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
STEVEN "STEVE" SILFIES
Steven "Steve" Silfies, age 54, of Cerulean, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, May 20, 2017, at his home in Cerulean. Steve retired as a Master Sergeant with the 5th Special Forces Group from the United States Army and was currently serving the Commonwealth of Kentucky as a Detective with the Kentucky State Police, Post 2. He is survived by one son, Lucas Silfies, Cerulean, Kentucky; one daughter, Sommer Silfies, Clarksville, Tennessee; his parents, Harvey and Virginia Silfies, Kutztown, Pennsylvania; one brother, Allen Silfies (Tavis), Correctionville, Iowa; and one sister, Diane Edwards (Melvin), Shoemakersville, Pennsylvania.
ALLAN JAMES "DOJO" DIRIEX
Allan James Diriex, son of Joseph James Diriex and Clara Ann Garety, was born March 27, 1959, in St. Clair, Michigan. He departed this life Saturday, July 9, 2016, in Mercy Hospital, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of fifty-seven years, three months and twelve days. Allan is survived by his wife, Chu Suk of the Home; his mother and step-father, Clara and William Garety of Warren, Michigan; three brothers, Daniel Diriex (Eva) of Midway, Georgia, Robert Baker of Warren Michigan, and Jon Baker (Debra) of Georgetown, Indiana; his sister, Sharon Somes (Jack) of Sarnia, Ontario; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
DOUGLAS RAY "DOUG" SLOAN
Douglas Ray Solan, of Dixon, was born on February 21, 1971, in Louisville, Kentucky, the son of Richard William and Karen Eulene (Tolliver) Solan, and departed this life at 6:09 p.m., Friday, November 22, 2013, at his residence. Maj Solan had attained the age of 42 years, 9 months, and 1 day. Those left to mourn the passing of Major Solan include: his wife, Julie Solan, Dixon; his parents, Richard and Karen Solan, Hermitage; his paternal grandmother, Rita Solan, Highland Falls, New York; his mother-in-law, Geraldine Graham, Owensville; four sons, Bailey Solan, Riley Solan, Aiden Solan and Aaron Gray, all of Dixon; two daughters, Marissa Solan, Erie, Pennsylvania and Megan Solan, stationed in England with the United States Air Force; and many other relatives and friends.
IOAKIMO "NIKO" FALANIKO
CSM (R) Ioakimo Falaniko, 67, departed us Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at his home in St. Robert, Missouri surrounded by his loving family. Niko hails from the island of Samoa where he enlisted in the United States Army December 29, 1976, retiring December 2008. CSM Falaniko is a graduate of Class-49 of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, held a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a Minor in Human Resource Management from Columbia College. CSM Falaniko was co-founder and board member of the Sapper Association, serving as Treasurer. CSM (R) Falaniko was a great man of honor and integrity, who impacted the Engineer Regiment and Army developing generations of leaders. He was a humble man with a big voice and always Mission focused. He is survived by his wife Maliana Afano Falaniko of St. Robert, MO, son Niko Falaniko, daughter Adeline and her husband Walter Fuata and daughter Otilia Falaniko. He is preceded in death by his son Jonathan Falaniko, killed in action in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003; Niko and Maliana have six grandsons, Niko Jr., Jonathan, Mario, Julian, Randy, and Leikoi and one granddaughter, Ariana. CSM Falaniko and his family are part of our Nations Gold Star Families.
Never to be forgotten, forever indebted for your selfless service and sacrifice! Into Gods hands Sapper, Rest in Peace!
