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Leasiolagi is first American Samoan 2020 National Guard enlistment

reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Oregon National Guard is proud to welcome Tauaitala Leasiolagi to the team, and excited to see her future expand at Southern Oregon University. After four years at El Camino High School in Oceanside, CA, Leasiolagi moved to the island where she continued her education at American Samoa Community College. Now a sophomore at ASCC, she will graduate later this year in May.

“I joined the National Guard because they offered me the best choice when I needed it,” Leasiolagi said. “With the National Guard, I will be able to continue my studies without worrying about how to pay for it.”

The Oregon National Guard offers 100% tuition assistance to any Oregon University. Southern Oregon University (SOU) specifically offers housing scholarships which cover 100% housing costs to students who participate in ROTC.

Leasiolagi will graduate from ASCC then ship to basic training. Upon completion of training, she will begin her studies at SOU with 100% tuition assistance. She also plans to participate in ROTC to cover housing costs and intends to commission as an officer the day before she graduates from SOU.

“I want to study physical therapy…I know SOU offers pre-physical therapy programs so we will see,” Leasiolagi said. “I am looking forward to the experience and the many opportunities it will bring.”

Leasiolagi is an excellent example of a qualified student who desires to attend college full time and serve in the military part time. She is well-rounded in her studies and extracurricular activities. Leasiolagi and her younger sister traveled to Apia this past summer to represent American Samoa in women’s basketball. She was also a contestant in the Miss American Samoa pageant and is currently the vice president for the Student Government Association (SGA) at ASCC.

“After college, I think I still want to continue my studies and pursue a master’s degree,” Leasiolagi said.

(The Oregon National Guard looks to enlist high school seniors and students of ASCC who meet the National Guard’s requirements. Applicants must have taken the ASVAB and have their most recent score be 31 or above. The National Guard also requires that a height and weight standard be maintained. Candidates must be in generally good shape. Interested students who want to join the Oregon National Guard and attend SOU for college, or those who genuinely want more information or have questions should contact SFC Steve Mann at steven.c.mann10.mil@mail.mil.)

Malo lava Tauaitala Leasiolagi.