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News of CSM Falanikos retirement at Ft Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Ioakimo Falaniko retires after 32 years of distinguished service to the United States Army on 19 SEP 2008. CSM Falaniko hails from the village of Amanave, AS where his parents were Catechist in the Catholic Church. He is a 1974 graduate of Marist Brothers High School and later joined the Army on 29 DEC 1976. He is the son of the late Niko Falaniko of Vaimoso, Samoa and Matalena of Amanave.

CSM Falaniko is married to Maliana the daughter of Afano and Luse Ah Ching of Aua. They are proud parents of four: Niko resides in Tacoma Washington; Jonathan killed in action, Operation Iraqi Freedom; Adeline, and Otilia; and three grandsons, Niko Jr, Jonathan, Mario and a granddaughter, Ariana. The retirement for CSM Falaniko was marked by a three-day event.

The 1st Engineer Brigade hosted a farewell dinner on the night of September 18, 2008 for its own CSM Falaniko and wife Maliana to kick-start bidding farewell to a family who has touched and influenced so many lives. Dignitaries, families and friends traveled from afar to pay tribute to CSM Falaniko and his contributions to the Army and the Nation.

As part of the dinner program, a slide show of farewell greetings from service members around the world was shown for CSM Falaniko. It was a bittersweet scene as CSM Falaniko reflects and reminisces on the different memories of his career captured in the video/slide show. In addition to the slide show, a letter from General Petraeus, David, who previously served as the Commanding General, Multi-National Force-Iraq, commended CSM Falaniko as one of the finest soldier that he has served with and wished him and Maliana the best in their future endeavors. Nikolao Pula (Director of the Office of Insular Affairs of the Department of Interior) spoke on behalf of the family, thanked everybody for their support of CSM Falaniko and the family then he turned to CSM Falaniko and praised him for service to the Nation, American Samoa and especially promoting the family name.

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Evelyn Vaitautolu Langford echoed the sentiments about CSM Falaniko by thanking him and Maliana for being great ambassadors of Samoa. She proceeded to read the congratulatory message from Governor Togiola Tulafono, on behalf of the people of American Samoa, in which he acknowledged CSM Falaniko's many contributions to the Army and especially to Samoan service members. In addition, LTC Langford read an American Samoa House of Representative Concurrent Resolution passed by the Fono recognizing CSM Falaniko's 32 years of dedicated service.

CSM Mark L. Farley, Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL) European Command and CSM Michael Balch (SEL) Southern Command were present that night and spoke highly of CSM Falaniko as a soldier's soldier and a friend you can always count on in peace and in war.

CSM Falaniko's illustrious career that spanned 32 years was marked at a retirement/change of responsibility ceremony at Gammon Field, Ft Leonard Wood, Missouri, Friday, 19 Sep 2008. Presiding over the ceremony was Major General William McCoy, Commanding General US Army Maneuver Support Center & Ft Leonard Wood.

After the changing of the sword ceremony that marked the end of CSM Falaniko's reign at the 1st Engineer Brigade and the beginning of CSM St. Cyr's time in office, Congressman Faleomavaega addressed the audience. Congressman Faleomavaega praised CSM Falaniko’s accomplishments as well as his distinguished service and was emotional when he talked about the ultimate sacrifice that PVT Jonathan Falaniko paid. He further acknowledged Maliana's continued support in the last 32 years by citing a Samoan proverb appropriate for her support role. "E le sili le ta'i i le o lo'o tapua'i".

Colonel Tommy R. Mize, 1st Engineer Brigade Commander, thanked CSM Falaniko for his unwavering support and described CSM Falaniko as a master of his profession, passion of soldiers and embodied the values and attributes of the Soldier's, NCO's, Ranger's and Sapper's Creed.

CSM Falaniko in his remarks acknowledged the dignitaries, the soldiers and civilians of 1st Engineer Brigade, families and friends. He then thanked God, the people of Samoa and everybody for their support through out the years. CSM Falaniko paused and then he looked up in the sky and said these words "To my parents, I hope that I have lived up to your expectations and my dear son, Jonathan, I've dedicated these last five years of my service to you; Son, you will never be forgotten."

After the ceremony, a golf tournament, hosted by First Sergeant (1SG) (RET) Tautalasoo Maulupe and all of CSM Falaniko's golfing friends, was held at Piney Woods Golf Course, Ft Leonard Wood, Missouri. Close to 200 people came out to play in support of CSM Falaniko's retirement golf tournament. The day ended with a gathering at CSM Falaniko's residence.

On Saturday, September 20, 2008, CSM Falaniko and his wife Maliana hosted a retirement party for all their friends and families as well as soldiers of the 1st Engineer Brigade. 1SG (RET) Tautalasoo Maulupe was the Master of Ceremony (MC).

After the MC greeted all the dignitaries and introduced the head-table, Pastor Faitele Faitele said the invocation. A special tribute to Prisoner of War, Missing in Action and Private Jonathan Falaniko was observed followed by a lavish dinner catered by the Luuga family of Indiana and the Ft Leonard Wood Samoan community. A beautiful Polynesian show culminated the evening festivities.

After the show, CSM Falaniko thanked all the military VIPs, Congressman Faleomavaega, his cousin Nikolao Pula and all his family, Samoans in uniforms who traveled to Ft Leonard Wood and everybody who contributed to the last three days of festivities; may God’s blessings of love and prosperity upon each and every one of you. After CSM Falaniko's remarks, everybody joined hands while Congressman Faleomavaega led the audience with the singing of the Samoan spiritual anthem, "Lota Nuu" followed with the benediction by Pastor Faitele Faitele.

CSM Falaniko has been the senior enlisted soldiers for 1st Engineer Brigade, Ft Leonard Wood Missouri, the largest Brigade in the Army for the past two years. CSM Falaniko is well respected in his military occupational specialty (MOS) of combat engineer that his reputation has preceded him in every tour of duty he was assigned; hence, the reason why soldiers, friends and families have traveled from afar for his special day.

CSM Falaniko's sphere of influence did not limit him to his MOS rather he reached out to help Samoans and Pacific Islanders in every installation he was assigned. As a result of been a great ambassador for the Pacific Islanders, he was awarded the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) award in recognition of his significant contributions to the advancement of Asian Pacific Americans (APA) and the promotion of equal employment opportunity in the Federal work force in May 2001.

CSM Falaniko started his military career as a combat engineer at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and it's only fitting that he end it at the home of the Engineer. His stateside assignments include: Fort Belvoir, Virginia; two tours at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Bliss, Texas; and Fort Lewis, Washington. His overseas tours include: Hanau, West Berlin; Giessen, Germany; Camp Indian and Camp Howze, Korea and recently served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq.

CSM Falaniko has served in all key leadership positions in the field of combat engineers starting from Team Leader up to Command Sergeant Major. He served as the Command Sergeant Major of the 14th Engineer Battalion at Fort Lewis, Washington as well as the 1st Armored Division, Engineer Brigade at Giessen, Germany.

His military education includes: Bridgeman Primary Technical Course; Primary Leadership Course; Primary Noncommissioned Officer Course; Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course; Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course; Drill Sergeant School; Master Fitness Trainer Course; Sapper Leader Course; Instructor Training Course; Instructor Supervisor Course; Airborne School; Ranger School; Air Assault School; Jumpmaster School; French Commando Course; and First Sergeant Course.

CSM Falaniko is a graduate of Class-49 of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy and he holds an Associate Degree in General Studies from Central Texas College.

His awards and decorations include: The Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters); Army Commendation Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Cluster); Army Achievement Medal (with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters); Good Conduct Medal (9th Award); Army Occupation Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Korea Defense Service Medal; Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal; NCO Professional Development Ribbon (4); Overseas Service Ribbon (3); Army Service Ribbon; Ranger Tab; Sapper Tab; Master Parachutist Badge; Air Assault Badge; Drill Sergeant Badge; French Commando Badge; Canadian Parachutist Badge; and German Bronze Marksmanship Badge. He was awarded the DeFleury Bronze Medal of the Army Corps of Engineer.

Send congratulatory message to ioakimo.falaniko@us.army.mil.

Craig Falealii promotes to Master Sergeant, E8
Written by MAJ Tauapai Laupola

Craig Falealii of Faganeanea, AS was promoted to Master Sergeant, (MSG) E8 by Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Ioakimo Falaniko during a ceremony held at the 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB), Ft Leavenworth, Missouri 5 SEP 08. MSG Falealii is an operations sergeant assigned to this newly designed unit in the US Army.

MSG Falealii is the son of Reverend Vagana and Simalua Mapu Falealii of Faganeanea and Olosega respectively who are ministering at Tafito’oala Safata, Samoa. This Toa o Samoa graduated from Samoana high school in 1997 and then joined the US Army in January 1990. He is married to the former Mattie Jones of Shelbyville, Kentucky and they have 5 children, Isaia (18), Fiapito (13), Siigava'a (12) Kiara (10) and Maia (3).

During the ceremony, CSM Falaniko commended MSG Falealii and his family for their dedication and commitment to the US Army. Your selfless service coupled with your potential to excel in every position you have held are the reasons for your promotion. CSM Falaniko has been a mentor to Craig Falealii since he joined the Army in 1990. According to CSM Falaniko, it's always a good day when a soldier is promoted but to be able to mentor and see a Toa o Samoa move up in ranks is priceless.

MSG Falealii thanked his unit and all those who came to the ceremony especially CSM Falaniko, 1SG Tautalasoo Maulupe RET and MAJ Laupola. He also thanked his wife and his children for their continued support as well as his parents and all his families in Samoa for their prayers.

Since MSG Falealii joined the US Army in 1990, he has served at various posts to include: Ft Carson, Colorado; 2d ID, South Korea; Ft Drum, New York; Ft Irwin, CA. and Hohenfeld, Germany. He has been deployed in support of Operations Restore Hope in Somalia (92-93), Kosovo (2002), Operations Iraqi Freedom 2003 and support to the country of Georgia (Aug-Jan) 2008.

His medals include the Bronze Star medal, Meritorious Service medal, Army Commendations medal, Army Achievement medal; National Defense Service medal, Korea Service medal, Kosovo Campaign medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, NATO's medal and air assault badge.

MSG Falealii received his Associate of Arts degree from the University of Maryland in 2007 and he is pursuing his bachelor degree in anthropology with emphasis on child development.

Send your congratulations to MSG Craig and Mattie Falealii at craig.falealii@us.army.mil

August 28, 2008

Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega accepting applications for nomination to the U.S. Military Service Academies

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he is currently accepting applications for nominations to fill one vacancy at the US Air Force Academy (www.usaf.edu) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, one vacancy at the U.S. Military Academy (www.usma.edu) at West Point, New York, and one vacancy at the U.S. Naval Academy (www.usna.edu) in Annapolis, Maryland for the class entering the academies in June, 2009. He is also accepting nominations for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (www.usmma.edu). The Merchant Marine Academy can sometimes accept more than two candidates provided there are vacancies in the national pool.

To meet the high qualifying standards set forth by the academies, applicants must have a minimum Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) combined verbal and math score of 1,000 or an American College Test (ACT) score of 25 for English, 27 for Math, 26 for Reading, and 26 for Science Reasoning. Please keep in mind that these scores do not automatically qualify an applicant for admission. For this reason, it is recommended that all applicants take the SAT or ACT more than once if they believe they can improve their test scores.

Each applicant for nomination must meet the following eligibility requirements by July 1 of the year he/she plans to enter the academy:

1. an applicant must be at least 17 years of age and must not have passed his/her 23rd birthday on July 1 of the year of admission;
2. unmarried, not pregnant and have no obligation to support children or other dependents;
3. a U.S. citizen (U.S. nationals may be nominated but must obtain their U.S. citizenship before graduating) and
4. of good moral character.

Applicants interested in applying to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy must apply directly to the Coast Guard Academy since it has its own application process which does not include nominations from Members of Congress. Interested applicants may contact the Coast Guard Academy online at www.cga.edu.

Candidates who are successful in gaining admission to one of the service academies, which are ranked among the top rated educational institutions in the United States, can look forward to being challenged academically and physically. They will also receive a four-year education which ranges in value from $350,000 to $500,000, and the opportunity to serve as an officer in the U.S. Armed Forces. For more information, please contact Faleomavaega's office in Utulei at 633-1372.

CSM Tuileama To'atolu Nua's Change of Responsibility Ceremony
Written by MAJ Laupola

On August 7, 2008 Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Tuileama To'atolu Nua relinquished his command as the senior enlisted of the 44th Medical Command to CSM Edwin Perez at a Change of Responsibility ceremony held at Seay Field, Ft Bragg, NC. This ceremony marked the passing of the colors from CSM Nua transferring all command responsibilities of the 44th Medical Command to the incoming CSM Edwin Perez.

The ceremony was commenced with the formation of Troops followed by the invocation, presentation of colors and honors to the Nation. After saluting the Flag of the United States, the official Change of Responsibility took place. CSM Nua receives the color from the gatekeeper in which he passes it on to the Brigade Commander, Colonel Maul who in turns passes it to the incoming CSM Perez who passes it back to the gatekeeper. This was followed by remarks from the Commander COL Maul, out-going CSM Nua and incoming CSM Perez.

Commander, 44th Medical Command, COL Maul spoke highly of CSM Nua and his positive contribution to the command in the last two years. This includes maintaining a very high retention rate, drastic reduction of alcohol related cases and setting programs to promote soldiering across the command. During CSM Nua's remarks, he thanked the command for their support of his many programs that is bearing fruits at the heels of their deployment. He continued on and acknowledged his wife Anita Nua and his family as well as "Toa o le Vateatea Samoa Association" for supporting his tour at Ft Bragg. CSM Perez asked the command to work with him and wish CSM Nua and his family success at their new duty assignment.

From his humble beginning at Ta'u, Manu'a to Leulumoega Fou College for most of his secondary education and graduated at Fagaitua High School in 1977, this Paratrooper, Toa o le Vateatea has traveled the world only to start making his way back home to be the first Samoan CSM for the Pacific Medical Command headquarters at Tripler Medical Center, Hawaii. CSM Nua will be an asset for Samoa and the Pacific.

CSM Nua has been known to help bring Samoans in the military together through out his career. As a pioneer and the first President of the Republic of Korea Samoa Association (ROKSA), CSM Nua has been instrumental in providing a venue for Samoans in Korea to come together as a home away from home during their tours in Korea. ROKSA has touched so many lives in so many positive ways. From his experience in Korea, CSM Nua continues this mission at Ft Bragg, NC. He once again helped corral Samoans for the same purpose. His effort led to the establishment of the "Toa o le Vateatea Samoa Association" (TVSA) at Ft Bragg, NC. The TVSA helped lobbied for the military voting law that was approved by the Fono and signed by Governor Togiola this past May.

CSM Nua is a household name at Ft Bragg, NC and his "can do attitude and genuine love for Samoa and Pacific Islanders" will set him up for success at his new post as the CSM for the Pacific Medical Command.

Beside the Nua family, Toa o le Vateatea Samoa Association was represented well at the ceremony by: Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) Totolua "Koko" Yandall of Leone, CSM Charles Tobin of Lotopa, Samoa, SSG Faasiusiuga Taumua of Poloa, SGT Keresema Alaimaleata of Alofau, SGT Doreen Fiaui of Amaua and MAJ Tauapai Laupola of Afonotele. TVSA wishes the Nua's God's gift of love, peace, and justice.

CSM Tuileama Nua is the son of Toatolu Nua of Ta'u, Manu'a and Sooupu Savea Nua of Fitiuta, Manu'a. He is married to the former Ms. Anita Mendoza of San Francisco, California and they have two sons, Joel and Keanu, and daughter Brianne Nua, who is a supply sergeant at Ft Lee, Virginia. SSG Brianne Nua has been selected into the warrant officer's program last month.

CSM Tuileama Nua began his military career with the U.S. Army in 1977 after graduating from Faga'itua High School. His first assignment was a paratrooper, Telecommunication Specialist with the 82nd Airborne Division. In 1980 CSM Nua reclassed to a Dental Specialist. After 31 years of military active federal service, CSM Nua has held many positions of great responsibility including Command Sergeant Major of the 44th Medical Command, Command Sergeant Major of the 121st General Hospital; Command Sergeant Major for the 52nd Medical Battalion; Senior Enlisted Dental Consultant for Headquarters Company, 18th Medical Command; First Sergeant for USA DENTAC; Chief Dental Noncommissioned Officer for 300th Medical Company and First Sergeant for 257th Medical Company. Other positions he held include Dental Hygienist, Squad Leader, Section Sergeant, and Platoon Sergeant.

CSM Nua's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, 4th OLC, Army Commendation Medal, 4th OLC, Army Achievement Medal, Silver OLC, Good Conduct Medal, 9th Award, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Liberation Medal, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, EFMB Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and Driver's Badge. He also holds the distinction of being a member of the Order of Military Medical Merit.

CSM Tuileama Nua holds an Associate of Arts degree in Management from the University of Maryland and is a graduate of the Sergeants Major Academy "Class 51." His other educational achievements include the Basic Airborne School, Telecommunication Specialist School, Dental Specialist School, Warrior Leaders Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Advance Noncommissioned Officer Course, EMT School, Jump Master School, Leadership Facilitator Course, Leader Counseling Course, Instructor Course and Master Fitness Course.

Antoinette Ponafala promoted to Sergeant, E-5
Written by MAJ Tauapai Laupola

Antoinette Ponafala was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, E-5, on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 in front of her unit, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion at Ft Bragg, NC. Antoinette Ponafala�s mother, Anna Suani Ponafala Fuimaono was given the honor to promote her daughter. Chief Warrant Officer 1, Tauosose Tupua of Vailoatai and Sergeant Major John Letuli of Iliili accompanied Mrs Fuimaono in front of the formation before the promotion ceremony.

Once the unit was formed, the command, attention to orders was called and the promotion orders were read as Mrs. Anna Suani Ponafala Fuimaono pinned-on Sergeant ranks on her daughter while the unit Commander, CPT Small, Lee and First Sergeant McCartney looked on.

SGT Antoinette Ponafala graduated from the Warriors Leaders Course (WLC) Class 09-08 on May 8, 2008 at Ft Bragg, N.C. This course is a requirement for promotion to the Non Commissioned Officer (NCO) Corps that starts with the rank of sergeant or E-5.

According to SGT Ponafala's mother, "It was an honor to promote my daughter in front of her unit and Samoans at Ft Bragg, NC, however, it's not complete without my husband, HC Fuimaono Ponafala". These sentiments were echoed by SGT Ponafala when asked about her feelings during this momentous occasion, "I am very happy for my mother; however, I still have a void in my heart because my father is not here to witness this important event due to other family obligations. I love you dad and missed you a lot until we meet again."

SGT Ponafala expressed her sincere appreciation to her parents, Fuimaono & Anna Ponafala, to all her families in Vailoatai, Leone and Vatia, to her Ft Bragg family, Toa o le Vateatea and especially to her spiritual parents in Vailoatai, Reverend Faletoi and Violina Lagoo Uso. This is your promotion as well because of your prayers, love and never ending support commented SGT Ponafala.

SGT Ponafala is preparing for her 2nd deployment in 3 years. As part of her preparation, she ensures that her Home of Record (HOR) is changed from California to American Samoa. On July 8, she received a confirmation letter from the Army Human Resources Command that her HOR is officially changed to American Samoa. She is now in the process of registering to vote for ASG upcoming election as a privilege made possible by the ASG Military Voting Law signed by Governor Togiola in May of this year.

SGT Ponafala now joins the NCO Corps, "a member of the time honored corps which is known as The Backbone of the Army". The Toa o le Vateatea Samoa Association congratulates SGT Ponafala for her accomplishment, which is a credit to herself, her parents, her families, her villages and her faith.

Toa o le Vateatea Samoa Association (TVSA) Ft Bragg, NC, welcomes Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Tobin, a native of Lotopa, Samoa to his new post as the CSM for the Sustainment Brigade Special Operations (Airborne), Ft Bragg, North Carolina. CSM Tobin is the son of the late Michael and Barbara Tobin of Lotopa, Samoa. CSM Tobin came to Ft Bragg from the 377th Theater Sustainment Command (TSC), New Orleans, Louisiana.

CSM Tobin began his military career on October 1983 after he graduated from St Joseph College, Samoa. After basic and advanced training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, CSM Tobin was assigned as a supply clerk with the 82nd Airborne Division, Ft Bragg, NC. He left the Army for one year in October 1986, before enlisting again in October 1987. Upon his return, CSM Tobin was assigned to the Federal Republic of Germany as a Supply Sergeant. After his tour in Germany, CSM Tobin returned to the USA and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 52nd Infantry Regiment, National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California.

His follow-on assignments include; Property Book NCO, Division Support Command, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC, Assistant Inspector General, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Red Cloud, Korea, First Sergeant, Bravo Company, 82nd FSB, 82nd Airborne Division, Group S4 NCOIC, 5th Special Forces Group, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Brigade S3 NCO, Division Support Command, 1st Armored Division, Germany, Command Sergeant Major, 47th Forward Support Battalion, 1st Armored Division, Germany, Senior Enlisted Advisor, Headquarters European Command (EUCOM) and Balkans National Support Element, Stuttgart, Germany and Command Sergeant Major of the 377th Theater Sustainment Command, New Orleans, Louisiana.

During his career, CSM Tobin has served in every Noncommissioned Officer Leadership position from Squad Leader to Command Sergeant Major. He has participated in Operation Uphold Democracy, Haiti and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

CSM Tobin holds a Master of Arts Degree in Management from Webster University and a graduate of the Sergeant Major Academy Class 52. His other educational achievements include First Sergeant Course; Inspector General Course; Battle Staff Course; Jumpmaster Course; and Air Assault Course.

CSM Tobin's awards and decorations include Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with third Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal with silver Oak Leaf Cluster, Korean Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Development Ribbon with Numeral 4, Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral 2, United Nation Medal (Mission in Haiti), the Jumpmaster Badge, Jordanian Parachute Badge, Air Assault Badge. He is also a recipient of the Distinguished Order of Saint Martin for the Quartermaster Regiment.

CSM Tobin has been a great ambassador for Samoa in the past 23 years of service. He has promoted the Samoa culture and supported Samoan service members at every assignment he has served. Toa o le Vateatea Samoa Association is looking forward to working with CSM Tobin to help and support Samoan service members stationed at Ft Bragg, NC.

Three Sons of Samoa Participate in Largest Reenlistment Ceremony in Baghdad, Iraq
By Easter Asi Bruce

In Baghdad, Al Faw Palace made history once again on America's 232nd birthday by holding the largest reenlistment ceremony swearing in approximately 1215 U.S. service members from all four branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Al Faw Palace Rotunda seated over 1200 uniformed personnel. This number does not include scores of guests and media that lined the perimeter of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors of the rotunda.

Multi-National Forces - Iraq (MNF-I) Command Sergeant Major Marvin L. Hill greeted and pumped the crowd up by leading the group in a loud and thunderous cheer of freedom. The rotunda returned fired as every voice roared the word "freedom!"

Presiding over this historical ceremony, MNF-I Commanding General David H. Petraeus remarked that the magnitude of reenlisting 1215 U.S military personnel in the face of long deployments, continued separation from loved ones and loss or injury of comrades sends a powerful message to our adversaries. As General Petraeus led the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines in the Oath of Enlistment, the rotunda echoed in unison and with purpose as the last words of "so help me God" was repeated. Petraeus said, "It is the greatest of honors to soldier here with you."

Three sons of Samoa participated in this historical reenlistment ceremony. SGT Ioane Puni Afa, SSG Albert P. Nikolao, and SPC Daniel O. Sei each have their own personal reasons for continuing their careers as Soldiers.

SGT Ioane Puni Afa is the proud son of Puni and Moesolo Afa of Siufaga and Ta'u, Manua. SGT Afa and his lovely wife, Pearl Afa, have two sons, Brandon and Maximus, ages 14 and 7 respectively.

Afa is a member of the 1st Armored Division deployed from Baumholder, Germany stationed at the Joint Security Station, Sadr City. He is an 88M, a Motor Transport Operator, which by the shear nature of that job description and his comments, he and unit members frequently traverse the dangerous Sadr City roads transporting cargo and personnel to meet mission requirements.

SGT Afa is no stranger to deployments to Iraq as he is currently on his 3rd deployment to this Area of Operations (AOR). His first two deployments began with Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and the second deployment in 1992.

With regard to Samoans and the military, Afa says, "Samoans are strong, smart and provides good leadership; they are excellent role models for new generations."

When asked why he reenlisted on this date? He says "it's my dad's birthday. I want to wish him a Happy Birthday and that the good Lord will continue to bless him with many more years to enjoy."

SGT Afa would like to thank all families and friends of Samoa and for their continued prayers. In closing, Afa simply says to "keep praying."

SSG Albert P. Nikolao is the proud son of Otila Salanoa and Harrison Nikolao of Falefa, Upolu and Utulei, Tutuila, respectively. Already serving ten years, Nikolao reenlisted for six more years. He says he will definitely do 20 years of service. Nikolao, stationed at Camp Taji, is a member of the HHC 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division Stryker Brigade Combat Team (2/25 SBCT) deployed from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

Just like SGT Afa, Nikolao is no stranger to deployments. In 2004, he was deployed to Afghanistan. When asked if there was a difference between the two AORs at the "grunt" level, he responded, "In Afghanistan, we didn't have to worry about IEDs; here in Iraq, we do." SSG Nikolao enjoys the traveling involved with the military. He and his sister, Fatuaiga (Air Force) are the only two of the six Nikolao children serving in the military.

In our discussion about family, Nikolao recalls memorable times with his cousin, PVT Jonathan I. Falaniko, prior to either one considering the military as part of their future livelihood.

Last but not least, SPC Daniel O. Sei on his first deployment is assigned to C-Troop 2-14 Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division based out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. At the tender age of 21, Sei has already served three years but reenlisted to serve four more years. According to Sei, "I reenlisted because I want to pursue my dream of becoming a Physician's Assistant and the Army is a good way to help me achieve that goal."

He is married to Paige M. Sei of Waipahu, Hawaii. SPC Sei comes from a family of military specifically the Marines. When asked about his views on Samoans in the military, Sei had this to say, "Samoans make great Soldiers because we're raised in an obedient environment, we don't second guess any given orders from the command or leadership. I mean, I'm not biased towards any other culture, but because we are humble people, we do as we're told and we do it without complaining."

SPC Daniel O. Sei was raised by his maternal grandparents, Aumavae and Fa'atu Tuiteleleapaga of Leone and refers to them as his dear parents. As SPC Sei's unit heads back to Camp Taji, he would like to send a message of love to his grandfather: "I want to wish good health to my grandpa - I wish him the best. Please tell him, I'm ok and that I'll be home soon."

Source: americansamoa.gov

Acting Gov. Faoa A. Sunia Offers Condolences on Death of Lt. Col. Max A. Galea'i in Iraq

(UTULEI) - Acting Governor Faoa Aitofele Sunia today offers the following statement on the death of Lt. Col. Max A. Galea'i in the province of Anbar, Iraq.

STATEMENT

"On behalf of Governor Togiola Tulafono and the people and government of American Samoa, I offer my deepest sympathy to the family of Lt. Colonel Max A. Galea'i, who gave his life in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His death is a great loss to American Samoa and the Kaneohe Marine Base in Hawai'i.

Lt. Col. Galea'i, 42 years old, was the commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines at Kaneohe's Marine Corps Base in Hawai'i. He and two other Marines and other Iraqis were killed on Wednesday, June 26th when a suicide bomber, reportedly dressed in a police uniform, detonated an explosive belt during a meeting of tribal sheiks opposed to al-Quaida in Iraq.

Lt. Col. Max A. Galea'i is the son of the late Tafaoa Pati and Kalala Galea'i of Leone, American Samoa. He is married to Evelyn Ho Ching Galea�i and they have four children. He has four sisters and three brothers.

Lt. Col. Galea'i grew up in the village of Leone, and spent much time along side his uncle the late Senator Faiivae A. Galea'i. He graduated from Marist High School in 1983 and Oregon State University in 1988.

He is remembered by his family and fellow Marines as a caring and exceptional leader. Lt. Col. Galea'i's bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered as he willingly served America to protect the freedom of the world. The 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines were deployed in February and were scheduled to return in September.

I ask all of American Samoa to unite in prayer for the comfort of his family during this time of great sorrow and grief. I offer our sincerest condolences to his wife, Evelyn Ho Ching Galea'i, their four children, his mother Kalala Galea'i, his siblings and the entire Taeleifi and Faumuina families who have suffered a great loss.

Let us also remember the more than 1,000 Marines who were under Lt. Col. Max Galea'i's command. May God's grace give them strength to complete their tour without their leader."