Posted at 10:46 a.m., Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Services set for fallen American Samoan soldier
Advertiser Staff
The body of an American Samoan soldier killed in Afghanistan will arrive in Hawai'i tonight where it will be viewed by his family before being sent to the Mainland for burial.Sgt. 1st Class Michael Fuga, a 47-year-old member of the Missouri Army National Guard, is from Kansas but his parents live in Hawai'i. His parents are too sick to travel, so funeral services will be here and his burial in Independence, Mo.
Fuga's body will arrive at Honolulu International Airport around 6 p.m. and military honors will be given in the Continental Airlines cargo hangar, said his wife, Justina Fuga. A private, family viewing will be held later at Moanalua Mortuary, she said.
The public is invited to attend a viewing at 2 p.m. tomorrow Wai'anae Sacred Heart Church. A Mass is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Fuga was killed Sept. 9 in Kandahar when he encountered enemy forces during combat operations.
