Toa o Samoa finds boots of fellow soldier there

The terrorist attack on 9/11 that resulted in extensive death and destruction to US military member led the Tripler Fisher House in Hawai’i to host a 8K run that would bring back the names and faces of all service members who lost their lives in combat since 9/11. The event happened last week, Saturday, Sept. 5th.

It was during this run that Toa o Samoa, US Army SFC Ropeti Penelope came across American Samoa’s fallen soldier, US Army SFC Vaiau Penelope Mulitauaopele’s boots. (SFC is a Sergeant First Class, a non-commissioned officer’s rank in the US Army, E-7)

The event was created to raise awareness about the mission of the Tripler Fisher House in Hawai’i, which provides comfort homes to our Military Families during a medical crisis.

According to SFC Ropeti this is a “no cost” event because these fallen service members have already paid the price. There were boots with the picture of a Fallen Service Member on them lining the 8K route, she said.

SFC Ropeti said once the event was over the boots would be reassembled on the historic Ford Island on the corner of Enterprise & O'Kane and will stay on display for approximately one week. This will allow everyone an opportunity to look through the boots to find the names and pictures of loved ones.

“This is one display that will leave you breathless when you see it in one location — the sacrifice made on our behalf and the number of family and friends left behind. Bring a camera you will want to take pictures.”

SFC Ropeti told Samoa News that she did not personally know SFC Vaiau. “I was just blessed to have come across her boots and I honored her for her sacrifice. Knowing that she’s a fallen Samoan soldier brought me closer to the idea of honoring her more by reaching out to Samoa News.”

She said her only hope is that this brings closure to her family, knowing that she may be gone but she is never forgotten. “And she is honored along with the rest of the Fallen Service Members who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I wish I had seen more of our Fallen Toa O Samoa Heroes but I wasn’t able to.”

She went on to say that the run is in its fourth year.

SFC Ropeti further told Samoa News that at the event, military units in formation form up on the inside of the field, hand bikes, wheelchairs and Wounded Warriors next, and then military units, followed by the rest of the participants, with strollers and other wheels at the end.

SFC Ropeti is the daughter of Faleulu and Olevia Tuipala of Pavaia’i. She enlisted in the Army four days after graduating from Tafuna High School in 2008. She told Samoa News that she chose to join the Army for a better future “not for myself but also my family” and she’s with the 303 Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Hawai’i as a Unit Supply Specialist.