God and family are everything
Special from
Iraq
by Easter Bruce
In past wars
and conflicts, soldiers made up the true force of the fight.
However, the Multi-National Force - Iraq (MNF-I) team is not
only a Joint and Coalition Force of active duty service members
and reservists but also includes a diverse skilled workforce
comprised of contractors and government civilians.
This week's Toa
o Samoa does not meet the traditional definition of a soldier;
however, after you read about her role in today's war against
terrorism, you will understand why it is appropriate and just
to recognize a daughter of Samoa for her service and contribution.
 Tiffany
L. Thompson was born May 30, 1978 in San Bernadino, California.
She is the daughter of retired Air Force Major Nu'utai Sonny
Thompson and Vera Ho Ching Thompson hailing from the villages
of Ofu, Manu'a and Faga'alu, Tutuila respectively.
Maj. Nu'utai
Sonny Thompson retired in 1993 after 21 years of service and
relocated the family back home to American Samoa. Upon graduation
from Samoana High School in 1996, Tiffany enlisted in the Air
Force where her career as an Intelligence Analyst began. She
is currently employed by L3 Government Services Incorporated
as an All-Source Intel analyst supporting the MNF-I Combined
Intelligence Operations Center (CIOC) Governance team.
Tiffany's extensive
experience as an All-Source Intel Analyst began with completion
of a six-month AF Intel Course at Goodfellow Air Force Base,
Texas, coupled with 10 years of Intelligence experience ranging
from Targeting Intelligence to tracking foreign satellites at
the Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles Air Force
Base, California.
This was her
last active duty assignment prior to separating from the AF and
deploying to Iraq as an Army Contractor. Her primary focus is
to monitor the Iraqi Ministry of Defense. Tiffany's analytical
skills are unmatched. Her writing skills and her ability to analyze
and influence management regarding unevaluated Intelligence sets
her apart.
To obtain a personal
perspective on Tiffany, I contacted American Samoa to speak with
her father, Nu'utai who is currently serving as the Director
for the Administrative Services Department of ASG. After rendering
appropriate greetings, a strong yet firm voice returned kind
greetings with some hesitation as to why a caller is inquiring
about his daughter.
After clarifying
my intentions, Nu'utai graciously gave the green light to proceed
with my line of questions. We did not get very far because my
first query of Tiffany brought a moment of reflection and tears
to a proud father and I am quickly reminded that the bond between
a father and a daughter is always golden and this bond was no
different.
Of all his children,
he did not expect Tiffany to join the service. He is very proud
of her service to the AF and admires her honest opinions and
tenacious determination in anything she sets out to accomplish.
I also had the opportunity to speak with Tiffany's mother, Vera,
who also praises her daughter's independence and strength to
execute a decision. As with all mothers, Mrs. Thompson is always
worried about Tiffany's safety and prays for her daily.
"God and
family are everything," Tiffany told me during an interview
about our Samoan culture. She strongly believes that. Her eldest
sister, Reinette Niko of American Samoa, said, "Tiffany
is proud of her heritage and her culture."
Tiffany has already
leaned forward to coordinate dance uniforms with her sister Reinette
in support of the Samoan soldiers stationed in the Victory Base
Complex areas as they prepare for their Asian Pacific event for
the month of May.
She has two other
sisters: Tricia Jessop residing in American Samoa and her younger
sister Fiailoa Thompson of Carson, California. Tiffany's brother,
Maj. Sonny Angelo Thompson, Jr. is stationed at Ft. Bliss, Texas
and her younger brother, Angelo Sonny Thompson lives at home
with their parents. Tiffany credits her mom and dad for who she
is today. Of her dad, she admires his determination to accomplish
whatever goals he sets for himself, and his love for American
Samoa. Tiffany admires her mom for the emotional strength she
possesses and says that her mother's strong but firm love is
what holds the family together.
As we ended our
discussion, Tiffany wanted to direct her closing thoughts to
students preparing to graduate from high school. Although a common
cliché, she says that "you can accomplish whatever
you put your mind to." If you really want something, you'll
find a way to make it happen.
"Never settle,"
she said. "Always keep planning your next move."
Your Toa o Samoa
was selected for her impressive performance as an Intel Analyst
in fighting this war against terrorism. Tiffany has been acknowledged
numerous times for her impressive Intel work. Recently, she was
recognized by the CIOC C2, Brigadier General Keller, in front
of the entire CIOC floor of analysts. The warfighter is a critical
member of the fight; however, when partnered with the eyes of
an exceptional Intel Analyst, any mission can be executed flawlessly
and effectively.
Please feel free
to send Toa o Samoa nominations or questions to Easter Bruce:
sinaoalii.easter@gmail.com.
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