The scriptures are filled with examples of peace-loving people who became protectors of that peace and warriors for their countries and families.
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People of the Palau islands of Micronesia have a rich history of a sense of duty, honor and spirit to serve as warriors. Palauans combining spiritual faith with a life of serving in the military reminds one of Helaman’s stripling warriors or the great Captain Moroni, from the Book of Mormon.
In 1954 Masato Kumangai Sr. was the first Palauan national to join the U.S Armed Forces. In 1981, his son Masato Kumangai Jr. was in the Army when he encountered missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in DeRidder, Louisiana, and was baptized. Brother Kumangai Jr. spent 28 years in the Army, was the first Palauan to serve a mission on the Palau islands, and currently serves as a ward bishop in Eagle Mountain, Utah.
Jared Carlson, a Marine who completed four combat tours overseas and in 2005 was assigned to 2nd battalion 3rd Marine regiment in Afghanistan, grew up with stories about the sacrifices of Marines in liberating the Palau islands during World War II. Growing up on the islands, he heard stories from his Palauan grandmother about how the Marines took care of their family during the difficult war times there. This fueled his desire for service in the Marine Corps. Brother Carlson has had many faith promoting experiences in the military and currently serves as the Latter-Day Saint branch president for Palau. Just like Helaman’s young men, President Carlson was taught by his mother and grandmother and now honors his ancestors by both military service and church service.
Wayne Ongio grew up with young LDS missionaries in Palau mentoring him both spiritually and temporally. Wayne recalls how Elder Scott Lieber started a boy scout troop on Palau in 1984. He credits his understanding that spiritual faith can be combined with the rugged requirements of the military. Wayne cites so many of his scout experiences with giving him the confidence, knowledge, and desire to serve as a Marine. “When I joined the Marines, I had already been taught many of the skills the military requires by Elder Lieber and the other missionaries as a young boy. These came during rainy campouts, first aid demonstrations, knot tying, etc. But most importantly I learned to retain faith in a higher power.” While not a member of the LDS faith, Marine Wayne Ongio recently reached out to Elder Lieber and his wife Kristin, who are currently serving as senior missionaries back on Palau. He offered to “help their mission in any way [he] can”.
Truly the warrior spirit and strong faith of Palauans lives on. Helaman and Captain Moroni would be proud.