[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 66 (Thursday, April 21, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E394-E395]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF CSM (RET.) IOAKIMO ``NIKO'' FALANIKO

                                 ______
                                 

                   HON. AUMUA AMATA COLEMAN RADEWAGEN

                           of american samoa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 21, 2022

  Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Madam Speaker, I rise to remember the life and 
service of Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Ioakimo Falaniko from my 
home district of American Samoa. CSM Falaniko passed away Wednesday, 
October 20, 2021, at the age of 67.
  CSM Falaniko served his country as a combat engineer for over 30 
years, entering the Army in 1976 and retiring in December of 2008.
  His assignments included: Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Fort Leonard Wood, 
Missouri; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Bliss, Texas; and Fort 
Lewis, Washington; as well as several tours in Germany, Korea, and 
Iraq.

[[Page E395]]

  He was the Senior Instructor for the Sapper Leader Course at Fort 
Leonard Wood, a demanding 28-day training regimen and the premier 
leadership course for combat engineers. After retiring from military 
service, he was a consultant and Training Supervisor for the IED 
Division of Counter Explosive Hazards Center on Fort Leonard Wood.
  His awards and decorations include: The Legion of Merit, (with 1 Oak 
Leaf Cluster) Bronze Star Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster); Meritorious 
Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters); Army Commendation Medal (with 
3 Oak Leaf Cluster); Army Achievement Medal (with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters); 
Good Conduct Medal (10th Award); Army Occupation Medal; National 
Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; 
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Korea Defense Service Medal; 
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal; NCO Professional 
Development Ribbon (4); Overseas Service Ribbon (4); Army Service 
Ribbon; Ranger Tab; Sapper Tab; Master Parachutist Badge; Air Assault 
Badge; Drill Sergeant Badge; French Commando Badge; Canadian 
Parachutist Badge; and German Bronze Marksmanship Badge. He also was 
awarded the DeFleury Bronze and Silver Medal of the Army Corps of 
Engineer.
  CSM Falaniko and his family are a Gold Star Family; his son, Jonathan 
Falaniko, was tragically killed in action of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 
2003. CSM Falaniko was buried with his son, at Arlington National 
Cemetery on April 19, 2022. May these father and son heroes rest in 
peace.

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