"Call for action photos from Iraq and Afghanistan"
Special from
Iraq
by Easter Asi
Talofa and greetings
from Baghdad, Iraq!
Overwhelming
love and support for our Toa o Samoa continues to pour in. Unspeakable
gratitude for emails of support for the Tala Mai Tafa o Taua
column is humbling - fa'afetai tele lava mo le alofa! I enjoy
writing and sharing these articles as they remind us of the core
values that ground us as Samoans. But more importantly, the
stories I share are intended to connect all Samoans with our
brave and courageous Toa o Samoa.
The typical hot,
arid desert weather seems to be an everyday occurrence with the
heat index climbing as we enter the summer months. A hot day
may also bring the desert sandstorms which linger for days dusting
the landscapes and people with tan and beige hues. The weather
does not hinder the destructive and malevolent insurgent activities
that continue to threaten and jeopardize the lives of our brave
U.S. military service members and coalition partners. Please
continue to earnestly pray for them as they continue to face
unknown dangers and risk their lives in the name of peace, hope
and freedom.
I hope you have
enjoyed reading about Ms. Tiffany Thompson, SPC Joseph Taua'i
and SPC Tufu-Arnold. The Toa o Samoa nomination list continues
to grow. I have received nominations from children of Samoan
service members, unit co-workers and even unit commanders as
the word gets out about the Tala Mai Tafa o Taua column. I look
forward to sharing these Toa o Samoa nominations in the next
few weeks and months.
The month of
May is a special month for the column.
I will honor
two special mothers this week for Mother's Day. I know all will
be blessed and touched by this week's article. The following
week, I will share a Toa o Samoa nomination submitted by a sharp
and impressive nine year old from Wahiawa, Hawaii. Armed Forces
Day will be celebrated on the 17th and finally, the end of the
month piece will pay tribute to our Fallen but not Forgotten
Toa o Samoa on Memorial Day.
The month of
May is a busy time for many U.S. military installations in observance
of Asian/Pacific Heritage - the war zone is no different. CPT
Alaimaleata of LSA Anaconda is gearing up for their observance.
He says their dance numbers are solidified, his slideshow of
famous islanders to include CSM Savusa is done and he finally
locked in his guest speaker!
I also spoke
with the Samoan community out in Kuwait where they are gearing
up for their Asian Pacific celebrations as well. Ms. Tuala Tuinei,
being prior military herself, is from Aua/Onesosopo and is a
Travel Agency manager handling official and R&R travel for
military personnel. She lives in Kuwait with her husband and
son.
Camp Taji is
tying up loose ends for their program as well as the Soldiers
from the Victory Base Complex (VBC). I look forward to reporting
the Asian/Pacific events from the war zone complete with pictures.
Please look for
stories of interest this month in support of Asian Pacific observance:
"Tongan Marines Guardians of Al Faw Palace"
and the "MNF-I ROK Soldiers (South Korea)."
"Tribal
Influences" is a cultural piece comparing roles of tribes
within the Iraqi culture and how those group influences draw
similarities to the Samoan culture. Look for this piece in the
beginning of June.
In closing, I
need the assistance of Toa o Samoa and their families. I am
currently working future projects that have to do with Toa o
Samoa serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. I need action photos
of Toa o Samoa serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. All service
members in the submitted photos must be in uniform.
Please send photos
to Easter's email: sinaoalii.easter@gmail.com.
Archives
"My dad says, Samoans are naturally born warriors."
"My
children and my island nation, I want the BEST for them BOTH"
God and family are everything
E so'o le fau i le fau - we have strength in unity
Samoans and the Military - Why We Connect
Law of Reciprocity
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