The people who guide STCOA bring decades of service to our families, our faith communities and our country.
U.S. Army Veteran · Staff Sergeant (SSG), Chaplain Assistant
Born in Pago Pago, American Samoa, Enele Lefano has served the Samoan Tribal Council of Alaska as a board member since June 2022. He brings 20 years of military service, years of small-business ownership and a long record of volunteer leadership across Anchorage.
Enele enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1995 as an infantryman and went on to serve in Korea, at Fort Lewis, Fort Bragg and Fort Benning, and in Alaska, as a team leader, squad leader, drill sergeant, recruiter and instructor. He deployed to Iraq twice and earned the Combat Infantryman Badge. With the Alaska Army National Guard he served as a Chaplain Assistant, including a year with Joint Task Force-Bravo in Honduras and on Military Funeral Honors teams across Alaska.
At home, he has owned and run local businesses, officiated youth and high school sports since 2008, and served on the boards of health, faith and Samoan community organizations. In 2026 he completed a Bachelor of Science in Business Management/Administration.
From infantry squad leader to Chaplain Assistant, U.S. Army and Alaska Army National Guard, 1995 to 2015.
Began service as an infantryman (11B) at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, then moved to Camp Casey, Korea.
Served at Fort Lewis, Washington, then returned to Korea at Camp Greaves and Camp Coiner as platoon leader, team leader, squad leader and drill sergeant.
Rifle squad leader, recruiter, instructor and assistant operations NCO at Fort Bragg, then squad leader, drill sergeant and observer controller at Fort Benning.
Assigned to Fort Richardson, Alaska, as an IAV commander, then to Fort Wainwright. Deployed to Iraq from December 2005 to November 2006.
Joined the Alaska Army National Guard and deployed to Iraq with Company B, 297th Support Battalion. Awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge in April 2008.
Supported pre-mobilization training, family programs and soldier health assessments. Completed the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School in 2009 and served on Military Funeral Honors teams in Fairbanks, Juneau, Nome, Tok and Shungnak.
Active duty as Chaplain Assistant at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Chaplain Assistant at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, caring for soldiers in recovery, until completing his service in January 2015.
Board service, small business and sports officiating that keep Enele close to the families STCOA serves.