Whenever times got tough and Jesse Tuivaive was struggling with a challenge in his life, all he had to think about for motivation was the plight of 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the U.S. Army.

The Washington High School Air Force JROTC cadet saw a documentary on television profiling the unit, which was comprised entirely of Japanese Americans. The unit fought primarily in Europe during World War II, even though the families of many of its soldiers were subject to internment.

The 442nd was a self-sufficient fighting force, and fought with uncommon distinction in Italy, southern France and Germany. The unit became the most highly decorated regiment in the history of the United States armed forces, including 21 Medal of Honor recipients.

"Those guys were my idols," said Tuivaive.

Today, the unit is the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry, and is the only infantry unit of the Army Reserve. The battalion headquarters is at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, with subordinate units based in Hilo, American Samoa, Saipan and Guam. The only military presence in American Samoa consists of the Battalion's B and C companies.

Also hailing from American Samoa, Tuivaive feels a strong connection to the unit. The Washington High senior added another link recently, as he accepted an invitation to attend West Point in the fall.

"This is what I want to do," Tuivaive said of becoming an Army infantry officer. "It's the only thing I see myself comfortable doing. It's going to be great to learn something new every day."

It's also something he's dreamed about since he was a young child. Tuivaive has uncles in the Army, and all have had positive experiences.

"I want some of that in my life," he said.

Tuivaive already has a plethora of leadership experience under his belt. He was a four-year starter in football and team captain last three years as well as a squadron commander within the JROTC unit last year.

He also helped establish the armed drill team this year.

"He's been a leader since the beginning," said Col. John Pardo, the school's senior aerospace science instructor and commander of the unit.

Pardo and Tuivaive have established a strong bond during their four years together. Tuivaive said he has learned several leadership lessons from his instructor, including how to live by a set of values and lead by example.

"He's like a dad to all of us," the senior said.

It has also been a huge benefit to learn from someone who's experienced life at a service academy.

"It's great because I have a lot of resources and support," Tuivaive said.

That includes his mother, Tammy, who works as a para-educator.

"She's been helping me stay away from all of the negative influences out there," he said.

Tuivaive is the first cadet in Pardo's four-year tenure as commander to attend a service academy. He intends to give it everything he's got.

"I'm open to the challenge," the senior said. "Give me the chance and I'll complete any task."

Currently there is a high demand in the Army for officers of Samoan descent. Pardo knows his cadet will make a great officer.

"(His academy acceptance) reaffirms that good things are within the bounds of those who want to work for it," he said.