Aumua Recognizes the Life and Service to our Nation of MSGT Tautalagia Sotoa Numera

Washington, D.C. – Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, submitted the following Statement for the Congressional Record in honor and memory of Master Sergeant Tautalagia Sotoa Numera, who passed away on June 1, 2015 at his home in Mechanicsville, MD.

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Master Sergeant Tuatalagia Sotoa Numera, or known to his family and friends simply as "Tuni", who passed away on June 1st at the age of 86.

Tuni was born on February 27th, 1929, in Pago Pago, American Samoa to parents, Taua and Siao Numera. Following his childhood on the islands, and at the young age of 23, Tuni enthusiastically fulfilled his childhood dream of serving in our nations armed forces and joined the U.S. Marine Corps.

During Tuni's 27 years of service in the Marine Corps, he would fight in two wars and serve 8 total combat tours. Tuni saw his first action in Korea, but it wouldn't be his last…not by a long shot.

Master Sergeant Numera served 7 combat tours in the jungles of Vietnam. During his first tour in Vietnam, Tuni was wounded in combat for which he received the Purple Heart. While this would be more than enough sacrifice to one's nation for even the toughest and most patriotic of soldiers, it wasn't for Tuni. He would return to those jungles where he was initially wounded, 6 more times. When once asked by a friend "why did you serve 7 tours in Vietnam?" he replied…"I was looking for the guy that shot me during my first tour." This is a perfect example of just how much of a true Leatherneck he was.

Master Sergeant Numera was awarded numerous decorations during his career in the Marines, including: the Navy & Marine Corps Medal, the Bronze Star, and of course the Purple Heart, with a Gold Star, which is the equivalent of two Purple Hearts.

Known for his irresistible smile and grand sense of humor, Tuni was always at the center of whatever was going on and always had a kind word or helping hand to those who needed it.

Tuni also enjoyed a number of recreational activities, including fishing, bowling, playing poker, watching westerns, and TV shows like Walker Texas Ranger.

Perhaps the only things that Tuni loved more than his country were his faith in God and his beautiful family. Tuni is survived by his wife, Eleanor; children, Zina, Trinidad, Cynthia, Anthony, Jeffrey, Michael, Elena, and Christina; "adopted sons," Vincent, and Mike; 26 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. This man was obviously very loved by all who knew him and we all mourn their loss.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to join me recognizing the lifelong service and dedication to our nation that was exemplified by Master Sergeant Numera and honor him by continuing to uphold those values that we cherish as Americans and for which Tuni dedicated his life.

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