NC hosted a dinner Thursday, 12 MAR 2009, to welcome CPT Pili Faagai, SFC Laumea Ve'e and STS1 (E-6) Jeff Pittman to the home of the Paratroopers and Special Operations Command. Hosts of that evening were CW5 Robert "Koko" Yandall, CW4 Henry Jessop, CSM Charles Tobin & MAJ Laupola.

CPT Pili Faagai re-deploys from down range after a 1-year tour in Kuwait as the Chief Communication Officer for the 311th Expeditionary Support Command (ESC), USAR, Los Angeles, California. CPT Pili is the son of Pili Faagai of Futiga and Pausea Faimeasoo of Fagaitua. He is a 1979 graduate of Marist Brother HS in Malaeloa, AS and is married to Alana Faagai of Hawaii with 5 children. CPT Faagai expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the senior Samoan military personnel at Ft Bragg for their ability to host & support soldiers coming in and going out of Ft Bragg. "They opened their houses and took us in a year ago this month when I passed through Ft Bragg with CPT Fitiuta Galeai and SFC Paulsin Tufono." CPT Faagai also acknowledged the great support of the Marist Old Boys Association for the numerous care packages received while he was deployed.

Sonar Technician Submarine (STS) 1 (E-6) Jeff Pittman is a sailor assigned to Bangor Sub Base, the third largest collection of nuclear arsenal in the country, with approximately 1,700 Trident missiles … stored at its hill-top depot, or onboard its fleet of eight Trident submarines. STS1 Pittman is a Navy individual augmentee training at Ft Bragg in a preparation for a 6-months tour down range. Beside his training, STS1 Pittman finds time to visit with his uncle, 1SG Simona Faauaa (RET) who is retiring at Fayetteville, NC. He is the son of Mr Jeff Pittman Sr & Fata T. Faauaa of Vailoatai, AS. STS1 Pittman attended Leone Midkiff Elementary School.

SFC Laumea Ve'e is on leave from Ft Lewis, Washington. He is the communication NCOIC for the 3d battalion Fist Special Forces Group (1SFG), Ft Lewis, WA. He is in town visiting with families and friends as well as enjoying a round of golf. Ft Bragg is where he started his career as a paratrooper with the 82d Airborne Division. SFC Ve'e is a 1983 graduate of Manu’a High School and hails from the village of Fitiuta, Manu'a. SFC Vee is the son of Laumea Vee Sr of Fitiuta & Lilieni Niuatoa of Olosega.

SFC Taylor Ma'o TDY to Ft Bragg
MAJ Tauapai Laupola

SFC Taylor Ma'o is a 1986 graduate of Marist High School, Malaeloa, American Samoa. He joined the US Army in 1987 as an artilleryman and is currently station at McChord, Air Force Base, Washington. SFC Ma'o serves as an Army Ground Liaison Officer assigned to the 62 Air Wing Operations Support Squadron. His mission is to support and coordinate US Army missions with the Air Force and assist the Wing Commander understands US Army military jargon.

SFC Taylor TDY to Ft Bragg 1-6 March 09 with his unit in order to validate the 82d Airborne Division's Joint Forcible Entry Exercise.

SFC Taylor was born in American Samoa to Leo'o Va'a Ma'o and Naomi Vaa Ma'o of Atu'u, AS. He is married to Lesa Ma'o and has 3 sons, Va'a 16 yrs old, Kurene 13 yrs old, and Taylor 5 yrs old.

SFC Ma'o expressed his sincere appreciation to the Samoan community at Ft Bragg and especially the senior leadership for their continued support of Samoan soldiers.

PO3 Tagaloa Deploys on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower to the Persian Gulf
MAJ Tauapai Laupola

Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) Denero Mano Tagaloa deploys on the nuclear-powered and Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) for an 8-month tour to the Persian Gulf on Saturday, February 21, 2009. PO3 Tagaloa works as admin personnel for the carrier’s Executive Officer.

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower is assigned to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet and is homeport at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. The carrier was christened at 11:11 a.m., October 11, 1975, is named after the 34th president of the US.

PO3 Tagaloa was born and raised in Afao, AS to Talitiga and Muaulu Tagaloa. Even though he is assigned on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, Norfolk, VA, PO3 Tagaloa is a member of the Ekalesia Kerisiano Amerika Samoa Ft Bragg & Fayetteville, NC and has been an active member of the Church’s youth group program.

The Ekalesia Kerisiano Amerika Samoa Ft Bragg & Fayetteville, NC held a special service on Sunday, February 15, 2009, for PO3 Tagaloa's deployment. In addition, Reverend Mana'omia Tauanu'u, CW5 Robert “Koko” Yandall and MAJ Tauapai Laupola from Ft Bragg, NC traveled to Norfolk, VA and were joined by Lieutenant Commander (LTCDR) Iakopo Poyer, Officer in charge, Port Operations Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia (Lauli'i, AS) and PO1 Tanielu Fano, Operations Specialist, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia (Fagaalu, AS) were on deck to bid farewell to PO3 Tagaloa.

You can reach PO3 Tagaloa at: PO3 Denero Mano Tagaloa, ADMIN Department, X-1 Division, USS Dwight Eisenhower (CVN 69), FOP AE 09532-2830; or email at tafalodm@cvn69.navy.mil.

Toa o Samoa at Ft Stewart Hosted a Luncheon for Governor Togiola
Written by MAJ Tauapai Laupola

February 20, 2009

Toa o Samoa and their families at Ft Stewart, Georgia, hosted a luncheon Saturday, February 14, 2009, for Governor Togiola and First Lady Mary Ann Tulafono who were in town visiting their daughters. At the request of Governor Togiola, Sergeant Major (SGM) Talalelei Tuisalia, of Faleasao, and Randall Taufaasau, of Pago Pago, coordinated with Samoan soldiers and their families for an opportunity to meet with the Governor of American Samoa.

MAJ Laupola addressed the audience and thanked Governor Togiola and First Lady Mary Ann Tulafono for taking time out of their busy schedule to meet with Toa o Samoa station at Ft Stewart and nearby installations. Your presence and reaching out to Toa o Samoa is commendable. This lends substance to your continued dedication of Toa o Samoa who are standing guard in the name of Freedom around the world. It is an extension and continuation of your commitment since the signing into law of the military voting bill, your support of Toa o Samoa who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and your effort to ensure their voices are heard. Pastor Savea delivered the prayer of thanksgiving followed by the Questions & Answers with Governor Togiola.

Governor Togiola fielded wide range of questions, from tourism, fiber optic/call center and support to Toa o Samoa in the military. According to Governor Togiola, he is now considering several options to ensure that military votes are counted, because there is not enough time to certify the elections, mail the ballots and return them to meet the mandate of 14-days required by laws for any run-off election.

Aside from several military retirees in his cabinet, Governor Togiola hired a military liaison to work closely with the ASDOE to track military bound students and ensure that they are aware of all options available to them commensurate with their ASVAB (GT) scores. Governor Togiola, on behalf of the people of American Samoa thanked the soldiers and their families for their sacrifices, pledged them his support and wish them the best in their military career.

After the Q&A, luncheon was served followed by a tour of the Ft. Stewart Warriors Walk to paid tribute to MSG Tulsa Tuliau, SSG Frank Tia'i, and SGT Lui Tumanuvao. All of them have a tree planted in their honor at the Ft. Stewart Warriors Walk. A photo ops was taken at each of their respective marker. Selia Luafalemana Tumanuvao, widow of fallen hero Army SGT Lui Tumanuvao, along with her daughter Fa'aea were in attendance.

SGM Tuisalia spoke on behalf of Toa o Samoa at Ft Stewart and thanked the Governor and First Lady as well as Pastor Savea and all those Samoans who traveled to Ft Stewart to meet Governor Togiola and First Lady Mary Ann Tulafono. (MSG Molioleava Enesi Mulitauaopele, Atlanta; SFC Lui Salt, Ft Gordon, SSG Siaosi Fetulitamamaalii, Ashville, NC; CW5 Robert "Koko" Yandall, Ft Bragg, NC; and MAJ Laupola, Tauapai, Ft Bragg, NC.