Please be advised that the Coconut Wireless, "Friends of Tonga" website, now over 160 pages long, has just added 31 pages of new pictures from the collection of Al Massinger (Tonga 11), Mike Breisted (Tonga 11) and 'Ane Lazaraton (Tonga 27). you can find the site at www.friendsoftonga.com
Any questions please contact Emile Hons (Tonga 14)

By Kathleen Cardenas (cache-mtc-aa07.proxy.aol.com - 64.12.116.11) on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 3:07 pm: Edit Post

Hi, After having read about the horrific murder of Deborah Gardner, I feel it needs to be said, that although this was a terrible event, it has not diminished the positives of what Tonga 11 did there in 1976. Yes, this story certainly needed to be told, so that such a travesty may never again be perpetrated by our government or its entities, but somehow, it does not seem altogether fair that all you are now being remembered for is this terrible event. Your work was, as I understand it, admirable, and there are those of us who will remember it that way, although we mourn the passing of your colleague and the subsequent mishandling of the event. Be well, and know that you are remembered fondly for your efforts on behalf of the Tongan people.

By Emile Hons (ord1ib01.generalgrowth.com - 216.52.133.15) on Friday, May 05, 2006 - 6:39 pm: Edit Post

Kathleen,
Thank you for your kind words. No doubt all the volunteers I knew back then worked hard to make a difference in Tonga. I see that more then ever in the Peace Corps volunteer of Tonga today. I have returned to Tonga several times over the last five years and I have been surprised each time to have old students come up to me to tell me how much they had enjoyed my classes. I'm more shocked that they remember me...I have changed substancially over the years...I think it's my nose. I was never sure in those days if I got their interest or not, but each time I go back I'm thrilled to hear unsolicited positive memories regarding my old classes at Tonga High School. I keep in touch with many of my old volunteer friends via the site I put together friendsoftonga.com and it seems that all of us have changed little over the years. Thanks again for your kind words and positive thoughts. I'm heading off to Tonga in July to deliver 5000 library books to Tonga High school and to have a beer or two and meet up with some old friends and memories.
Emile

By Patricia Van Horne (ip24-252-53-33.om.om.cox.net - 24.252.53.33) on Monday, June 05, 2006 - 3:12 pm: Edit Post

Emile

You are so lucky to be going back. I served in '97 and miss it. Have a safe trip!

Patty

pattyjvh@yahoo.com

By Tapuaki Ngaluafe (75.18.53.71) on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 - 5:56 pm: Edit Post

Looking for Nellie/Nelly Whelan, RPCV Vava'u, who served with husband Peter, (approx) 1969-1970.

An old Tongan friend of hers, Tapuaki Ngaluafe, is asking for her e-mail address.

She can contact Tapuaki directly at tngaluafe@yahoo.com.au.

Tapuaki now lives in Auckland, New Zealand. Her father, Moli, died in 2004 and her mother, Feao, died in 2008. Her brothers & sisters are Elenoa, Kalafi, 'Etueni, and Nauela. Nelly will know this family well.

Tapuaki would love to hear from Nelly.

By Lupe FolaumoetuiF (61.9.196.71) on Monday, February 18, 2013 - 11:45 pm: Edit Post

Hullo Mr Hons

My name is Lupe Fonua aka Folaumoetu'i. I was one of your students in your art class 75/76? I have fond memories of that class...all I could remember of you is your beard and your height. When we misbehaved, you sat us on a chair in front of the class with a sign hanging from the ceiling which said "dumb dumb chair" hahahaha - we wanted someone sat on that chair at each class...just to giggle n have fun. One of my friends had egged you on and you ended up chasing her all the way from Rm 18/19 with us following behind both of you to the top of the stairs.....'Evaloni (cheekies of the lot!!!) got caught up by you and rushed to the Principal's office......we ran back to class fearing it will be our turn next!!!! We had fun....always looking forward to your class.

Thank you for putting up with us hooligans. I came to the States in 1988 to visit my sister Siosi'ana in Sacramento and to think I drove pass St Bruno where you live!!! I now live in Australia with 4 children - married to a Tongan.

I'm so so glad to hear you have been back to Tonga since. Our class of 1975 had a class reunion last year - some of us are balding, some are greying, some have not heed the warnings of health professionals and put on inches around the waists but apart from these physical mishaps - we had a wonderful reunion. We plan to meet every x3 years in Tonga so the next reunion will be in 2015. You are most welcome to come, Mr Hons. We invited some of our old teachers but we will be happy to see you. We have scholarships for students who are orphan in Tonga Hight School and follow their school progress religiously. You can meet 'Evaloni then and make amends (hahahhah).

All the best for the future and God bless.

'Ofa atu
Lupe Fonua

By Lupe FolaumoetuiF (61.9.196.71) on Monday, February 18, 2013 - 11:47 pm: Edit Post

Hullo Mr Hons

My name is Lupe Fonua aka Folaumoetu'i. I was one of your students in your art class 75/76? I have fond memories of that class...all I could remember of you is your beard and your height. When we misbehaved, you sat us on a chair in front of the class with a sign hanging from the ceiling which said "dumb dumb chair" hahahaha - we wanted someone sat on that chair at each class...just to giggle n have fun. One of my friends had egged you on and you ended up chasing her all the way from Rm 18/19 with us following behind both of you to the top of the stairs.....'Evaloni (cheekies of the lot!!!) got caught up by you and rushed to the Principal's office......we ran back to class fearing it will be our turn next!!!! We had fun....always looking forward to your class.

Thank you for putting up with us hooligans. I came to the States in 1988 to visit my sister Siosi'ana in Sacramento and to think I drove pass St Bruno where you live!!! I now live in Australia with 4 children - married to a Tongan.

I'm so so glad to hear you have been back to Tonga since. Our class of 1975 had a class reunion last year - some of us are balding, some are greying, some have not heed the warnings of health professionals and put on inches around the waists but apart from these physical mishaps - we had a wonderful reunion. We plan to meet every x3 years in Tonga so the next reunion will be in 2015. You are most welcome to come, Mr Hons. We invited some of our old teachers but we will be happy to see you. We have scholarships for students who are orphan in Tonga Hight School and follow their school progress religiously. You can meet 'Evaloni then and make amends (hahahhah).

All the best for the future and God bless.

'Ofa atu
Lupe Fonua

By Michael Hassett (73.86.125.209) on Sunday, March 17, 2019 - 12:32 pm: Edit Post

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to let you know that there is a new Friends of Tonga group! We are an official 501c3 and NPCA affiliated group. We would love for you to join our community! Its free! https://www.friendsoftonga.org/cpages/join

We also have a Facebook page as well:
https://www.facebook.com/friendsoftonga/

Ofa atu,

Michael Hassett