YOKWE -- Marshallese families and friends are grieving over the loss of U.S. Army SGT Solomon T. Sam, who was killed in action in Iraq on December 4, 2008.

This young and brave serviceman is believed to be the first loss from Republic of the Marshall Islands in the War on Terrorism.


SGT "Labai" Sam, who was redeployed to Iraq last month, enlisted in the U.S. Armed Services in Majuro, during October 2000. 

He served with the 523RD Horizontal Construction CO, 84th ECB, out of Scholfield, Hawaii. 

On duty in Iraq, his vehicle was hit in a suicidal bomb attack, with a Vehicle Born Improvise Explosive Device (VBIED).

On Sunday, spouse Bwilla Sam and family were notified of the tragic loss. 

The Marshallese community in Hawaii is responding to the news of the fallen hero. "My family and several other Marshallese soldiers visited his wife and kids a few hours ago," said SSG Neamon Neamon early Monday.



SGT Sam is survived by his wife and three young children. 

His father is Rev. Harry Sam from Ujae, Ailinglaplap, Kwajelein, and his mother, is Teaoi Sam, from Kiribati. Rev. Sam is the senior pastor of the Marshallese Jeran Rarik Doon, United Church of Christ Church in Springdale, Arkansas. 



Although it is difficult to identify the exact number, several hundred men and women from the Marshall Islands have served and are serving in the United States Armed Forces. A good number are stationed in Iraj, Kuwait, and Afghanistan.



Citizens of the Freely Associated States of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau, under the unique Compacts with the United States, are eligible to serve in any of the US Armed Forces.



Several times a year, the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) Enlistment Test is offered in Majuro and Kwajalein, for those Marshall Islanders who are who are interested in joining the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corp and Coast Guard.