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), this past Tuesay at the ASCC Multi-Purpose Center.
Fourteen students and eight professionals were inducted.
ASCC President Dr. RosevonneMakaiwi-Pato, 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.
