U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nathan Orenstein, left, and Spc. Agalua Iopu, both assigned to 3rd Infantry Division (3rd ID) conduct a 3 to 5-mile run as part of the 3rd ID Best of the Best Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 27, 2024. The 2-day competition consisted of events that measured each competitor’s physical and mental toughness, and their technical and tactical proficiency. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Trey Woodard)
U.S. Army Spc. Agalua Iopu is competing in the 3rd Infantry Division Best of the Best Competition which will decide who will represent the Division at the Best Sapper, Mortar, Medic, Squad and Sniper competitions.
Growing up in Pago Pago, American Samoa, where financial resources were scarce, Iopu found his wealth not in money but in the rich tapestry of Samoan culture. Family and respect were the cornerstones of his upbringing, shaping his values and his path in life.
“I grew up in a poor environment, but wealth was found in my culture,” said Iopu, a combat engineer assigned to the 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd ID. “Samoan culture is based around family, and one of the key aspects to take from it is respect.”
U.S. Army Spc. Agalua Iopu, a combat engineer, assigned to 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, fires an M4 carbine in the standing position as part of a stress shoot during the 3rd ID Best of the Best Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 28, 2024. The Best of the Best competition is held to determine which teams will represent the Division for the Best Sapper, Best Sniper, Best Squad, Best Mortar and Best Medic Competitions. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Trey Woodard)
Iopu’s first experience in the continental United States was basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri in 2022. Following his training, he was assigned to Fort Stewart, Georgia.
“It was a new experience and a different environment for me,” said Iopu. “I was very nervous, but I embraced this new challenge as a step toward a better future.”
Iopu carried his foundational values with him as he participated in the 3rd ID Best of the Best Competition—a rigorous test of physical and mental endurance.
“Looking back to the competition, the most rewarding part was knowing that I was able to finish everything,” said Iopu. “Knowing that I am capable of way more than what I thought I could do.”
U.S. Army Spc. Agalua Iopu, a combat engineer, assigned to 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division (3rd ID), fixes a malfuntion on an M4 Carbine as part of an urban lane event during the 3rd ID Best of the Best Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 27, 2024. The competition was held to determine which teams will represent the Marne Division for competitions such as the Best Sapper, Sniper, Squad, Mortar and Medic Competitions. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Trey Woodard)
Iopu tackled the competition head-on, motivating his partner to keep going as they overcame the obstacles of the two-day competition. Outside of the competition, he did the same as he impacted people around him.
“Iopu inspired me to never give up,” said Sgt. Omar Williams, Iopu’s former team leader. “He showed me the importance of striving to be a better person and working hard.”
Williams, who has been working with Iopu since he first came to Fort Stewart, has seen the growth and leadership within his Soldier.
“He influences future Soldiers to progress and work toward their goals to achieve success,” said Williams. “He goes out of his way to help his fellow Soldiers which truly embodies his commitment to his generous nature, said Williams.
Spc. Agalua Iopu's journey from Pago Pago to military life is a testament to how foundational values like family and respect can guide and inspire one’s path, even in the face of a new and challenging environment.
“We are all from different backgrounds but that's what makes you who you are,” said Iopu. “Be the best that you can be and do the best that you can on whatever you face, that's how you get to be the best of the best.”
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