Many of the stories I write are of service members currently deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and other hot spots in the world. However, it was refreshing to receive an email from two former U.S. Marines that are serving as gang detectives in Oceanside, California.

Samoa Antonio Samoa, Jr. aka Sam and partner Mike Arona Taele wanted to express their gratitude and appreciation to their boss, Lieutenant Joseph (Joe) Young by recognizing his impressive and devoted leadership style that has had a profound impact on their personal and professional lives.

In Sam’s initial email, he writes, “It appeared to me from reading your article that your focus is on Samoans in the U.S. Armed Forces and as a retired Marine, I totally agreed and supported your efforts. However, I believe Lieutenant Joseph Young is a perfect candidate for Toa o Samoa “Dirty Shoulder” recognition.”

In many of my writings, I have shared my fascination and awe with unique leadership styles, tying them back to our cultural upbringing and making cross comparisons with those serving in the military.

“Dirty Shoulders” is a leadership style I have written about in the past.

The concept of “Dirty Shoulders” is a metaphorically descriptive style of servant leadership. Figuratively speaking, this form of servant leadership is naturally practiced by those who humbly believe in “always lifting people up and [allowing]them [to] stand tall on their shoulders” in order to achieve success in life. Servant leaders get their shoulders dirty and expect nothing in return.

Lieutenant Joseph Clinton Young is the proud son of Joseph H. Young hailing from Kawai, Hawaii and his mother, Betsy Siiva Tufaga Young from the village of Fagatogo, American Samoa. Lt. Joe is happily married to Jennifer Lee Young and they have 4 beautiful children: Steven Joseph Young, 21; Jared Daniel Young, 12; Kellen Richard Young, 8; and the youngest, Ryane Siiva Vaisega Young, 5.

According to his biography, “Lieutenant Joseph Young was hired by the Oceanside Police Department in June of 1989. Currently assigned to the Investigations Division as the Special Enforcement Section Lieutenant, he is tasked with managing the day to day operations of the Vice/Narcotics and Gang Units.....Lieutenant Young is very active in the community and currently serves as President on the Executive Board for the countywide Trauma Intervention Program.”

Graduating from Leone High School, Samoa Antonio Samoa, Jr, is the son of the late Samoa “Mulivaito” Arona of the Su’a family and the late Matalene Ilalio- Tuiteleapaga both hailing from the village of Leone. Samoa is married to Dorotea Amores Samoa and they are the proud parents of a daughter, Geraldine M. Samoa and especially their nearly 2 year old grandson, Troy Samoa. Sam served 21 years in the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) to include an 18 month deployment to Iraq during Desert Shield/Storm. He is currently serving as a Gang Detective for the Oceanside Police Department’s Special Enforcement Section, North County of San Diego where he proudly shares, “I have been a police officer, both as a reserve officer and full time officer for over 17 years..... I became a police officer to serve my community and to set an example for the Samoan youth in Oceanside.”

Serving nine years in the USMC as a Military Police officer is Mike Arona Taele. Mike is the son of the late Arona Taele from the village of Fagatogo. Mike’s mother is Fa’ataga Eneliko Petero of Leone. Mike is happily married to Nora Leau Taele. They have two children: a daughter, Megan Gataiala, a junior attending Loyola Marymount University and son, Michael Petero, a senior at Carlsbad High School.

Mike Arona Taele is currently assigned to the San Diego North Country Regional Gang Task Force as a gang detective.  Although there is no formal or tangible means in officially presenting the “Dirty Shoulders” award to LT Joe Young, Tala Mai Tafa o Taua is proud to share his successes and compassion in print. LT Joe’s leadership style is infectious as he will continue to mold and groom others who surround him to reinforce the most fundamental responsibility of mankind: to take care of one another, family and the community.

Thank you Sam, Mike and LT Joe for your daily courage and self-less sacrifices as you all continue to serve the city of Oceanside, California.