The Taetuli Family

U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Vaitogi Taetuli

U.S. Army Sergeant First Class and Purple Heart recipient Vaitogi Taetuli selflessly served his country through two deployments to the Middle East.

While deployed to Al Najaf, Iraq in 2004, SFC Taetuli led his team to clear a basement of a house to eliminate three insurgents and found himself in hand-to-hand combat with the lead insurgent. After he severely wounded the insurgent, a grenade dropped between them and detonated. SFC Taetuli was severely wounded and able to crawl up the stairs to seek medical help ultimately saving his fellow service members’ lives.

Throughout his nearly 16 years of service, SFC Taetuli survived five blasts from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), as well as multiple fire fights. For his valor, SFC Taetuli received a Purple Heart, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Meritorious Service Medal, five Army Achievement Medals, five Army Commendation Medals and many more.

SFC Taetuli suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), migraine headaches, and injuries to his neck, knees, lower back and both shoulders as a result of his service.

SFC Taetuli, his wife, Leticia, and their family are active members of the Samoan Congregation Church Choir. Though SFC Taetuli is still undergoing treatment, his family enjoys spending quality time together and barbequing in their free time.

Operation FINALLY HOME along with Pulte Built to Honor™ program are excited to provide the Taetuli family with a custom-built, mortgage-free home in Leander, Texas.