Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Paul Hunkin-Cassens is ready to make history as the first American Samoan to enlist in the United States Space Force.

He loved science fiction books in his youth and truly enjoyed science projects throughout the years. Paul was an excellent student and an avid reader, his mother said.

At a young age Paul moved with his family to Hawaii and while living there he discovered his love for baseball.

In 2014 the family moved back to the Territory, where he distinguished himself in school, and graduated as eighth grade valedictorian. He went on to graduate from Leone High School with honors and numerous awards. Scoring at the top of his class in both the SAT and ACT exams, he received several academic scholarships at graduation — with offers from over 30 colleges. Among his many awards, he was also honored as top male scholar/ athlete for his exceptional performances in the classroom as well as on the field. 

Baseball, and the influence of a local coach who had also served in the Army, created an opportunity for him and a few other players from the Territory. Rather than choosing a large, prestigious school, Paul decided upon a small school in Southern California, West LA College in Culver City, where he would work with his Samoan coach and study engineering.   

With a few years of college under his belt, Paul felt the need to walk a different path. In Los Angeles, he took the ASVAB—the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test—a preliminary exam for military service, and scored exceptionally high. A recruiter based in Hawaii took note of his ASVAB scores, and offered Paul an array of choices. Paul, drawing upon his love for science and the wonders of the universe, chose to join the prestigious Space Force, a division of the U.S. Air Force. It is considered a co-equal sister service.

Paul will be working in cyber security, a field which has become increasingly important in the world we live in. He looks forward to serving his country and Samoa News congratulates Paul, his family, and his career choice.