Families with children serving on active duty treasure every chance to connect by phone, especially when distance and military responsibilities keep them apart. One recent call brought unexpected, welcome news: their son, A1C Edrik Gaisoa, would arrive in American Samoa as part of a medevac mission. Currently stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Gaisoa serves as an in-flight refueling specialist with the U.S. Air Force. Born and raised in the territory, he is the eldest son of Samuel and Jewel Gaisoa of Ili’ili [Facebook photo]





![Former cabinet member, Samana Semo Veavea, passes away after decades of service to the territory. [SN file photo] Samana Semo Veavea](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/samana_semo_veavea.jpg?itok=EMPn9Kcq)
![ASSSA Chief Executive Officer Carlos Sanchez. [courtesy photo] Carlos Sanchez](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/carlos_sanchez_3_0.jpg?itok=0cUObl9t)

![According to the Governor, the $3 million reduction could result in the Territory forfeiting more than $9 million in federal Medicaid funding that would otherwise be available to support healthcare services for American Samoa residents. [photo: AF] Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/img_7410.jpg?itok=JrvhCr-L)





