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Military Press Releases_

Photos: March 14, 2008 Command Ceremony for CPT Si'imoa Galoia

During the ceremony on 14 March 2008, 1SG Everette received the guidon from the guidon bearer and passed it to CPT Cox, the outgoing commander. CPT Cox passed the guidon to LTC Higgins, the Battalion Commander, who then passed it to CPT Galoia, the incoming commander, who in return passed in back to the Gatekeeper.

CPT Si'imoa Galoia with her proud husband SSG Fa'amasino Upuese Galoai of Pava'ia'i, American Samoa and her mother Mrs Tufanua Iata of Samoa.

L-R Mrs Aotearoa Sualevai, CPT Si'imoa Iata Galoia, Mrs Tufanua Iata and Pastor Filipo Sualevai after CPT Galoia's change of command ceremony.

CPT Si'imoa Iata Galoia poses with her local Samoan church in Augusta, GA, family and friends from various states and fellow Toa O Samoa from Ft Lee, VA, Ft Bragg, NC, Ft Stewart, GA and Atlanta, GA.

Toa O Samoa in support of CPT Si'imoa Iata Galoia's change of command. (L-R) SFC Jack Mata'utia of Poloa (Ft Bragg, NC), SFC Isaako Lefotu of Atu'u (Ft Gordon, GA), CPT Galoia of Tacoma WA, Fausaga and Fasito'outa, Samoa (Ft Gordon, GA), Major Tauapai Laupola of Afono (Ft. Bragg, NC) and MSG Enesi T Mulitauaopele of Lauli'i (Atlanta, GA)

3 March 2008

Operation Tautua: A Voice for Service Members

Dear Lord, Let our Services to the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) be Samoa's contribution to peace around the world.

To Governor Togiola T. A. Tulafono and the people of American Samoa, Toa o Samoa and their families would like to express our sincere appreciation for your prayers and continued support of our tautua in prosecuting the GWOT.

It is with humble hearts and great admiration that we acknowledge the effort of our leaders to pass a law that will grant Toa o Samoa the right to vote for local elections yet to be registered locally as stipulated by law. We are confident that legislation will be introduced, discussed and adjudicated with a win-win situation during this next session.

We are grateful that Commissioner Soliai Tuipine Fuimaono has announced on Samoa News 27FEB08 that a draft legislation has been forwarded to Governor Togiola's office and the Fono for their review. The positive attitude and the willingness of Governor Togiola to see it become law is beyond reproach as Togiola and Congressman Faleomavaega discussed and addressed concerns regarding verifying Home of Records (HOR), residence and other administrative issues during a meeting that took place at Washington DC between the two leaders, CSM Tuileama Nua and MAJ Tauapai Laupola who traveled from Fort Bragg, NC to Washington DC on 28FEB08.

Furthermore, the outpouring of support from service members around the world to their families in American Samoa for support resulted in a telephone conversation with Senator Tuaolo M. Fruean who pledged his support on behalf of his son, SSG Manaia Fruean assigned to 39th SFD, Korea and all Samoan service members that are defending freedom around the world. According to Senator Tuaolo "We must pass a law to grant Toa o Samoa this right, because they are the ones that put their lives on the line defending the freedom that we enjoy today, and it will be a sad day in Samoa if another life is lost without a law passed."

It is with the utmost respect and humility that we come before our Leaders and the people of AS to seek your advice, guidance and support on this issue.

We realize that our services to the GWOT are trivial and paying approximately $9 million of taxes to ASG since 1995 is not worth your attention. However, we humbly ask to consider our request in honor of our sister SGT Tina Time and fifteen Toa o Samoa that paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

Even though we are Federal employees and our right to vote is protected by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Voting Act of 1975, we believe the issue should be settled locally. This will prevent Federal intervention regarding this matter as witnessed in the Plurality Bill that granted Toa o Samoa the right to vote for our Congressman.

The concerns raised by Governor Togiola about such legislation are valid and his efforts in addressing these concerns are commendable. The military has a system in place that verifies voting requirements for AS. These requirements will be verified by service member's unit and signed by the commander before a service member can vote absentee ballot.

The HOR and other administrative information can be verified through Initial Enlistment contracts, Enlisted Record Briefs (ERB) and Officers Record Briefs (ORB). Rest assured that only service members that list American Samoa as their HOR will be allowed to vote for our local elections as practiced in other States and US Territories.

Thank you Governor Togiola, Commissioner Soliai, Congressman Faleomavaega, the Fono and the people of American Samoa for supporting this effort. If we erred in our request, let God's grace and the sacrifices by your sons and daughters in the United States Armed Forces redeem our shortcomings.

Respectfully,

CSM Iuniasolua Savusa, CSM Tuileama Nua & MAJ Tauapai Laupola

February 7, 2008

Ms Sesa Loke Gibson Awarded USAJFKSWCS Civilian of the Year
Written by: Tauapa'i M. Laupola

Ms. Sesa Loke Gibson was recognized and awarded the 2007 United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS) Civilian of the Year (COY) category 7-10 at an award ceremony held Thursday, January 31, 2008 at the Special Operations Academic Facility, Ft Bragg, NC. The ceremony was hosted by the Deputy Commanding General of the USAJFKSWCS, Brigadier General Hector E. Pagan.

In BG Pagan's remarks, he emphasized that Ms Sesa Gibson's recognition speaks volumes of her dedication in supporting the USAJFKSWCS's mission that enabled her to exceed US Army standard which is the epitome of what the Civilian Corps brings to the table for supporting the military. Ms Sesa Gibson thanked BG Pagan for hosting the ceremony, her boss for recommending her for the COY and her Samoan community for its continued support.

According to Ms Gibson's award citation, due to her exceptional supply and budget management skills, Ms Gibson has enabled the Communication and Electronics maintenance facility to continue to maintain a 99.5% operational readiness rate by accurately forecasting repair parts and supply requests requisitions throughout the year.� The United States Army standard operational readiness is 90%. Ms. Gibson's professionalism and performance reflect great credit upon herself, the USAJFKSWCS, and the United States Army.

Amongst her many awards, Ms Gibson received a plaque containing the Commander's Star note, a Commander's coin, a $1,000 Special Act Award, and a 40 hour time off award. She also receives a JFK Museum lifetime membership and plaque.

Ms Sesa Loke Gibson hails from the village of Pago Pago, AS. She is the daughter of Su'a Mata'u of Fagasa and Pouono Tia'i of Pago Pago & Lepea. She joined the US Army in 1994. She has a daughter, Ebone Gibson, and a son, Jamie Gibson. Ms Sesa Gibson retired at the rank of Master Sergeant after serving 24 years.