The first officer of Fijian descent to graduate from the United States military academy at West Point says he’s aware of news spreading on social media about “the first Fijian” to graduate from the renowned US officer cadet institution.
Momoevi Samuel Tawake graduated from West Point in 1997, becoming the first officer of Fijian descent to do so. He retired from the US Army last year as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Last week Mr Tawake congratulated the recent graduate.
“It’s a proud moment for Fiji to have someone else graduate from there at this point in time,” he said.
Originally from Kadavu, Mr Tawake was born and raised in Suva before his family migrated to the US when he was 11 years old.
He attended primary school education at Stella Maris Primary School and completed his studies in the US. After high school, he enrolled at West Point and spent four years of his military journey there.
Mr Tawake moved up the ranks and retired in September.
He co-owns a construction and painting company in California with two friends he served with.
“Life after the military is great,” he said.
“I love working with my two friends, just doing things we think would best suit our retirement life.”
