THE SAPPER ASSOCIATION
The Cutting Edge of our Country's Sword!
When our Nation needs a tough job done, they call the Army; When the Army needs a tough job done, they call the Sappers!
- LTG (R) Robert B. Flowers
The Falaniko Scholarship
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Bronze Star
Purple Heart
January 30, 1983
October 27, 2003
PURPOSE
The PV2 Jonathan I. Falaniko Sapper Scholarship is a memorial to selfless service and ultimate sacrifice made to our country by U.S. Army Private Jonathan I. Falaniko, 20, of Pago Pago, American Samoa, who was killed in action October 27, 2003, in Baghdad, Iraq. Falaniko was assigned to A Company, 70th Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Division, Fort Riley, Kansas. The scholarship provides financial assistance to qualified applicants in furthering their education. The Scholarship Committee seeks to award a scholarship to the applicant displaying the highest level of character, embodying Duty, Honor, and Country. The applicant must display the potential for a degree in higher education, whether it is technical, university or professional. Each year the Scholarship Committee will evaluate the scholarship applicants and selects the most outstanding submissions to be awarded a Private Jonathan I. Falaniko Scholarship. Click here to read about Private Jonathan I. Falaniko.
LEGACY
PV2 Jonathan I. Falaniko, son of the late CSM Ioakimo and wife Maliana Falaniko. He had only been in the Army for few months before being killed during combat operations . His father was in his 26th year of service and both were assigned to Iraq. In October they spent two nights together and spoke to family members by video. “It was one of the proudest moments for my family and my son was very proud of his tour of duty,” said Command Sergeant Major Falaniko, “My son and I talked about the war, we both understood the danger in our chosen profession,” Falaniko said. Duty, Honor, Country, an inspiration to Soldiers and Families.
SCOPE
Provide financial grant to a student who plans to attend an accredited college, university, or higher technical trade school. Scholarship awards funds are to assist with academic expenses at the attending University/School and will be disbursed directly to the University/School to assist with tuition, books, fees, supplies and room and board.
FUNDING
The scholarship fund is supported by the family of PV2 Jonathan I. Falaniko, friends and public donations. The number of scholarships to be awarded annually is two. The scholarship is $2,500 for each recipient and recipients must complete all documentations by him or herself.
ELIGIBILITY
* Applicants must be a qualified child or spouse of a Tabbed Sapper Enlisted or Officer and Graduate from Fort Leonard Wood, Mo in the Grade of E4 to E9 and O2 to COL.
Qualified child is defined as an unmarried child of a Tabbed Sapper (Officer or Enlisted) (including those legally adopted) who are under the age of 24 for the entire academic year.
Qualified Spouse is defined as the person legally married to the Tabbed Sapper and not remarried at the time of application for the scholarship.
Tabbed Sapper means those tabbed (graduated from Sapper School and awarded the Sapper Tab, from the U.S. Army Sapper Leader Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri) or tabbed Sappers killed in combat or training. This includes Active Duty, National Guard, Reservist's and Veterans who have graduated from the Sapper Leader Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
Applicants who receive the LTG (R) Robert B, Flowers Scholarship are not eligible to apply for the Falaniko Scholarship in the same year.
APPLICATION PROCESS
All applications will be reviewed in accordance with the annual Application Process. Applications are due no later than 31 March of each year. Use application attachment ICON to the left to apply or send an e-mail to contact@sappersfirst.org for more information on process.
Application
REQUIREMENTS
Applicant must write one page essay in his / her own words on how he / she is "Making A Difference" in the lives of others and their community through positive leadership. Must submit grade card, be of sound character in and out of school and provide a letter from the volunteer coordinator indicating they currently involved in community service with a credible charitable organization. In addition must be attending an accredited academic institution or training program. See Scholarship Application for additional requirements.
DONATIONS
If you would like donate to the SA Essayons Scholarship Funds you may do so securely online by clicking the DONATE icon above (please specify “The . Falaniko Scholarship Fund” in the Donations Instructions).