In SSG Fiaui-Taumua's welcome letter, the Commandant of the US Army Drill Sergeant School (USADSS) commended SSG Fiaui-Taumua for her selection to attend the Drill Sergeant course. He further commented that to be selected to become a Drill Sergeant is a true testament of SSG Fiaui-Taumua's past performance and potentials that enable her to become a role model and trainer for Initial Entry Training (IET) Soldiers.
SSG Fiaui is married to SSG Faasi'usiuga Taumua of Fagalii & Poloa, AS. She is currently assigned to the 27th Engineer Battalion/20th Engineer Brigade and will relocate to Ft Jackson, SC where she will be a Drill Sergeant for IET soldiers. SSG Fiaui-Taumua is the daughter of Aimaleafoa Niuamoa and Faavevela Fiaui of Auto, AS. She is a 1986 graduate of Fagaitua HS, received a Master of Arts degree from Hawaii Pacific University and has been deployed several times.
SSG Burgie Solosolo Perofeta successfully completed the Finance Basic Non-Commissioned Officer course on December 11, 2008, Ft Jackson, South Carolina. The completion of this course signifies that the US Army has entrusted SSG Perofeta to take up leadership responsibilities in finance management. He is currently assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division.
SSG Perofeta is married to Corrina Ve'ave'a of Leone and Afao, AS. They are blessed with three lovely children, Burnina 8 yrs old, Burnico 7 yrs old and Burniece 5 yrs old. SSG Perofeta is the son of the late Reverend Tupu Perofeta and Mrs. Suafa Perofeta.
SSG Perofeta is a 1997 graduate of Tafuna High School and just returned from a
15-month deployment to Iraq.
Missionary Mana'omia Tauanuu and wife Seela led the Ft Bragg delegation to SSG Fiaui-Taumua and SSG Perofeta's graduations. Samoan soldiers at Ft Jackson, SFC Faapepele Hunkin-Tajalle, SSG Luisa Montgomery and 1LT Simeamativa Kruse-Smith came out to support the paratroopers and also hosted a luncheon for all Samoans that attended.
SSG Perofeta spoke on behalf of the graduates and thanked Missionary Mana'omia Tauanuu and the delegation from Ft Bragg and especially the Samoan soldiers at Ft Jackson who came out to witness the graduations. Your support is greatly appreciated.
MAJ Laupola spoke on behalf of the Ft Bragg delegation and thanked SSG Fiaui-Taumua and SSG Perofeta for this great feat and an excellent example for Samoan soldiers. Your accomplishments speak volumes of who you are and paid tribute to your families, villages and your faith. He also thanked the Samoans at Ft Jackson for their presence as well as the luncheon that they have hosted. Your presence today gives substance to the biblical phrase, friends for all seasons and kin in moments of crisis. May you continue to be the "go to soldier" that Samoans and other service members will seek for support. God bless you abundantly for your continued support of Toa o Samoa.
Send congratulatory message to Doreen Fiaui-Taumua at doreen.fiaui@us.army.mil;
SSG Burgie Perofeta at burgie.solosolo.perofeta@us.army.mil
Ft Bragg is only a few hours away from Ft Benning, Ft Steward and Ft Jackson to the South and Camp Lejeune, Ft Lee, Ft Eustis, Norfolk, Washington DC and Ft Drum to the North. If you have a service member relocating to these posts and need support, feel free to contact CSM Charles Tobin, charles.tobin@ahqb.soc.mil; (910) 432-5047; CW5 Robert Totolua Yandall, yandallr@ahqb.soc.mil; (910) 432-5118 or MAJ Laupola at tauapai.laupola@ahqb.soc.mil; (910) 432-1663.
Church Service Dedicated to Deploying Toa o Samoa
(Written by Tauapai Laupola)
Ekalesia Kerisiano Amerika Samoa Ft Bragg & Fayetteville dedicated the church service on November 30, 2008 for Sergeant (SGT) Antoinette Ponafala, SGT Rapi Leota, SGT Keresema Alaimaleata and Sergent Major (SGM) John Letuli who will be deploying to harms way in the near future.
Immediately after the opening hymn #92 "Faafetai i le Atua" led by choir director Filemoni Fanuaea, Missionary Mana'omia Tauanu'u recognized these Toa o Samoa and asked that they take their seats at the front of the service. Then he proceeds with a moment of silence as he read out individual prayer requests.
After the moment of silence, Missionary Tauanuu called upon Reverend Sani Taetuli and Chairman Tauapai Laupola to say words of encouragement to the deploying soldiers. Reverend Taetuli accentuated God's love and His ability to be their coat of armor for this deployment. Chairman Laupola thanked the soldiers for their selfless service and despite trials and tribulations of the deployment, always remember your parents, families and Samoa will pray for your safe return.
Misionary Tauanuu continued with the sermon from the Book of Psalms 23, in which he emphasized that God is a great shepherd and he will not forsake you even at your lowest point. May the Lord be with you always. The service concluded with the hymn #380, "O le sulu e mumu".
The service was followed by a to'ana'i at Misionary Mana'omia's residence. Below, is a short synopsis of the deploying soldiers.
SGT Rapi Leota is on his second deployment and will leave behind his wife Emerald Sokimi of Fagasa and three children, Troy (6yrs) is in Samoa, Trey (3yrs) & Tristin (6mos). Mrs Leota and her children will depart Ft Bragg, NC for Fagasa, AS to be with her parents until SGT Leota returns. SGT Leota is the son of Tuia’i Leota of Pago Pago, AS & Luafata Timo of Vaovai, Samoa.
SGT Antoinette Ponafala is on her second deployment. She is the daughter of Anna & Fuimaono Ponafala of Vailotai and Leone AS. The Fuimaono family relocated to Ft Bragg since SGT Ponafala's first deployment two years ago.
SGT Keresema Alaimaleata deployed with the 100th Battalion 442d Infantry before he relocated to Ft Bragg, NC. He hails from the village of Alofau. His wife Elisapeta Tu'upo Alaimaleata and 4 children, sons, twin Leon & Deon (10yrs), Tasi (4yrs) and daughter Gloria Fialelei (7yrs) traveled from Hawaii to bid farewell to their hero.
SGM John Letuli of Futiga and Iliili is on a staff visit and will return to deploy with the main body early next year. He will leave behind his 3 children, son TJ, daughters Adrian (14yrs) and Manino (6) and two brothers Sal and Osa.
Let us lift them up in prayers these Toa o Samoa as well as those that are standing guard around the world in the name of Freedom.
New Samoan Congregation Established in North Carolina
"Ekalesia Kerisiano Amerika Samoa Ft Bragg & Fayetteville"
(Written by LF MageoAga-Laupola)
"Remember the love of God." This was the theme for Missionary Mana'omia Tauanu'u's first sermon on November 23, 2008 to his new Congregation, a non-denominational church, "Ekalesia Kerisiano Amerika Samoa Ft Bragg & Fayetteville" in North Carolina. It was through the love of God that the new Samoan Congregation was established leading to its christening on November 16, 2008. The Congregation started on June 1, 2008 when a few Samoan soldiers and their families stationed at Ft Bragg, North Carolina identified a need to help enhance spiritual support for Samoan service members and their families as they face the challenges within the military today.
The soldiers and their families expressed a need for spiritual healing and sought out Pastor Al Alapati of Utulei, American Samoa and Reverend Sani V Taetuli of Vaitogi, American Samoa and Tuvalu for spiritual guidance. These were the servants of God that ministered the Gospel to the Samoan soldiers and their families. At the same time, a request for a Missionary was presented to the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa (CCCAS). The Congregation's prayers were answered and a Missionary was chosen for the Samoan community in Ft Bragg & Fayetteville. A representative from the CCCAS Missionary Committee, Reverend Salesa Faalau was sent to brief the service members and their families about the Mission requirements and obligations.
Ekalesia Kerisiano Amerika Samoa Ft Bragg & Fayetteville is led by Missionary Mana'omia Tauanu'u of Fitiuta, Manu'a and Mrs Se'ela Asoau Tauanu'u of Faleasao, Manu'a. Missionary Mana'omia Tauanu'u is the son of Taulafoga Peaulolo Tauanu'u and Mataotama Va'i Tauanu'u of Fitiuta, Manu'a. He was born in Fagaalu, American Samoa and raised in Fitiuta, Manu'a. He attended Fitiuta Elementary as a young boy and is a Segaula graduate from Manu'a High School. Mrs Se’ela Tauanu’u was born in Ta'u, Manu'a and raised in Faleasao, Manu'a. She is the granddaughter of Iotamo Laulu of Faleasao, Manu'a and Seuea Moliga Laulu of Ta'u, Manu'a. They have three children, three-year-old Victoria, eleven-year-old Sose and seventeen-year-old Darin. The Tauanu'u's began their spiritual journey in Fitiuta, Manu'a with their spiritual leader Reverend Fa'avae Faata'ita'i and proceeded to Kanana Fou Theological Seminary in 2003 after passing the entrance exam. They graduated with a Diploma of Theology in 2007 and a Bachelor of Divinity in 2008. Missionary Tauanu'u is not only an ordained minister, but also a gifted musician whose talent is well known in his village of Fitiuta and his alma mater Kanana Fou Theological Seminary.
A delegation of spiritual leaders from the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa made the long trip to celebrate in the christening of the new Samoan Congregation. The delegation included Reverend Fa'avae Faata'ita'i of CCCAS Fitiuta (Chairman, Missionary committee), Reverend Elder Leatulagi Fa'alevao of CCCAS Amouli (CCCAS Vice-Chairman), Reverend Samuelu Tialavea (CCCAS General Secretary) and Reverend Talalelei Fautanu Sr of CCCAS Areto ole Ola, Hawaii.
Since it's christening, the members of Ekalesia Kerisiano Amerika Samoa Ft Bragg & Fayetteville have witnessed the wonder of God's love in abundance. They are blessed to have three pious servants of God working side by side to ensure their spiritual needs are met, blessed to have the support of the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa to make certain the Congregation will not be burdened with financial matters and blessed to have members who are dedicated to the church to enhance the spiritual well being of Samoan service members and their families. With the love of God, all things are possible.
Our Heavenly Father, let this Congregation be the vehicle to bring forth your love, peace and justice as well as a shelter to shield and provide spiritual enhancement for all Toa o Samoa that will be stationed here at Ft Bragg/Fayetteville.
The church is located at 6252 Camden Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28306. Sunday service begins at 1:30pm and choir practice is held at the church on Saturdays at 12:00pm. For more information, please call (910) 574-6171. All are welcome to share and experience the Word of God with Ekalesia Kerisiano Amerika Samoa Ft Bragg & Fayetteville.
Spiritual Leaders: Missionary Mana'omia Tauanu'u & Mrs Se'ela Tauanu'u, Pastor Al Alapati & Mrs Betty Alapati, Reverend Sani V Taetuli & Mrs Mereane Taetuli.
Deacons: Fuimaono Ponafala, John Letuli, Keresema Alaimaleata, Fa'asi'usi'uga Taumua, Burgie Perofeta, Tauapai Laupola.
Officers: Tauapai Laupola (Chairman), Charles Tobin (Vice Chairman), Fa'asi'usi'uga Taumua (Secretary-Treasurer), Filemoni Fanuaea (Choir Director), Emerald Leota (Youth Leader).
Honorary Members: Tuileama Nua, Anita Nua, Keanu Nua, Lucia Bartley, Taisi Steffany-Alosu'esu'emanogi, Dayna Steffany-Alosu'esu’emanogi, BJ Steffany-Alosu'esu'emanogi, Hali'ikai Steffany-Alosu'esu'emanogi, Jack Mata'utia.
(Honorary Members are those who were involved in establishing the Congregation from the beginning, but have currently departed Ft Bragg/Fayetteville).
They would like to give thanks to our Heavenly Father for everything he has done and blessed each and everyone.
Thanks for all the support and prayers of families and friends in American Samoa.
'We will always and forever find time for the Lord and families.
Spc Perofeta would like to thank his wife Tutuila Perofeta for being strong with the kids,(son)Tupulaga,and(daughter)Cassie Perofeta . Thank them for being strong,their love, support and prayers.I miss my wife Tutuila and kids Tupu and Cassie Perofeta.
I would like to thank my mom Suafaoleaiga Perofeta for her love and support. ' I love you mom'
SSG Oney would like to thank his wife for everything. 'He love and miss his wife Gia and (Son)Fealofani Oney so much.
God bless all families and friend in American Samoa
AGAIN THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORTS AND PRAYERS.
SPC Perofeata and SSG Oney
557th Maint Co. OIF 6
Anaconda, Iraq
Ekalesia Samoa Ft Bragg Dedicated White Sunday ‘08 to Toa O Samoa
Written by MAJ Tauapai Laupola
At the Home of the Paratroopers and Special Operations, Ft Bragg, North Carolina, Ekalesia Samoa Ft Bragg dedicated White Sunday 2008 to Toa O Samoa. "Soldier of Christ" was the theme of the service and the brainchild of the youth leader, Mrs. Emerald Leota (Fagasa, AS) and the youth group. According to Ms Leota, "I wanted to do this not only to honor our children, but to recognize the sacrifice made by Toa O Samoa."
Pastor Alapati Tavai and Reverend Sani Taetuli presided over the service that was conducted by the youth group. Mrs. Leota greeted and thanked the congregation for its support of White Sunday 2008. She then proceeded with the invocation.
Reverend Sani Taetuli conducted the service of baptism on behalf of Tristin Leota, the son of SPC Rapi Leota and wife Emerald Leota.
The youth group accompanied by Chief Warrant Officer 1 (CW1), Tauosose Tupua, usher in the spirit with the song "Ulufale i lona lotoa"; followed by the prayer offered by PFC MeaalofaTiatia (Laulii, AS), Georgina "Toti" Laupola (Afonotele) and Addelaine "Lagi" Ponafala (Vailoatai, AS).
Lindsey Laupola read the English version of the scriptures 2 Timothy 2:1-5 and Alexandria Ponafala (Vailoatai, AS) read the Samoa version.
PFC Justin Mataese Talalotu delivered the sermon for white Sunday, entitled "Soldier of Christ". He encouraged the audience to become good soldiers of Jesus Christ and endure hardship. The fight is not easy but with the Lord on our side, we will always prevail. He was able to draw comparisons between a life of a military soldier and that of one who wants to follow Jesus.
He continued by saying that in the military, soldiers are taught early in their careers to obey their commanding officers and follow orders. While Jesus is our Commanding Officer, He has given us the free will to accept His missions. Like our salvation, we have the free will to make a choice. PFC Talalotu concluded by saying that there is no neutral ground in this warfare and that we all need to strive to become good soldiers of Jesus Christ.
The sermon was followed by the offering collected by Derrick Leomiti, son of SSG Derrick Leomiti (Pavaia'i, AS) who is currently deployed and Nita Tuiasosopo Leomiti (Vatia, AS) & Burnico Perofeta son of Burgie Perofeta (just redployed from Iraq) and Corina Ve'ave’a Perofeta (Afao, AS).
The family of Fuimaono Ponafala (Vailoatai, AS) opened the program with the proclamation of faith followed with its renditions of religious songs from their Vailoatai youth choir; the Leota's performed couple songs, the Perofeta’s recited John 3:16 and a performance to a local favorite, the Letulis recited memory verses and the Laupola's closed it with the temptation of Christ.
The youth group rounded the program with various renditions of songs and skits from variety of popular religious groups.
The finale of the program was a about a deployed female soldier's dream, played by Georgina Laupola, who questions her faith in the Lord as she fights for her life from injuries sustained in the war.
In the dream she saw her life flashes in front of her face and she saw Jesus Christ, played by PFC Talalotu, carrying her through out her ordeal and into God's Kingdom as angels rejoicing to receive a saved soul. She woke from her dream and realized that God has never forsaken her, even at her lowest point, as she struggles for her life. As the dream wears out, she felt the presence of the Lord whispering, "Stand strong my child, I'll always be with you." The moral of the skit, despite trials and tribulations of deployments, the Lord will always be with you.
Reverend Taetuli and Pastor Tavai thanked the youth group for their commitment and support of white Sunday 08. Dedicating this day to Samoans in the military and honoring our children is commendable, especially their ability to perform the service in Samoan.
The Ekalesia Samoa Ft Bragg is a non-denominational church serving Samoans and their families stationed at Ft Bragg, NC. A missionary, Mana'omia Tauanu'u will arrive from Kanana Fou on October 22, 2008 to assist with the Ekalesia Samoa Ft Bragg.
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