U.S. Soldier’s Participation in Pacific Partnership 2019 Leads to High School Reunion

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Tyrell Morris | 190412-N-NB178-1074 CHUUK, Federated States of Micronesia (April 12, 2019) Royal Navy Capt. Paddy Allen, director of mission, talks with U.S. Army Spc. Rally Gilmete, a Pohnpei native, after he reunited with his sister Lashanna Gilmete and cousin Belinda Saimon at a host nation outreach event at Xavier High School during Pacific Partnership 2019. Pacific Partnership, now in its 14th iteration, is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Each year, the mission team works collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase stability and security in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tyrell K. Morris)  

CHUUK, MICRONESIA, FEDERATED STATES OF

04.11.2019

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Chanel Turner 

Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific

CHUUK, Federated States of Micronesia--U.S. Army Sgt. Joseia Lemari reunited with his alma mater, Xavier High School, during a host nation outreach engagement as part of Pacific Partnership 2019, April 11.

Lemari is one of more than 500 U.S. service members, volunteers and partner nation personnel taking part in Pacific Partnership 2019.

Pacific Partnership is an annual deployment of forces from the Pacific Fleet of the United States Navy, in cooperation with regional governments and military forces, along with humanitarian and non-government organizations conducting a variety of projects including medical training, veterinary services, engineering projects, disaster response scenarios, and a variety of community outreach engagements.

“It is so great to be here,” said Lemari. “I never thought I’d be able to come back here and see everyone again after joining the military.”

The host nation engagement included a career fair, sports fair, and a concert provided by the Pacific Partnership 2019 “Black Sands” Brass Band. Lemari was able to play basketball with the students and reunite with his teachers, whom he hasn’t seen since graduating in 2013.

Xavier High School’s principal Martin Carl was a teacher when Lemari attended the school.

“I remembered Joseia when he was a student,” said Carl. “When I found out he was in the Army, I grew even more proud of him than I was back then.”

The school’s faculty was delighted to see Lemari and was thrilled to hear about his accomplishments.

“It’s exciting to see him back after all this time,” said Rovan Agad, Lemari’s former basketball coach. “As a teacher, it’s a great reward to see our students setting the world on fire!”

Pacific Partnership, now in its 14th iteration, is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Each year, the mission team works collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase stability and security in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific.

• Date Taken: 04.11.2019
• Date Posted: 04.19.2019 23:54
• Story ID: 318879
• Location: CHUUK, FM