Wounded Samoan Soldier Recovering at Walter Reed

By Fili Sagapolutele, Samoa News

American Samoa (April 9, 2008) - Sergeant First Class Polu, who was recently injured in a bomb incident in Iraq, is recovering at the Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., Congressman Faleomavaega said on his radio program Tuesday evening.

Earlier this week, Samoa News received information from Command Sgt. Maj. Iuniasolua Savusa and two other Samoans that Polu was injured and taken to a military hospital in Germany. From there, they say he was evacuated to Walter Reed Hospital.

Faleomavaega said he and Savusa visited Polu on Tuesday night at the Walter Reed Hospital and Polu is doing well after undergoing five surgeries. They congressman said Polu's two brothers - Pe'a and To'oto'o - who are also in the military, had also visited Polu at Walter Reed.

Savusa told Samoa News that Polu was injured in Iraq during combat operations. He said Polu is assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, WA.

Polu is from Faleasao, Manu'a, Savusa said.