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 "Sapper" Scholarship
PURPOSE
This memorial scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing technical, undergraduate, or professional degrees at accredited institutions. The committee selects distinguished candidates who personify the core values of Duty, Honor, and Country in memory of CSM Ioakimo and PV2 Jonathan I. Falaniko, who was killed in action in Baghdad, Iraq, on October 27, 2003.
LEGACY
The Falaniko "Sapper" Scholarship lovingly honors the memory of PV2 Jonathan I. Falaniko, the son of Maliana Falaniko and the late CSM Ioakimo "Niko" Falaniko.
In October 2003, after only a few months in the U.S. Army, PV2 Falaniko was tragically killed in action in Baghdad, Iraq. He was deployed alongside his father, who was then in his 26th year of devoted service. Bound by deep mutual pride and a shared purpose, father and son were blessed to spend a few final nights together, connecting with their family back home via video conference- a cherished moment CSM Falaniko remembered as one of his family's proudest. Both men remained steadfast in their commitment, bravely accepting the risks of answering their country's call. This scholarship preserves their legacy of Duty, Honor, Country, and Mission First, offering enduring inspiration and comfort to Engineer Regiment families all over the world.
SCOPE
Grants are awarded to students at accredited colleges, universities, or technical trade schools. Funds cover authorized academic expenses, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, and board; and are disbursed directly to the school's financial office.
FUNDING
Sustained by the Falaniko family, friends, and private donors, the fund awards two annual scholarships valued at $2,500 each. Applicants must complete all documentation independently.
ELIGIBILITY
Candidates must be the legal spouse or dependent child of a Sapper-tabbed member (Active, Guard, Reserve, or Veteran) who graduated from the Sapper Leader Course at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. The sponsor's rank must be between E-5 and O-6.
-
Gold Star Families: Strongly encouraged to apply.
-
Dependent Children: Must be unmarried and under age 24 (includes legally adopted children).
-
Spouses: Must be legally married at application time (surviving spouses are eligible if not remarried).
-
Sapper Tab Qualification: The sponsor must have completed the course or be a tabbed Sapper killed in combat or training operations.
-
Exclusion: Current-year LTG (R) Robert B. Flowers Scholarship recipients are ineligible.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Submissions undergo a formal annual review. The final deadline for all materials is March 20th. Apply via the application icon provided on the portal or email president@sappersfirst.org for inquiries.
REQUIREMENTS
Application
Applicants must submit a one-page original essay detailing how they "Make a Difference" through positive leadership. You must also provide:
-
Academic Transcripts: Current grade report verifying academic standing.
-
Verification of Service: Formal letters from a volunteer coordinator certifying active community service with a recognized charity.
-
Evidence of Character: Documentation reflecting sound moral character.
-
Disbursement: Checks are sent directly to the academic institution only.
-
A short 1 minute video on the importance and impact of receiving this award.
DONATIONS
Contributions can be submitted through the secure online portal by selecting the DONATE icon. To ensure correct allocation, designate "The CSM (R) Ioakimo and PV2 Jonathan I. Falaniko Scholarship Fund" in the donation instructions field.