AMERICAN SAMOA: Soldier Praised by South Korea-Based Colleagues
May 04, 2006

By Fili Sagapolutele, Pacific Magazine

Samoan soldiers stationed in South Korea are praising the newly-promoted U.S. Army Command Sgt. Major Iuniasolua Savusa of American Samoa.

Savusa will be sworn in on Friday (May 5th) as Command Sergeant Major of the United States Army Europe and 7th Army (USAREUR) with headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany.

Currently, USAREUR has jurisdiction over 234 Army installations throughout Europe that includes approximately 158,000 military and civilian personnel and their families.

Republic of Korea Samoan Association (ROKSA) congratulates Savusa for his new duties, said association president, Maj. Tauapai Laupola in an e-mail message from Korea.

"All your brothers and sisters...in Korea are very proud of your accomplishments, the message to Savusa says. You are truly an inspiration and a role model for all Samoans soldiers to emulate."

ROKSA thanked Savusa and wished him and his family a very successful military career as well as been great ambassadors for all Samoans, the troops said.

This week, American Samoa's National Committeewoman Aumua Amata offered her hearty congratulations to Savusa.

"Iuni's reputation as a brave Samoan warrior stands tall not only in our islands but throughout the military community," said Amata in a statement. "This war hero has set the example especially for our youth to look up to. He has made history and demonstrated how far a person can go if he or she has the will and the determination. I know his wife Mareta and loving children are as proud of him as is all of American Samoa."