Tafuna High School JROTC awarded Honor Unit with Gold Star Distinction

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Tafuna High School's Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program has been recognized for its outstanding performance, earning the highest percentage points among the five JROTC programs on island during the JROTC Program for Accreditation (JPA) on March 17.

In a press release issued by the school, THS JROTC was assessed during the evaluation on seven key areas: Unit Report, Color Guard Inspection, In-Ranks Inspection, Continuous Improvement Plan, Service Learning Project, Cadet Portfolio & Interviews, and Instructor Portfolio.

The program earned a perfect score of 100% in five out of the seven areas — Service Learning Project, Cadet Portfolio & Interviews, In Ranks Inspection, Unit Report and Instructor Portfolio. In the other two areas they earned 96.43% for the Continuous Improvement Plan, and 96.67% for the Color Guard Inspection.

Their overall score was an impressive 99.13%, earning them the prestigious Gold Star distinction.

THS JROTC Department, including MAJ Siimoa Galoia, MSG Acania Puletasi, and SFC Lei Solaita, expressed gratitude to District Army Instructor, MAJ Rodney Malauulu, and his staff for their efforts. They also thanked the Tafuna High School community for their support during the process, as well as ERATE for their IT assistance, ensuring a smooth accreditation process.

The JROTC department also extended special thanks to the parents of participating cadets, acknowledging their sacrifices in allowing their cadets to practice and rehearse. Their support played a significant role in the program's success.

Additionally, they recognized Principal Tutuila Togilau for her unwavering support of the program and its cadets.

The THS JROTC Task Force Command Team consists of Task Force Commander Cadet COL Launiu Tauva, Task Force Command Sergeant Major Cadet CSM Charles Tauiliili, and Task Force Executive Officer Cadet LTC Terimarie Tupuola. Their teamwork and dedication to the JPA contributed significantly to the accreditation results, highlighting the strength and potential of the THS JROTC program.

PHOTOS FROM A LATER EVENT — THE MARCH 31 DRILL COMPEITION

The Tafuna High School JROTC Regulation Team shown with their trophy from the drill competion on March 31. [courtesy photo]

The Tafuna High School JROTC Drill Team after taking first place in their category during the drill compeition on March 31. [courtey photo]

Task Force Commander Cadet Colonel Tauva Launiu, who is shown with the Regulation Team during the drill competition on March 31. [courtesy photo]

Cadet Major Kelevi Voseci with the Head Judge MSG (Retired) Fitimalo Tautolo during the drill competition March 31. [courtesy photo]