"In 2007, my mom passed away, I went home to pay my respects to her family. It was such an honor for me to do that," said Maj. McClellan Gaono-Taiese, mobilization plans officer, Missouri National Guard.
While Gaono was in Samoa, he found out his mother's family, Aiono, title of high chief in the village of Tutuila, was left unclaimed after her father died. To claim the title, someone in their bloodline would undergo a ceremony that includes a traditional Samoan tattoo.
High Chief Gaono explained the tattooing process.
