Colonel Vasaga Tilo Jr took over the reigns of the Sixth Field Investigations in a ceremony today at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor at Hickam in Honolulu.
Colonel Tilo takes over from Col James Mehta.
Congresswoman Aumua Amata and Col. Tilo’s father, Senator Tilo attended the Air Force Change of Command Ceremony at the invitation of the Commander, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Colonel Kirk B. Stabler.
Colonel Tilo is an experienced investigator and Air Force officer, and among his decorations, awards and recognitions, he was presented with the Bronze Star Medal in a 2012 ceremony in Quantico, Virginia, at the headquarters of the Office of Special Investigations.
As Commander of OSI Expeditionary Detachment 2405, Bagram Air Field Afghanistan, from October 2009 through October 2010, his leadership and accomplishments earned him the Bronze Star.
He led his team on more than 200 outside-the-wire combat missions in hostile environments, conducting counter-threat operations and tactical intelligence collections.
According to the Air Force announcement, since 1944, the Bronze Star is a combat award that has been reserved for a person in any branch of the military who is distinguished by heroic or meritorious achievement or service in military operations against an armed enemy.
Congresswoman Aumua said, “It was a pleasure to be there, along with his father, Senator Tilo of Aua Village, as the Colonel was welcomed to his new command. Colonel Tilo is one of our own, and making our islands proud with his honorable life’s work in the military.”
Offering her congratulations the congresswoman said, “Colonel Tilo has already served our country in remarkable ways, and is highly prepared for this Command.
“He’s another superb example for our young people in American Samoa, many of whom will consider serving our country in the noble tradition of our islands.
“Our thoughts are with our men and women serving today all over the world, and we appreciate each of our Veterans.”
