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Military Profile Highlights
Please contact the OIA to share pictures of sons and daughters serving in the War on Terror who are from the Insular Areas and the Freely Associated States! Please include your contact so that we may contact you for the details. Specialist Patterson K. Shed
Mr. Shed is married to Adleen Shed who was always supportive throughout his military career. They have three children. Their eldest son was born two weeks prior to Desert Storm and the second son was born while he was also away on duty. Mr. Shed is now in Pohnpei where his military experience and discipline continues to be vital to his success in civilian life. He was elected Councilman to the Madolenihmw 7th Legislature and became the second Executive Director of the Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP) in 2006. CSP is the premiere grassroots NGO founded by Pohnpeians to help preserve the natural heritage of Pohnpei for sustainable livelihood of Pohnpeians. The organization started with one staff in 1998 and has grown significantly to a staff of 20 outstanding young Pohnpeians and operating at over $500,000 annually. Some of CSP’s funding support comes from U.S. Federal agencies such as DOI, NOAA, US Fish and Wildlife, and non-profit and private foundations like National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Second Class Petty Officer Ronald Jack
Sergeant James Vance Babauta
Saipan Woman Graduates from Air Force Basic Military Training at Lackland
Cepeda, the daughter of David B. Cepeda and Janet Iglesias of Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) , successfully completed the U.S. Air Force's rigorous and demanding training process. Officially sworn in as an Airman in the Air Force, Cepeda joins hundreds of fellow soldiers, sailors, Marines, and Coast Guard from the CNMI who enlist or currently serve at home and abroad in the nation's Armed Forces. Following graduation, Cepeda will continue on to technical training at Lackland and upon graduating will be deployed. “I am very proud of AB Cepeda's strength and determination in successfully completing Air Force training. I have no doubt that she will continue to prove to be successful in her future military career,” said CNMI Resident Representative Pete A. Tenorio. “We honor AB Cepeda's sense of patriotism and loyalty in helping to ensure the protection of our American values, principles, and way of life.” She follows in the footsteps of her older brother, Senior Airman David I. Cepeda, Jr., who graduated in 2006 from BMT at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He is now stationed at McCord Air Force Base in Washington State. “I congratulate Mr. David Cepeda, Sr. and Janet Iglesias and all those parents who, over the years, are making great sacrifices in defense of freedom and democracy on behalf of our great country, the United States of America,” said Tenorio. (PR) Captain Leuila S. Alaimaleata 
Major Jason Palepoi MaugaOffice of Insular Affairs (April 17, 2008) – Major Mauga, 37, from Nu’uli, American Samoa, is part of the Counterdrug Task Force / 40th IBCT Fire Support Coordinator in California. He has served in the U.S. Armed Forces for 19 years. Mauga joined to fulfill his patriotic duties and to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the military. He was deployed to Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf. Describing the experience, he writes, "It is not easy being a soldier. We do what less than one percent of our nation’s population dares to do. We serve our country out of a sense of patriotism, selfless service and sacrifice. Deployments challenge the very core of our character, virtue and moral fiber. We serve in honor of all those Samoan brothers and sisters who served before us." 
Captain Vince GuerreroOffice of Insular Affairs (April 15, 2008) – Cpt. Guerrero, 31, from Dededo, Guam is the Commander for F Co 29th BSB, 29th IBCT. Guerrero saw the educational benefits provided by the U.S. Armed Forces and enlisted from Guam in 1999. Some of Guerrero’s memorable experiences in the military include jumping out of an airplane and fastroping. First Sergeant Fitimalo Siaosi
Iuniasolua T. Savusa
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| Major Wiley at Al Faw Palace, Baghdad, Iraq (Jan 08). |
Office of Insular Affairs (April 3, 2008) – Major Ruse Meleisea Wiley, 40, from Leloaloa, American Samoa, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1987. Wiley joined the U.S. Army for the educational benefits and career opportunities. The leadership skills learned in the Army have been critical to her career advancement. Wiley stated however, that the professional opportunities afforded by the Army have not come without a cost. “I had to make personal and family sacrifices as a result of serving in the Army, but it’s all worth it,” she said.
Wiley is now at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait. She serves as the Chief, Detainee Operations for USARCENT/CFLCC Provost Marshal Office. Among other things, she is responsible for the administrative processing, welfare, custody and control of approximately 20,000 detainees from the point of capture until released.
Office of Insular Affairs (April 2, 2008) – Master Sergeant Galu Paueli Satele, 39, originally from Vailoatai, American Samoa, has proudly served for nearly 21 years. Satele has been through numerous deployments including Operation Iraqi Freedom I and III, Operations Desert Fox, Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Panama. As a Senior Mechanic Supervisor, he worked on Attack Helicopters (AH-64). Satele enlisted from Pago Pago, American Samoa and is now stationed at Ft. Bliss, TX. Satele is a First Sergeant Course Instructor at the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA).
The U.S. Armed Forces has provided Satele a great career and taught him the values to strive for the best in everything he does. It has equipped him with the technical skills to prepare for a second career after the military. The military has also provided opportunities to see the world during peacekeeping missions or other times where he has to fight for the country.
Office of Insular Affairs (April 2, 2008) – Ms. Lancaster is a decorated military personnel officer with 23 years of active duty as a human resources specialist. She was a Director of Military Personnel in three theaters of operation. Ms. Lancaster is currently the Veterans Affairs/Student Employment Coordinator at American Samoa Community College. On April 2, 2008, she announced her candidacy for the American Samoa Congressional Delegate seat currently held by Congressman Eni Faleomavaega. Ms. Lancaster has a daughter, Marlena L. Morgan, who is a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
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| Corporal Ben Jesse |
Office of Insular Affairs (April 1, 2008) – Cpl. Ben Jesse is a veteran from Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1976-1982, with the first 4 years on Active Duty. Jesse served with the 2nd Battalion, 43rd Marine Division, Okinawa; 2nd Battalion, 62nd Marine Division, Camp Lejune; 1st Battalion, 82nd Marine Division, Camp Gieger; and the 3rd Battalion, 22nd Marine Division, Camp Lejune. Jesse completed The Basic School, Enlisted Instructor Co. MCDEC in Quantico, VA and participated in two tours West Pac and Mediterranean.
Jesse joined the U.S. Armed Forces for the educational benefits, which he used to obtain his Masters in Public Health from the University of Hawaii. He presently works for the FSM National Government, Department of Health and Social Affairs, as a Health Planner. Mr. Jesse is a proud father of three sons in the U.S. Army. They are all currently deployed to Iraq from Ft. Hood, Texas. His three sons are:
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| Sgt. Chadwick Jesse | SSgt. Jesse Jesse (right). | Pvt. Austin Jesse. |
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| Joshua at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. |
Office of Insular Affairs (March 31, 2008) - SPC Mike Joshua, 38, is originally from Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia and Cherokee, North Carolina. He is currently deployed to the Middle East. Joshua first served from 1990-1994 in the United States Marine Corps. He began his service through the MCRD on Parris Island in South Carolina and has served in Okinawa, the Philippines and Italy. He joined the Virginia Army National Guard in 2003 and has trained at Ft. Indiantown Gap and Camp Shelby. Joshua is a mechanic and he serves at Fort Belvoir, VA. Joshua is proud to serve the U.S. with his fellow soldiers and many other fellow marines who are now serving in the VA Army National Guard.
Office of Insular Affairs (March 26, 2008) - Fourth Class Specialist Masachiro Christlib, 67, from Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, served for four months in Vietnam as a Machine Gunner on the helicopter. He was assigned to the First Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, Fourteenth Infantry, 25th Division in Hawaii. Mr. Christlib joined the U.S. Armed Forces to fight for freedom. He was in the service for two years (1963 – 1965) and his greatest experience was serving in Vietnam.
Office of Insular Affairs (March 16, 2008) - Petty
Officer 3rd Class Kenneth Welles, 38, from Pohnpei, Federated States
of Micronesia, joined the U.S. Armed Forces for adventure and financial
assistance for education. PO Welles served from 1989 – 1995 on
the USCGC Jarvis (WHEC 725) in Honolulu, Hawaii. He completed the Army
National Guard Candidate School but was denied commission since he is
a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia. Mr. Welles now teaches
Foundation of Corporate Finance, Marketing Strategy, Introduction to
Business, and Fundamentals of Management and Leadership at the College
of Micronesia (COM). He will complete his thesis for his MBA from National
University in San Diego, California on May 3, 2008.
Office of Insular Affairs (March 14, 2008) - Sgt. Paul Jendrikdrik, 26, from Ebeye in the Marshall Islands enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces to develop his leadership skills and be part of a great organization. Sgt. Jendrikdrik enlisted from Honolulu, Hawaii and has served for six years. His post is Ft. Hood, Texas.
Office of Insular Affairs (March 11, 2008) - Cpl.
Alfred Olter, 36, from Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, served
in Operation Desert Storm. Cpl. Olter enlisted from Pohnpei and was assigned
to the Infantry Unit, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, based at Kaneohe Bay,
Hawaii. Cpl. Olter joined the U.S. Armed Forces to seek educational assistance
and gain valuable experience. He values the camaraderie and discipline
of the U.S. Marine Corps which recreated him to be the man he is today. “I
went in as a teenager and came out a more responsible adult…I
met and created a lifetime bond of friendship with men I am proud to
call my brothers.” Cpl. Olter served from 1990 – 1994. Mr.
Olter is now the Project Manager for the system wide College of Micronesia-FSM, managing
the overall construction of college facilities.
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| From left to right: Jarrett, Setefano (father), and Justin Talalotu. |
Inspired by his father and younger brother Justin Talalotu, Jarrett Talalotu decided to also enlist the U.S. Armed Forces. Jarrett joined the Infantry in 2007 and wants to become and Airborne Ranger. Earlier last year, his brother Justin and cousin Adrienne Ahloo were both sworn in to the U.S. Army.
This younger generation of island soldiers is following in the footsteps of their proud father and uncle, Setefano Talalotu. Setefano Talalotu is a retired Army NCO and battalion awards coordinator.
"I spent 20 years on active duty, most of it as an Airborne Ranger, so I can understand him [Jarrett] wanting to do that, too, although he wants to go one step further and eventually join Army Special Forces," he explained. "We are very proud of him."
The Office of Insular Affairs is also very proud to recognize the men and women of the insular areas who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Justin Talalotu and Adrienne Ahloo, first cousins with roots in American Samoa, were both sworn in to the U.S. Army during the month of July 2007 at the Military Entrance Processing Center in Portland, Oregon. Justin Talalotu has chosen to enter the field of Dentistry and Adrienne Ahloo has chosen the field of Finance. Talalotu and Ahloo who graduated from Evergreen High School in Vancouver, Washington will train at Fort Jackson, South Carolina before moving on.
Cousins Talalotu and Ahloo were both encouraged by Setefano "Fano" Talalotu (father and uncle), Battalion Operations staff member, U.S. Army 6th Recruiting Brigade in Portland, Oregon.
The Office of Insular Affairs is proud to recognize the men and women of the insular areas who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Office of Insular Affairs (May 6, 2008): PO2 Jack has served both in the U.S. Army and Navy. He was in the Army from 1989 to 1993. After the Army, he returned to his home island of Pohnpei and served in the Federated States of Micronesia National Police for three and half years then another three years as a teacher before joining the U.S. Navy in the year 2000. Jack is Personnel Specialist currently stationed in Bahrain. Through the U.S. Navy, he has traveled to Alaska, Canada, Mexico, all the Hawaiian Islands, Saipan, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, and several vacation areas in the Middle East. Once he returns to the states, Jack plans to finish up his degree in accounting. 
Office of Insular Affairs (May 5, 2008): Sgt. Babauta, 30, from Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia joined the U.S. Armed Forces to find his true potential and what he is capable of doing. He enlisted from Pearl Harbor MEPS in Honolulu, Hawaii. His post is Fort Bragg, NC and he is assigned to Charlie Company, 4-73 RECON, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. Sgt. Babauta earned a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Chaminade University. 
Office of Insular Affairs (April 22, 2008) – Cpt. Alaimaleata, 37, is from Alofau, American Samoa. He is deployed to Q-West, Iraq from Fort Carson, Colorado. Cpt. Alaimaleata enlisted from Pago Pago and has served for 12 years. Cpt. Alaimaleata joined the U.S. Armed Forces to serve his country as well as to honor and provide a better life for his parents. Once enlisted, most Samoans have an allotment sent to take care of their parents, he said. Cpt. Alaimaleata's greatest experience in the military is leading the finest group of young men and women during war. It is seeing them grow up from being young boys and girls to mature men and women. It is seeing them at their worst and at their best. 
Office of Insular Affairs (April 14, 2008) – 1SG Siaosi, 42, from Vaitogi, American Samoa has been in the U.S. Army for 18 years. She enlisted to fulfill a life-long dream of becoming a soldier. Her greatest experience in the military is having the ability to help, mentor, and make a difference in the lives of others. In December of 2007, Siaosi won the Army's First Sergeant of the Year award. According to The Pacific Daily News, she is only the third USAREC First Sergeant of the Year from Portland Battalion since the command began giving out the award in 1988. Siaosi is currently the Detachment Commander for the Guam Recruiting Detachment.
United States Army Europe (April 11, 2008) - Command Sergeant Major Iuniasolua T. Savusa is a native of American Samoa. He assumed duties as Command Sergeant Major, United States Army Europe and Seventh Army on 5 May 2006. CSM Savusa began his military career over 30 years ago on 17 June 1975. An Infantryman, he spent the majority of his career in infantry, ranger, air assault and airborne assignments. 
Office of Insular Affairs (April 9, 2008) - Congressman Faleomavaega, 64, from Vailoatai Village in American Samoa is a Vietnam Veteran who served in 1966 - 1969. In 1982 - 1989, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Captain and a member of the of the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Congressman Faleomavaega was assigned to the 100 Battalion, 442nd Infantry Reserve Unity in Ft. DeRussy, Hawaii. Congressman Faleomavaega was the Deputy Attorney General of American Samoa from1981 - 1984 and the Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa from 1985 - 1988. He has served as the American Samoa Representative to the U.S. Congress from 1989 to the present.
Marine Corps Air Station, Futenma, Okinawa (April 8, 2008) - Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, raised in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia. Graduated 1981 from Parks College of St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Science. Commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, August 1981. Designated a Naval Aviator in August, 1983, and assigned to fly Marine Corps KC-130 aircraft.