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A’asu-Aoloau native protects U.S. on DoD’s COVID-19 Response Team

Lieutenant General Laura J. Richardson andLieutenant General Laura J. Richardson
“It was an absolute honor, ” CW4 Anae Samitioata Roberts told Samoa News
compiled by Samoa News staff

San Antonio, TEXAS — A son of American Samoa is serving on the Dept. of Defense’s COVID-19 Response Team where he was instrumental in providing logistical oversight, management of medical supplies and synchronizing efforts in transporting medical equipment to all forces, in every region across the country during the pandemic.

Lieutenant General Laura J. Richardson, Commander, United States Army North (Fifth Army) and Senior Commander of Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis awarded the Joint Service Achievement Medal to CW4 Anae Samitioata Roberts of American Samoa.

The award was presented in recognition of his meritorious services and extreme technical competence as a member of the J4 Sustainment Readiness Division for JFLCC. He was instrumental in providing logistical oversight, management of medical supplies and synchronizing efforts in transporting medical equipment to all forces, in every region across the country. His efforts directly contributed to the JFLCC’s success in supporting DOD’s COVID-19 Response Team, USARNORTH, the United States Army and the United States of America.

A son of American Samoa was awarded the Joint Service Achievement Medal, and due to the COVID-19 no handshakes were permitted. Just elbow to elbow bumps with face masks were mandatory. (L-R) 3 Star Lieutenant General Laura J Richardson, USARNORTH Commander; CW4 Anae Samitioata Roberts, CAC G4 Senior Property Accountability Technician; and Command Sergeant Major Alberto Delgado USARNORTH CSM. [courtesy photo]

CW4 Roberts is from the village of A’asu and Aoloau. A proud son of the late Anae Tafaifa Sinapao and Vaepa Uiagalelei Roberts and a graduate of the 1990 Marist Brothers Crusaders High School.

After serving several months during the height of the global pandemic, service members are finally returning to their home stations pending completion of redeployment requirements.

CW4 Roberts returns to Ft. Leavenworth, KS where he received daily prayers and support from his loving wife Matalena Tuisamoa, daughter Melcia, and son Samoa Roberts. In addition, he was sent numerous prayers and moral support from families and friends in United States, A’asu and Aoloau, American Samoa, Hawaii, Samoa, Australia and New Zealand.

“It was an absolute honor and a personal career highlight, serving our great Nation during this critical turning point of our lives,” CW4 Roberts told Samoa News via email.

BACKGROUND

The Coronavirus 2019 Response Team included medical and logistical support from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps from both active, guard and reserve components who were all working closely with federal, state and local partners to help the American people in their time of need.

United States Army North serves as the Joint Force Land Component Command (JFLCC) for all federal ground troops, including other service units serving on land as part of the DOD’s COVID-19 response team.

The JFLCC leads a joint force of more than 9,000 active duty service members, civilian employees, and contract employees. Military medical personnel were deployed in civilian hospitals in six states, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and both U.S. Navy Hospital Ships Mercy and Comfort. In New York City, nearly 800 service members were working in local hospitals.

The JFLCC continues to work in concert with FEMA and local and state authorities, to extend mission assignments where requested to sustain medical support to facilities in need. Federal military forces staffing the Javits Center in New York City and Alternate Care Facilities in Detroit, Boston, Philadelphia, Dallas and New Orleans have concluded their medical support.