The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) held the first-ever induction ceremony for the Academic and Professional Honor Society, the Order of the Sword and Shield (OSS), Greek name Omicron Sigma Sigma, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the ASCC Multi-Purpose Center. The historic milestone was witnessed by close family and friends of the 14 students and eight professionals who hold the honor of being the first members of the local chapter.

              The event began with an inductee procession and the invocation and chapter blessing conducted by Reverend Geoffery Tagaloa of EFKAS Talalelei O Le Fa’aolataga. This was followed by the History of OSS, read by the first elected officers of the society, President Jeaneidra Ta’ala, Vice President Elizabeth Iuli, and Secretary Tamaralaina Ieremia-Aneterosa. Among the guests invited to the event were members of the College’s administration, most notably ASCC President Dr. Rosevonne Makaiwi-Pato, who highlighted in her special remarks that the ASCC Chapter is the only Pacific chapter as well as the only community college chapter in the nation.

              One of the eight professionals inducted at the ceremony, American Samoa Department of Search and Rescue Chief of Emergency Medical Services, Joseph Fa’aita delivered the keynote speech for the event. Fa’aita’s address expounded on the OSS motto, ex scientia pax, meaning “out of knowledge comes peace,” and how this rings true for the local emergency management and security studies profession in American Samoa. Fa’aita used the real-life example of the 2009 tsunami experience that proved the community to be resilient, especially when the closest help from U.S. soil is a four- to five-hour flight away. “Knowledge is not only power but also the foundation of peace,” said Fa’aita. “The peace that comes from the assurance that we did everything within our power to give the best possible care to our community.”

                With her closing remarks, ASCC Pacific Center in Human Security State Director Tafaimamao Tua-Tupuola spoke of the importance and value of establishing a local chapter of the prestigious organization. “It not only elevates the discipline,” said Tua-Tupuola. “But also elevates the representation of Pacific Islanders in a nationwide organization.”

Members of OSS come from top academic and professional organizations across the United States. ASCC is now one of over 90 active chapters nationwide, with members representing security studies-related disciplines such as Cyber and Information Security, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Intelligence, Public Safety, and more.

                  For ASCC students to be eligible for membership into the Order, they must have a CGPA of 3.25, completed at least half of their degree program requirements, have two references, and major in one of the security studies-related programs offered at the College. Degree programs such as Criminal Justice, Pre-Law, Political Science, and Information Computer Technology as well as three of the newest degree programs, Cyber Security, Homeland Security, and inclusive-Emergency Management. Professionals seeking membership in the Order must have been working in the field full-time for at least five years, and submit a personal letter of interest, recommendation letter, and resume.

           Eligible applicants will receive a lifetime membership after a one-time payment of $75 that gives access to scholarships, grants, networking, and mentorship opportunities with peers and colleagues nationwide. Applications to the ASCC Chapter will be open every Fall and Spring semester.

                   For more information about the Order of the Sword and Shield, visit https://www.securityhonorsociety.org/home.html. To learn more about the local chapter, visit https://pchs.amsamoa.edu/core-functions/pacific-atamai/order-of-the-sword-and-shield or contact ASCC Chapter Coordinator, Rosalee Tela Shoulders at 699-2722 ext. 4210 or email pacific.atamai@amsamoa.edu.