Students in the College and Life Planning (CLP) classes taught by Mrs. Rosie Fualaau Tago Lancaster at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) recently took part in a unique exchange project in support of US troops from American Samoa now deployed in Afghanistan . Thanks to Lancaster and the students in her two CLP sections, an American Samoa flag will soon fly in at least one, and possibly more than one location in the embattled Middle East nation.

In collaboration with her daughter Army 1LT Marlena Lancaster-Morgan, now stationed in Afghanistan, Lancaster and the students in her two CLP sections purchased an American Samoa flag and a banner expressing their well-wishes and support, then had photos taken of themselves displaying these items. The banner and flag have been sent by mail to Lancaster-Morgan, while the digital photos have already reached her over the internet. In turn, Lancaster-Morgan plans to gather as many of her fellow sons and daughters of American Samoa now in Afghanistan as possible for a photo displaying that same flag, which they will send back home.

Before joining the Army, Lancaster-Morgan attended Manulele Tausala Junior High, Tafuna High School , ASCC, and then completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Affairs at Central Missouri State University . She received her commission as a Second Lieutenant in May 2007 from former President George Bush during a special White House ceremony. Now airborne qualified, Lancaster-Morgan currently serves with the command group of the 82nd Airborne Division, Afghanistan , as the Chemical and Public Affairs Officer. She and her husband Captain Brad Morgan came to American Samoa this past June for a short visit before their recent deployment to Afghanistan . While home, Lancaster-Morgan visited her mother's CLP summer class as a guest speaker, and gave a power point presentation based on her first deployment in 2008.

"Marlena came up with the idea of me sending an American Samoa flag for several reasons," said the First Lieutenant's proud mother. "First, as a gesture of morale support, because she knows the sons and daughters of American Samoa deployed to Afghanistan will beam with pride when they see their own flag flown there. Also, she wants to remind the youth of American Samoa of what they can achieve. Marlena came through the local public school system and ASCC, and if she can have a successful military career, so can they."

"While she never disclosed the exact location for security reasons, Marlena told me about a site in within her deployment area where the Russians abandoned quite a number of MIG fighter jets while retreating from the country back in the 1970s," explained Lancaster . "Apparently, this site has proven a popular background for American soldiers to take photos, and Marlena plans to use this backdrop for her photo of the American Samoa flag." After taking the photos, Lancaster-Morgan hopes to share the flag with American Samoans in other divisions in the country.

Before joining the ASCC staff, the senior Lancaster also enjoyed a successful military career. "I came home after serving 23 years on active duty for retirement in July 1997, and I've worked at ASCC ever since September of that year," she recalled. "First I worked as Registrar, and now my job is Veterans Affairs & Student Employment Coordinator. I also started teaching College and Life Planning classes this past summer. From my long association with ASCC, I know that our young people are very smart and talented. We need to pay attention to their needs and do everything within our power to help our young people in pursuing their dreams. Invest in our children, so that they can invest in American Samoa . The survival of American Samoa depends on the next generation."