The body of the first American Samoan army reservist to be killed in Iraq is expected to be flown home today.
Staff Sergeant Frank Tiai was on his final patrol in Iraq on the 17th of July, before taking a scheduled break, when he was killed by a bomb that exploded beneath his armoured vehicle.
Staff Sergeant Tiai's body is being flown to American Samoa today from Hawaii, where a memorial service was held yesterday.
The Hawaii newspaper, the Honolulu Advertiser, reports several members of his family told the congregation at Kalihi Union Church that he'd been devoted to the military.
Final church services, military honors and burial for Staff Sergeant Tiai are scheduled for Friday in Pago Pago.
