Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has received official notification from the U.S. Army informing him of the death of Master Sergeant Tulsa Tulaga Tuliau.  MSG Tuliau was killed on September 26, 2005 near Ar Rustamiyah, Iraq.  According to initial reports, MSG Tuliau died while conducting a combat patrol, as the Gunner in an up-armored HMMMWV or Humvee, when an improvised explosive device (IED) attack occurred.  He served in the U.S. Army for more than 14 years and was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 314th Field Artillery Regiment at Fort Drum, New York. 

MSG Tuliau was married to Katherine Tuliau and they have two daughters named Vanessa (3) and Sophia (2).  He is the son of Masina Tuliau of Lumâ Ta’û, Manu’a and Tulaga Tuliau who is deceased.  MSG Tuliau’s family resides in Watertown, New York (wife and children) and in American Samoa (mother).

 “There is no doubt that American Samoa continues to suffer the highest casualty rate in terms of deaths during the Iraq war, more than any other state or territory of the United States, on a per capita basis,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “Master Sergeant Tulsa Tuliau is the seventh known Samoan to be killed during the Iraq war.”

“I am very grateful for MSG Tuliau’s service to our country.  He and his other fellow men and women in uniform who have died before him are true heroes.  They have made the ultimate sacrifices so we may continue to enjoy the freedoms we are so accustomed to in the United States.”

“I join Master Sergeant Tulsa Tuliau’s family and loved ones in mourning his loss.  I offer my prayers and condolences to his mother Masina Tuliau and his wife, Katherine and daughters, Vanessa and Sophia during these difficult times,” concluded Congressman Faleomvaega.