Getting your face in in the local newspaper, great, standing next to the 101st CSM for a photo op, outstanding! Getting busted wearing a SPECIAL FORCES COMBAT PATCH THAT YOU DID NOT EARN, PRICELESS!!!!!
From Samoa to Iraq, Via North Carolina
By Sgt. Robert JordanPublished: August 16, 2009
Posted in: News
BAGHDAD — The U.S. Army is the biggest “family” in the world, spread across thousands of miles, but for one Soldier the familial relations seem surprisingly close to home.
Command Sgt. Maj. John Letuli, of Lillington, N.C., with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, found a tie to his native Samoa with four other senior enlisted U.S. Army leaders in Iraq.
They have all served with U.S. Pacific Command Sergeant Major Iuniasolua Savusa, who assumed the Camp Smith, Hawaii-based position this summer. Savusa’s last post was as command sergeant major of NATO’s International Security and Assistance Force and U.S. Forces in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Letuli, who claims ties to Iliili/Futiga, American Samoa, and Malie, Independent State of Samoa, deployed as the Iraqi security forces team Multi-National Division – Baghdad command sergeant major.
He shares the distinction of having served with Savusa with Iraq-based Command Sergeants Major John Swart, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team; Lawrence Wilson, Multi-National Force – Iraq; Rory Malloy, Multi-National Division – Baghdad and Frank Grippe, Multi-National Corps – Iraq.
Letuli says he looked up to Savusa throughout his time in service. “He is an inspiration,” said Letuli. “We all admire him. He has done so much, and everybody speaks highly of him.”
As the Iraqi security forces team sergeant major, Letuli works with Iraqi security forces and all branches of U.S. forces in the country.
http://www.nc.ngb.army.mil/index.php...orth-carolina/