Green Beret Leama – American Samoa
Sgt. Lafoga Leama, the newest Samoan Green Beret graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course on July 10, 2009, dedicated the donning of his “Green Beret” to his grandmother, Fenumia’i Vagatai of Ofu, Manu’a who passed away December 29, 2008. Now a member of the Army’s most specialized experts in Unconventional Warfare — the Army’s Special Forces (SF), Sgt. Leama will be assigned to the First Special Forces Group, Ft Lewis, Washington. Sgt. Leama hails from the village of Ofu, Manu’a. He is the son of Vaouli Leama and Afioga Leama. He is a member of the Poly Tech’s 2003 graduating class. Before he joined the regular Army, he was a member of the USAR, Tafuna, AS. He is married to Anja A. Leama of Germany and they have a son, Leonidas Leama. When asked about his accomplishments, Sgt. Leama replied, “It’s an honor to be able to complete the SF Qualification course and I am humbled to don the Green Beret. This has been a long and grueling journey that started in August 2007. To don the Green Beret and be considered a member of the SF is a dream come true. I could not have made it without the prayers and support of my parents, families and especially my church, Ekalesia Faapotopotoga Kerisiano Amerika Samoa Fort Bragg and Fayetteville. This Green Beret is dedicated to my parents and especially my grandmother, Fenumia’i Vagatai. “I love you grandma, it’s your son, Lafoga.” The Ekalesia Faapotopotoga Kerisiano Amerika Samoa of Fort Bragg and Fayetteville congratulate Sgt. Lafoga Leama and his family for this great accomplishment and wish them well in their future endeavors. The Office of Insular Affairs is proud to recognize the men and women of the U.S. Territories and Freely Associated States who serve in all branches of the United States Armed Forces. Story excerpted from article by MAJ Tauapai Laupola news.newsroom@samoatelco.com |
