Another Fallen Warrior Returns Home to American Samoa

 

 

The remains of U.S. Army Sgt. Lui Tumanuvao, the 16th soldier of Samoan descent to die in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, returned home Thursday night with burial set for the weekend.

 

Governor Togiola Tulafono, along with Tumanuvao’s parents - Kelekolio and Monika and other local officials were at the airport to await the arrival of the Toa o Samoa’s body, accompanied by Army Brigadier General John W. Peabody.

 

Also at the airport was Tumanuvao’s widow Selia, whose cries could be heard yards away as Sgt. Tumanuvao’s coffin draped in an American Samoa was carried into the Airport VIP Lounge by local Army Reservists.

 

U.S. Army Reservists stood to attention as the American Flag-draped coffin of fallen Toa o Samoa, Army Sgt. Lui Tumanuvao was taken out of the VIP Lounge at the Pago Pago International Airport Thursday night. Tumanuvao’s remains return home Thursday evening and burial is set for Saturday. PHOTO:Fili Sagapolutele

 

Following a short prayer service at the VIP Lounge, Tumanuvao’s coffin escorted out of the airport by Army Reservists. More than 200 people stood in silence at the airport departure and arrival areas while reservists stood in attention as Tumanuvao’s coffin was taken to a military humvee and transported to the Army Reserve Center for a prayer service which was lead by Father Etuale Lealofi At the Army Reserve, two huge banners hung on the wall. One banner says “Sgt. Tumanuvao - we thank God of you. We love you” and the other says “Sgt. Tumanuvao - our blood, our hero.”

 

Togiola gave a brief address during the prayer service, which last for about an hour.

 

The governor said the service was a celebration of love, gratitude and appreciation of life. However, he said it does not take away the pain and grief faced by the Tumanuvao family, who lost a son and hero.

 

“He is a wonderful son and an American soldier,” he told the family. Togiola said American Samoa continues to feel pain as more sons and daughters are coming back in a coffin.

 

Sgt. Tumanuvao is the 7th soldier of Samoan decent to die this year in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and the 16th fallen Toa o Samoa from the Middle East conflicts.

Congressman Faleomavaega Eni, who had planned to accompanied home the remains of Tumanuvao express condolences to the family. The Congressman is currently on a Congressional trip to Asia.

 

“I cannot say less about the honorable service Lui provided in which he made the ultimate sacrifice for global freedom from terrorism,” Faleomavaega said in a statement. 

 

“He knew what he was getting into before he went in, and it was with his life that he gave so all of us would enjoy our freedom for as long as we live.”

 

“For that, Tumanuvao has joined the consecrated rank of heroes from American Samoa and all others who have died in this Iraqi conflict. Our nation will always remain the land of the free for as long as it is the home of the brave,” he said. “And all of them are truly brave men and women.”

 

Faleomavaega said Sgt. Tumanuvao has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Posthumous; Purple Heart, Posthumous, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Posthumous; National Defense Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Combat Infantryman Badge; Weapons Qualification Badge, and was also certified as a rifle expert.

 

Tumanuvao, 29, will be laid to rest Saturday at his home in the village of Ili’ili following his final funeral service at the Catholic Church in Ili’ili.