In their first official visit, Colonel Andrew Owens (Utah Army National Guard G3, Fasito’otai) led a team from the Utah National Guard to build relations with the Government and People of American Samoa. During their visit, they introduced the unique opportunities that the Utah National Guard and Utah's ROTC programs have to offer. Colonel Owens' team was able to meet with Governor Lemanu Mauga and other government leaders as well as visit some of American Samoa's high schools to convey these opportunities and their commitment to potential recruits.
This team included:
- Sergeant First Class Jeb Ingram (Utah Army National Guard Recruiter)
- Staff Sergeant Centennial Alofipo (Utah Air National Guard Recruiter, Faleniu)
- Cadet Scotland Timu-Elisara (Utah Valley University Army ROTC / 438 MP Det., Vailoatai)
- Cadet James Vanderbeek (Utah Valley University Army ROTC / 625th MP BN HHD, Pesega)
- Cadet Alofaifo Faleono (Brigham Young University Army ROTC/ 141 MI BN, Saleimoa/Manono).
The team was also accompanied by a representative from the Hawaii Army National Guard: Master Sergeant Barnaby Tiatia (Hawaii Army National Guard Recruiter, Lauli’i).
Thank you to everyone that made this trip possible! Thank you to all the government leaders, high school staff and instructors, students, and people who welcomed and hosted us in American Samoa!
Special thanks to Cadet Scotland Timu-Elisara and his family for being great hosts, helping organize our visits and trip logistics, and helping us connect with the government leaders, government departments/agencies, educators, and students we met.
More sons and daughters of American Samoa proudly wear the uniform of the United States Armed Forces than any other state or territory per capita. What a privilege it is for the Utah National Guard to visit and connect with a people of such a service-oriented legacy!
For any questions and inquiries into the Utah National Guard and Utah's ROTC programs' opportunities, please contact:
SFC Jeb Ingram
(385) 271-6792
jeb.e.ingram.mil@army.mil
Music: Vania Toloa - Samoa e, Maopoopo Mai
(I do not own the rights to the music used.)
Voice Audio: COL Owens & SFC Ingram
******Note: Not an official DoD publication.***********