May 1, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 71 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E523]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF SUALUA TUI MASANIAI

                                 ______
                                 

                   HON. AUMUA AMATA COLEMAN RADEWAGEN

                           of american samoa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 1, 2019

  Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of the 
last surviving Fita Fita Guard, WWII, and Korean War veteran Sualua Tui 
Masaniai. From the villages of Vatia and Ili'ili, he embarked on his 
journey in 1941 as he was sworn into the First Samoan Marine group. 
Shortly after, Sualua enlisted in the U.S. Navy fighting alongside his 
Samoan brothers during the Korean era and WWII.
  Sualua dedicated much of his time, spiritual legacy and talents to 
Kingdom Building which led him to the creation of churches within 
Ili'ili, Puapua, and Westminster, CA.
  After serving 20 years of active duty in the U.S. Navy, Sualua was 
honorably discharged as an E-7 Chief Petty Officer and Electronic 
Technician. He returned to Santa Ana, CA where at request of the 
American Samoa Government, he introduced television. Sualua arrived 
with his family in 1964 where he became the Chief Technician at KVZK-TV 
on Mount Alava. Shortly after he served in Leone at the WVUV radio 
station. Sualua was a passionate man who poured his knowledge of 
electronic profession into the students at Nu'uuli Poly Tech High 
School.
  Sualua's wife of 62 years--Fesili Mata'u Penitusi Amituana'i Masaniai 
from the villages of Faga'alu and Fitiuta preceded him to heaven on 
April 1, 2019. Sualua's legacy will continue in his 12 children, 26 
grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren.
  He was a dedicated community leader of strong work ethic who served 
his people and always a man of great faith, compassion, gratitude and 
reciprocation. He has brought great honor to our Samoan people. Sualua 
Tui Masaniai will be deeply missed, and his life is worthy of our best 
memories.
  Thank you (Soifua).

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