Media Release
U.S. Salutes Fallen Soldier from Pohnpei
September 21, 2009
On September 19th, the remains of the late U.S. Army Sergeant Youvert Loney, 28, arrived at Pohnpei International Airport aboard a U.S. Army C-17 aircraft. Sgt. Loney died on September 5th in Abad, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered after an attack by enemy forces.
A memorial service was held in his honor at Kolonia –Kepinle Church, UCCP, in Kolonia. During the service, Sokehs Municipal Government Associate Justice Dakio Loney presented his nephew’s obituary. Special remarks were provided by FSM Foreign Affairs Deputy Secretary Jane Chigiyal, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’ Affaires, a.i. William Douglass, and U.S. Army Brigadier General Alexander I. Kozlov. Speaking on behalf of FSM President Emanuel Mori, Deputy Secretary Chigiyal announced, “It is with respect that I extend President Mori and the FSM Government’s personal and most sincere condolences for the tragic loss of a husband, [father], son, and brother...[Sgt. Loney’s] sacrifice will always have a special place in our hearts.” In his speech, Chargé Douglass remarked, “I stand here today as a citizen of a grateful nation, searching for words to express the obligation the world owes to [Sgt. Loney] and so many other brave young people...thank you for the way you lived your life, for the inspiration you gave others, and for the love you brought to those who knew you.”
U.S. Army Casualty Affairs Officer Sergeant Michael Crisolo provided the citation of awards. Sgt. Crisolo then assisted Brigadier General Kozlov with the presentation of the awards to Sergeant Loney’s wife, Mrs. Flora Poll Loney, and father, Mr. Joaquim Loney.
Upon conclusion of the service, a motorcade escorted the remains to the Loney Residence in Palikir. A U.S. Military Honor Guard, based in Fort Shafter, Hawaii, placed the coffin in the family home for traditional mourning.
On Sunday afternoon, with Kolonia-Kepinle Church Reverend Danio Poll presiding as Master of Ceremony, the Honor Guard performed the traditional military honors of firing of volleys, Taps, and presentation of flags. Following the service, the Honor Guard assisted family and friends in lowering Sgt. Loney to his eternal rest.
Sergeant Youvert Loney first joined the U.S. Army on October 3, 2005 and was posted at Fort Carson, Colorado on May 23, 2006. He fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom from October 2006 to December 2007. Sgt. Loney deployed to Afghanistan on June 5, 2009 where he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
During his military service, Sergeant Loney earned a Purple Heart, an Army Commendation Medal, an Army Good Conduct Medal, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Combat Star, and Combat Infantry Badge.
Sergeant Loney is survived by his wife, two children Fawn Lily and Youvert Jr., father, mother Carmen, sisters Deresida L. Johnny, Daisyleen and Jesleen, and brothers Tony, Domingko, Eugene, Youki, Ioakim Jr. and Sahm.