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PVT Jonathan Ioakimo Falaniko
Toa O Samoa-Forever in our Hearts
Written by Tauapai Laupola
"Keeping, our son, PVT Jonathan Ioakimo Falaniko close to our hearts and our minds" are somber feelings of CSM Ioakimo and Maliana Falaniko as they reflected on the life of their son during their annual visit to Arlington Cemetery. We miss him very much and we want to make sure that he will always be remembered.
Jonathan's memory is being kept alive in a few ways: a Rest and Recreation facility in Iraq named PVT Falaniko Inn; a nephew born was named Jonathan a month after he was killed; and the annual family event of visiting his gravesite at Arlington Cemetery. During their visit to the cemetery 27Oct07, a HBO crew was on site reporting on a documentary for section 60; a section dedicated specifically for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom. CSM Falaniko's thoughts about his son's service and sacrifice were captured by the reporters. This documentary is expected to air in March of 2008.
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 It is difficult to forget Jonathan because of his passionate love for family, God and the Samoan culture. His mother commented how he was a big help around the house. Without being told, he would clean the house. Before going to sleep, Jonathan would secure the home by checking window and door locks. Jonathan loved school and extracurricular activities. He is a God fearing son and loves his Samoan heritage. After high school, Jonathan joined the military to follow in his dad's footsteps.
As the Falanikos' reminisced of their son, descriptions of children every Samoan parent wants to hear resonated with love: "loto maualalo" and "loto alofa." His father described his son as "patriotic," "Toa O Samoa" and echoes his son's embodiment of family, the Lord Almighty and the Samoan values. Born in West Berlin, Germany on 30 January 1983, Jonathan exhibited Samoan values his parents instilled in him, the very same values CSM Falaniko and Maliana were raised with in American Samoa.
 CSM Ioakimo Falaniko hails from the village of Amanave while his wife, Maliana Afano Falaniko hails from Aua. They currently reside in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri where he is assigned as the CSM for the 1st Engineer Brigade. The Falaniko's have four children: the eldest son, Ioakimo Falaniko, Jr, 26; Jonathan Ioakimo Falaniko, 24 this year; daughter, Adeline, 22; and the youngest daughter, Otilia, 20. Adeline has blessed the family with a grandson they had decided to name after Jonathan. Their grandson Jonathan has eased the pain and comforted the family as they remember him each year. As a matter of fact, since Jonathan’s death in 2003, the family is committed to traveling to Arlington Cemetery annually to visit his gravesite.
"It is not natural to bury your own child so it is a painful experience. It was very hard then and it is still excruciating today" as Maliana talked about how she dealt with the news of Jonathan's death. You have to have a lot of faith in God and of course, believing in the power of prayer. Nobody can ever be prepared for such a tragedy, but love, faith, hope and prayers will ease the pain.
According to CSM Falaniko, we make it a point to come out here every year, no matter what. We want to remember him – we miss him and we do love him. We take turns visiting. My older son and I came last year; this year my wife and I came and looks like for next year, I will return with my daughter’s to visit Jonathan. As long as we keep him close to our hearts and minds, he will never be forgotten because he will always be with us. May you rest in peace.
 CSM Falaniko and his wife would like to thank Congressman Faleomavaega for the reception, tour as well as the dinner he hosted on their behalf. The Falaniko’s also relayed their heartfelt gratitude to Solomona Aoelua, CSM Tuileama & Anita Nua, Major Tauapa'i Laupola, Easter Asi Bruce and members of his unit for their attendance and support during this annual visit.
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