Loney died on Sept. 5 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 William Douglass, and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Alexander I. Kozlov.
Speaking on behalf of FSM President Emanuel Mori, Chigiyal said: “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.”
According to Douglass, “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 Sgt. Michael Crisolo provided the citation of awards.
Crisolo then assisted Kozlov with the presentation of the awards to Loney’s wife, Flora Poll Loney, and father, 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.
