THE SAPPER ASSOCIATION
The Cutting Edge of our Country's Sword!
When our Nation needs a tough job done, they call the Army; When the Army needs a tough job done, they call the Sappers!
- LTG (R) Robert B. Flowers
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Bronze Star
Purple Heart
January 30, 1983
October 27, 2003
Gold Star Family
THE FALANIKO FAMILY "SAPPER" SCHOLARSHIP
PURPOSE
The Falaniko Family "Sapper" Scholarship serves as a memorial to the selfless service and ultimate sacrifice of CSM Ioakimo and Private Second Class Jonathan I. Falaniko. Assigned to A Company, 70th Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Division, PV2 Falaniko was killed in action in Baghdad, Iraq, on October 27, 2003.
This scholarship provides financial assistance to qualified candidates pursuing technical, undergraduate, or professional degrees at accredited institutions. The Scholarship Committee prioritizes applicants who demonstrate exceptional character and personify the core values of Duty, Honor, and Country. Each year, the committee evaluates all submissions to select the most distinguished candidates to receive this honor in memory of CSM (R) Falaniko and his son PV2 Falaniko’s legacy.
LEGACY
The Falaniko "Sapper" Scholarship honors the memory of Private Second Class Jonathan I. Falaniko, son of the late CSM Ioakimo "Niko" and his wife Maliana Falaniko.
PV2 Falaniko was killed in action near the Khadra Police Station in Baghdad on October 27, 2003, having served only a few months in the U.S. Army. His death occurred during a deployment where he served alongside his father, then a Command Sergeant Major in his 26th year of service.
The bond between father and son was defined by shared professional purpose and mutual pride. In October 2003, they were able to spend two nights together and connect with their family via video conference—a moment CSM Falaniko later described as one of his family's proudest. Both men remained steadfast in their commitment, recognizing the inherent risks of their chosen profession.
This scholarship serves as a testament to their shared legacy of Duty, Honor, Country, and Mission First, serving as an enduring inspiration to the Soldiers and families within the Engineer Regiment.
SCOPE
This scholarship provides a financial grant to students enrolled in accredited colleges, universities, or technical trade schools. Awarded funds are designated for authorized academic expenses—including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and room and board—and are disbursed directly to the attending institution’s financial office.
FUNDING
The scholarship fund is sustained through the generous contributions of the Falaniko family, friends, and private donors. Annually, the committee awards two scholarships, each valued at $2,500. To maintain academic integrity and demonstrate personal accountability, all applicants are required to complete the submission documentation independently.
ELIGIBILITY
Candidates for the late CSM (R) Ioakimo and PV2 Jonathan I. Falaniko "Sapper" Scholarship must be the legal spouse or dependent child of a Sapper-tabbed service member (Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, or Veteran) who graduated from the U.S. Army Sapper Leader Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Sponsor must hold a rank between E-5 and O-6.
Gold Star families are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Dependent Children: Must be unmarried and under the age of 24 for the duration of the academic year. This includes legally adopted children.
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Spouses: Must be legally married to the Sapper at the time of application; surviving spouses remain eligible provided they have not remarried.
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Sapper Tab Qualification: The sponsor must have successfully completed the Sapper Leader Course; be a tabbed Sapper killed in combat or during training operations.
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Exclusions: Recipients of the LTG (R) Robert B. Flowers Scholarship are ineligible for the Falaniko Scholarship within the same academic year.
APPLICATION PROCESS
All submissions undergo a formal review in accordance with the annual application cycle. The deadline for receipt of all materials is March 20th. Interested candidates may apply via the application icon provided or contact sapperassoc@gmail.com for detailed procedural inquiries.
Application
REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must submit an original, one-page essay articulating how they "Make a Difference" through positive leadership within their community and in the lives of others.
In addition to maintaining enrollment at an accredited academic institution or professional training program, candidates must provide:
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Academic Transcripts: A current grade report verifying academic standing.
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Verification of Service: Formal letters from volunteer coordinator's certifying active engagement in community service with recognized charitable organization's.
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Evidence of Character: Documentation or standing reflecting sound moral character in both academic and civic contexts.
Please refer to the official Scholarship Application for a comprehensive list of supplemental requirements.
DONATIONS
Contributions to the Essayons Scholarship Funds may be submitted through our secure online portal by selecting the DONATE icon. To ensure your gift is correctly allocated, please designate "The CSM (R) Ioakimo and PV2 Jonathan I. Falaniko Scholarship Fund" in the donation instructions field.