Writer – MAJ(R) Siimoa Galoia
Photographer – MAJ(R) Siimoa Galoia & ASG Office of Veteran and Military Affairs
PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA – In a moving tribute to American Samoa’s fallen service members, the Tafuna High School JROTC played a central role in the territory’s Memorial Day observance, raising the US flag, American Samoa flag and the POW/MIA flag during the American Samoa Government Memorial Day Ceremony before dedicating the Wall of Honor, as part of their Service Learning Project, at the Veterans Memorial Center.
The solemn event, led by Task Force Commander Cadet Colonel Ladenia Lavata’i, brought together dignitaries including Governor Pula’ali’i Nikolao Iuli Tuiteleleapaga Pula, First Lady Lois Phillips-Pula, Ph.D., and Congresswoman Aumua Amata, alongside veterans, military families, and community members. The Wall of Honor, a permanent tribute to the 13 brave sons and daughter of American Samoa who gave their lives in service to the nation, was unveiled as part of the JROTC’s annual Service Learning Project.
A Ceremony of Remembrance and DedicationThe Tafuna High School JROTC’s Service Learning Project, which began in September 2024, was driven by the cadets’ discovery that American Samoa lacked a central memorial honoring its fallen. Through meticulous research using Defense Casualty Analysis System records and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the cadets identified the 13 service members from American Samoa who perished in Iraq and Afghanistan. Through fundraising efforts, they secured $10,000 to bring the memorial to life, partnering with AllStar Signs for its design and installation.
MAJ(R) Siimoa Galoia, MSG(R) Acania Puletasi, Alapi Iakopo, Edward Setu, Damianmarley Saili, Taotofi Iosefo, Washington Malele.
During the ceremony, Lavata’i read aloud each name, rank, and the operation in which they fell, pausing for a moment of silence. Those honored were:
- Specialist Farao Kevin Letufuga, US Army, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Died in Mosul, Iraq Aug 2003
- Private Jonathon Ioakimo Falaniko, US Army, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Killed in Action Oct 2003
- Staff Sergeant Salamo Tuialu’ulu’u, US Army, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Killed in Action Dec 2004
- Sergeant Tina Safaira Time, US Army Reserve, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Died during a collision in Iraq Dec 2004
- Staff Sergeant Ioasa F Tava’e Jr, US Army, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Killed in Action Apr 2005
- Staff Sergeant Frank Taga Tiai, US Army Reserve, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Killed in Action July 2005
- Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Sifoa Loa, US Army, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Died of Wounds Received in Action Aug 2006
- Sergeant Raymond S Sevaaetasi, US Army, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Died of wounds received in Action Apr 2007
- Private First Class Timothy Ray Vimoto, US Army, Operation Enduring Freedom, Died of wounds received in Action Jun 2007
- Sergeant Lui Tumanuvao, US Army, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Died of wounds received in Action Nov 2007
- Lieutenant Colonel Max Galea’i, US Marine Corps, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Killed in Action June 2008
- Staff Sergeant Loleni Gandy, US Army Reserve, Passed in Iraq on Nov 2010 while serving in Operation New Dawn
- First Lieutenant Jason Togi, US Army, Operation Enduring Freedom, Died of wounds received in Action Aug 2013
The cadets also compiled personal stories of each hero, displayed alongside their names, ensuring their legacies extend beyond statistics.
Gratitude for Leadership and Community Support
- Lavata’i expressed deep appreciation for the leaders who supported the project, including:
- Office of Veterans and Military Affairs Director Pava Malologa Lagai and Deputy Director Arriana Auva’a, who championed the Wall’s placement at the VA Memorial Center.
- Department of Education Director Maefau Dr. Mary Taufete’e, Deputy Director Roxanne Salavea, and Assistant Director of Secondary Division Dr. Dottie Tuisamatatele, whose commitment to student leadership made the tribute possible.
- Tafuna High School Principal Tutuila Togilau and JROTC instructors Major Si’imoa Galoia, MSG Acania Puletasi, and SFC Lei Solaita, who guided the cadets through every phase of the project.
As the ceremony concluded, Lavata’i reflected on the Wall’s significance: “This is more than a memorial—it is a promise. A promise that we will remember, we will honor, and we will never forget.”
For the families of the fallen, the Wall of Honor stands as a testament to their loved ones’ courage, forever enshrined in the heart of American Samoa. The Veterans Memorial Center now serves as a place of honor where future generations can pay their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
