Written by Chris Taualii,

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Tonga Makes its Impact on Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)                                     

On Oct. 15, 2007, the Voice of Tonga conducted an on-the-phone interview with one of the two Tongan military representatives in Tampa, Florida, at Macdill Air Force Base, who currently reside there as one of the 64 nations around the world being sponsored by

current President George W. Bush and the U.S. government as part of the Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Coalition.

Lieutenant Commander Sione 'Ulakai of the Tongan Navy was kind enough to take a couple of minutes out of his busy schedule to visit with the Voice of Tonga about the operation, its purpose, and the effect that it has on the island of Tonga in general.  Lt. 'Ulakai and his counterpart, Warrant Officer Taulaki Falesiva of the Tongan Army, are the fourth pair of representatives from Tonga to this operation that was started by President Bush four years ago.  They arrived in Tampa on Oct. 27, 2006, and their term will be up at the end of this month, and the Tongan government is expected to send two more representatives.

      Tonga is not only one of the 64 nations that are sponsored by the U.S. government, they are the first out of the Pacific Islands and nations to accept the invitation from President Bush.  They are joined by New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji from the Pacific.  According to Lt. 'Ulakai, the U.S. government has made a huge impact to Tonga, not only with donations to the Tongan government, but also with scholarships to soldiers in the military so they can continue their education overseas.  Here is a clip of the full interview conducted in the Tongan language:  

Click here for non stop player

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Posted by heimuli, on 01-11-2007 01:25, IP 24.165.17.132, Registered 1. Everyone must hear this.Very Informative not only represent our country but they have provided us with very remarkable information that I know I've learned and most importantly something may not know.I wish that this interview that be broadcast live for all of us to hear especially our youth and our elders so that they will know that even though we are small in numbers but the smallest thing can be the make the biggest impact if we work togeather.Thank you again Lt.Commander'Ulakai & Officer Falesiva for educating all of us and thank for all your sacrifical duties for thy country.Ke tau ma'u ha monu moha kaha'u lelei meihe'Eiki. Malo   » Report this comment to administrator » Reply to this comment... Posted by heimuli, on 01-11-2007 01:06, IP 24.165.17.132, Registered 2. Everyone must hear this.Very informative I hate to be the 1st to admit but the 1st couple of mintues of listening to this interview,I could'nt stop but want to know more. Simply because of what I didn't know that surely concerned me.Especially being married to an active military tongan man,I can fully understand how critical information like this is shared to us. We all know that to conduct such interview like these, these great men must protect each other but always honor thy country and it's morale along with confidentiality.I know from being a military wife of 12yrs,my husband can only share limited info but unlike these men,they   » Report this comment to administrator » Reply to this comment...