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American Samoa's U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major helps kick off 2007 celebration of Asian/Pacific heritage month
May is Asian/Pacific American (APA) Heritage Month - a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders. Much like Black History and Women's History celebrations, APA Heritage Month originated in a congressional bill. Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month was enacted by Public Law 102-450 on October 28, 1992. The purpose of the law is to honor the achievements of Asian/Pacific Americans and to recognize their contributions to the United States.
The 2007 Theme is "Pursuing Excellence through Leadership, Diversity, and Unity". In an effort to educate and inform the public of Asian/Pacific American contributions, the Equal Opportunity Program Committee at Fort Sam Houston located in San Antonio, Texas kicked off the month's celebration with an opening ceremony on Tuesday, May 1, 2007. In attendance were Commanders, Command Sergeant Majors and First Sergeants, leaders and members of the Fort Sam Houston community.
The event included the official proclamation reading from President George W. Bush affirming the Public Law for Asian/Pacific Heritage month, cultural fashion displays, a special military video tribute, educational displays and food sampling of Asian foods. The Fort Sam Houston Samoan Protestant Service was also represented by Missionary Nofoaiga Moi who provided the benediction in the ceremony. Missionary Moi is from the village of Fagamalo, American Samoa and is married to Apaula Moi from the village of Se'etaga, American Samoa. They have four children and have served the Fort Sam Houston Samoan community since April 2005.
The highlight of the ceremony featured United States Army Command Sergeant Major Tuileama Toatolu Nua as the guest speaker. 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. They have two sons, Joel and Keanu and one daughter, Brianne. Command Sergeant Major Nua's present assignment is the Command Sergeant Major for the United States Army's 44th Medical Command in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Command Sergeant Major Nua is also known for his efforts in establishing the Republic of Korea Samoa Association, better known as "ROKSA" for Soldiers and Family members serving in overseas assignments in South Korea.
Prior to beginning his military career in the U.S. Army in 1977, Command Sergeant Major Nua attended Faleasao Elementary School in Manu'a, graduated from Faga'itua High School and attended Leulumoega Fou College in Malua. He has held a myriad of leadership positions and completed numerous military professional courses that prepared him for his present assignment as the top enlisted person in his command. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Sergeant Major's Academy - Class 51 and is a member of the elite Order of Military Medical Merit.
Most people who know Command Sergeant Nua on a professional and personal level will undoubtedly agree that he genuinely cares for Soldiers and their families. It can also be stated without question that Command Sergeant Nua truly is a native of American Samoa, where the "happy people" of the world reside. Throughout his speech, he made references to his homeland and spoke about the significant contributions made by Asian/Pacific Americans, most notably those great individuals who are standing in harm's way today in protection of the ideals this great country believes in. In keeping true to his humorous nature, Command Sergeant Major Nua also creatively orchestrated his speech to include amusing remarks of love for good Samoan food. The audience thoroughly enjoyed his comments and most importantly, gained a greater appreciation and understanding of the achievements of Asian Pacific Americans to America.
Fort Sam Houston is the home of the Army Medical Department where Soldiers receive education and training in the medical career field. Additionally it is where many Wounded Warriors are receiving top-notch medical care at Brooke Army Medical Center, Department of Defense Burn Center, Amputee Center and the newly built Intrepid Center. Within this group of Wounded Warriors are three Samoan Soldiers who are recovering from combat injuries: Army Staff Sergeant Pio Paau Jr, newly promoted Staff Sergeant Venasio Sele and Sergeant Anesi Maverick Tuufuli.
![]() | Members of the Samoan community at the 2007 Fort Sam Houston Asian Pacific Heritage Opening Ceremony in San Antonio, Texas. 1st Row: (L-R) (Kneeling) Guest Speaker CSM Tuileama Nua, SPC Tima Sua, Ms Jamie Yandall, SFC Jacqueline Pona, PFC Nathan Vaitautolu, SSG James Yandall. 2nd Row: (L-R) Mrs. Taotafa Lefiti, Mrs. Vaitu'utu'u Olo, Mr. Maturo Taula'I, Missionary Nofoaiga Moi, Mrs. Apaula Moi, LTC Evelyn Langford, Mrs. Tupu Suiaunoa, Mr. Dave Langford, SSG Mario Lefiti. |
There are several fellow Samoans currently stationed at Fort Sam Houston who make daily significant contributions in their military service as Pacific Islanders. On the instructional staff at the Army Medical Center and School are U.S. Army Retired First Sergeant Reupena Su’e, Master Sergeant Michael Fia, Sergeant First Class Jacqueline Pona, Staff Sergeant James Yandall and Drill Sergeant Vanessa Walker. Assigned to the Medical Readiness and Training Command are Lieutenant Colonel Evelyn Langford and Staff Sergeant Mario Lefiti. At the U.S. Army North Command are Master Sergeant Anetone Sailiata and U.S. Army Retired Master Sergeant Maturo Taula'i. On staff at the Brooke Army Medical Center and ancillary clinics are Sergeant First Class (U.S. Army Retired) Joey Olo, Mrs. Ianeta Sailiata, Specialist Tima Sua, Private First Class Nathan Vaitautolu and Private First Class Shelby Fia. At the 90th Regional Readiness Group is Staff Sergeant Daisy Schuster. Working as a U.S. Army Recruiter in the San Antonio area is Staff Sergeant Albert Amataga and at the Randolph Air Force Base are government service employees Mrs. Debbie Taula'i and Mrs. Tiana Taele.
The month long celebration will continue with coordinated efforts by the Army & Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES), the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Activity and the Equal Opportunity (EO) Committee. These activities include an Asian/Pacific Volleyball Tournament on May12th, an Asian/Pacific Talent Search on May 14th and ending with an Asian/Pacific Exposition on May 26th featuring the finalists from the talent search, a variety of cultural displays, performances, and food and merchandise vendors.
The 2007 Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month Presidential Proclamation reads as follows:
During Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, we honor the many contributions citizens of Asian and Pacific Island ancestry have made to our great land.
The millions of Americans who trace their origins to nations in the Asian/Pacific region have enriched America. The entrepreneurship and innovation of Asian/Pacific Americans have strengthened our economy. Asian/Pacific Americans enrich our Nation with their strong values of love of family and community. Many Asian/Pacific Americans are serving the cause of freedom and peace around the world, and our Nation is grateful for their service. These good men and women defend our safety and contribute to the character and greatness of America.
To honor the achievements and contributions of Asian/Pacific Americans, the Congress, by Public Law 102 450, as amended, has designated the month of May each year as "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 2007 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. I call upon the people of the United States to learn more about the history of Asian/Pacific Americans and their many contributions to our Nation and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first. GEORGE W. BUSH |
Fellow Islanders from Puerto Rico, Saipan, Guam and the Phillippines enjoying the food samples. (L-R) CPT Manuel Soledevila, SFC Freida Carter in the traditional puletasi, MAJ Roger Deluna, SSG Edralin Thomas and CPT Joselito Deguzman | ![]() |