Proud of her Samoan heritage, this West Point graduate credits her success to her late parents

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Retired U.S. Army Colonel Leafaina (Ina) Tavai who is Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Aumua Amata Radewagen at her American Samoa D.C. office was inducted into the U.S. Army Ordnance Hall of Fame at Fort Adams-Gregg in Virginia this past Monday, May 6. This event is a significant milestone as the Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame, established in 1969, recognizes those who have made substantial contributions to the mission of the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps, including Col. Tavai’s exceptional achievements.

Proud of her Samoan heritage, the West Point graduate credits her success to her late parents, HC Atiumaletavai Kaleopa Vaiki Tavai and HTC Feagaimali'i Malagamali'i Lauolive To'omalatai Tavai.

She hails from the villages of Gataivai, American Samoa; Matautu Tai, Fa'atoia, and Sapapali'i, Savai'i. Ina's biological father is the late Susuga Papali'itele Asiata Fauatea Poumau, O.B.E. (Order of the British Empire).