American Samoa Casualty In Iraq

Samoan soldier U.S. Army Sgt. Raymond S. Sevaaetasi, who was killed this week in Iraq, is described by family and friends as an "all around good and humble person".

Sevaaetasi, 29, of Pago Pago, American Samoa, died April 11 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an improvised explosve device, the Defense Department announced Friday.

He was assigned to the 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

His uncle, Ernie Sevaaetasi says, "his parents and the entire family is mourning our great loss...We all miss Raymond very much."

Raymond and his twin - Regina, are the third of the children of Tuala and Leata Sevaaetasi from Leone Village.

Leata Sevaaetasi said her son has been with the Army for nine years was on his second deployment. His first was late 2003 or early 2004 and he was redeployed last October, she said.

She last spoke to her more than a week ago. "Raymond told me - ‘I love you mom and give my love to my kids and wife and don’t worry’."

"Raymond is a very humble and quiet person and people that knows him, love him very much," she said. "He is very obedient from a young child even when he got married and had a family of his own."

Both Gov. Togiola T.A. Tulafono and American Samoa Del. Eni H. Faleomavaega received word from the Department of the Army on Friday.

Tulafono, in Honolulu awaiting return to the territory on Sunday, expressed his sincere condolences on hearing of the death of another Samoan soldier in Iraq.

He said in a statement Friday that American Samoa "extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Sgt. Seva’aetasi, a true warrior who was very proud of his service to the Territory and to America."

"Again, we mourn the death of a native son who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the preservation of freedom. May God provide comfort to his parents, family and friends during this difficult time."

Faleomavaega said he is very saddened by the news of Seva’aetasi’s death.

"Sergeant Sevaaetasi made the ultimate sacrifice while helping bring freedom to the people of Iraq," said Faleomavaega, and extended his most heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family. "Raymond will be remembered for his bravery and his honorable service to our country."

A 1995 graduate of Leone High School, where he was student body vice president, Seva’aetasi is the 12th person of Samoan ancestry to die in the 4-year-old Iraqi conflict.

Seva’aetasi’s close friend, Eucharist Elisara Reupena, who was student body president at Leone High School when Seva’aetasi was vice president, described the soldier as "an all around good person."

Reupena said Seva’aetasi was the type of person "that would go out of their way for a friend or duty. I honor and remember him as a hero and a brave person."

After Leone High School, Seva’aetasi attended American Samoa Community College and graduated in 1997. Seva’aetasi graduated in 1998 from basic military training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.

He is survived by his parents; wife Angel Brown-Seva’aetasi and two daughters, Nakaysia and Talimaitalosaga; brothers Michael, Talipuna and Tito, and sisters Regina(twin) and Mariah.