Dominador H. Manio Jr.

Dom was born in Bamban, Tarlac, Philippines on August 30, 1944, to Dominador Manio and Felicidad Hufana Manio. In 1957, his father, a career soldier, was assigned to Japan. The family lived there until he was transferred to Presidio, California.

Dom’s school years in California was not an easy time. He was teased because of his accent and eventually did not get along with others. Life at home was not easy either. With a sergeant’s pay and seven children to feed, money did not come in abundance.

At 17, Dom enlisted in the United States Army against his father’s wishes. In September 1961, he was sent to Monterey, California for his basic training. His first duty was at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky with Echo Company, 501st Battle Group 101st Airborne Division. He was selected Division Soldier of the Month in December 1962.

In 1968, he was chosen to attend the Officers Candidate School in Fort Benning, Georgia. It was a rigorous and hard 23 weeks when he was put in all kinds of situations to build his character, skills, and competency as an officer. After graduating from OCS, he became one of the TAC Officers for the 53rd OCS Company. From 1970-1972, he joined the Company Tactics Committee in Fort Benning, Georgia. He taught Infantry Officers how to survive. With the ending of the Vietnam War, Dom received his pink slip. This did not deter him from continuing his illustrious army career.

Although he was no longer an officer, he continued as an enlisted man. He served as a Black Hat for the Airborne Jump School. Here, he formed a strong bond with his commanders, and they encouraged him to pursue his college degree. With high recommendations from his commanders, he was accepted in the Boot Strap program where he earned his Business Degree from Columbus College, now Columbus State University (CSU), in 1975.

After Boot Strap, he was sent to Boston, Massachusetts as a National Guard Advisor. He was well liked and received commendations and high evaluations. He was nominated as Training Operations NCO of the year in 1978 for the 94th US Army Reserve. Meanwhile, Dom was pursuing his Master’s Degree from Western New England College, Springfield, Massachusetts.

His last duty station was a Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. He was the First Sergeant of Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry. His company received commendations and awards such as Honor Company in 1979 and again in 1980. He was loved by his men and his commanders. Because of his outstanding and remarkable job, Lt. Col. Virgil Cook and Gen. Rothisberger nominated him for Legion of Merit. This was an honor that was well deserved. In September 1981, he retired as a soldier. In 1991, his rank of Captain was restored and was promoted to Major.

Besides the Legion of Merit, the following are some of his awards: Commendation Medal with first Oak Leaf Cluster 1966-1968, Bronze Star-Meritorious Achievement in ground operations against Hostile Force in the Republic of Vietnam 4 November 65-3 Nov 66, Army Commendation Medal with V device for Heroism in the Republic of Vietnam 3 July 66, Senior parachutist Badge 1962, Jumpmaster 1963.

Not to sit on his laurels, he pursued a career in teaching and administration. It was not easy to be selected as an administrator, but he fortified himself with education so he could qualify, worked hard, and had a remarkable relationship with peers and supervisors. He realized his dream when he became principal of St. Patrick's School. He worked for years as a paid principal and worked gratis the rest of the 7 years. He believed in giving Catholic Education for every Catholic child and would do creative things with tuition payments to achieve it. With his strong belief in the Catholic faith, he served as a Eucharistic Minister, and served on Our Lady of Lourdes Board. He was a Grand Knight (1019) in 1986 and (1145) Our Lady of Lourdes in 1993. He received the Christ the King Award, the highest award given by the Diocese of Mobile. He spearheaded several projects that support educational excellence and community involvement to better the life of everyone. He led the committee that planned and implemented the first Teacher of the Year Gala within Muscogee County.

Dom’s commitment to public educational excellence is matched by his involvement in our community to enhance the appreciation of our cultural diversity. In 1989, he founded the Filipino American Association to play a larger role in the community and to enhance the community’s understanding of diversity and its importance to our future. It was his vision to unite the Filipinos in order to share the rich culture we have and to play a major role in the community. This organization has thrived.

A man of conviction, Dom channeled his energy, not only in key administrative roles in the Muscogee County School District, but in roles that promoted diversity. He founded the Asian Pacific Alliance (APA), which sponsored scholarships for Columbus State University students. The APA played a significant role in promoting cultural diversity and as a voting bloc.

Dom received a B.S. Business Administration, Columbus College 1975; M.B.A., Western New England College, Springfield, MA, 1978; B.S. Ed. (Middle School Grades), Columbus College, 1984; Ed.S. (Administration Principal (N-12), Troy State University, 1991.

Other professional Memberships included: National Association for Secondary School Principals, Kappa Delta Pi 1983-2007, Chapter President at Troy State University, 1988-1990, Knights of Columbus (Catholic Men), 1973-present.

Positions in School Administration include: Vice Principal Russell County Junior High School, Phenix City, Alabama, 1990-1991; Assistant Principal, Marshall Middle School, Columbus, Georgia, 1994-1997; Assistant Principal Spencer High School, Columbus, Georgia 1997-2001; Assistant Principal and Building Administrator, Daniel Alternative Middle School, Columbus, Georgia, 2001; Principal, St. Patrick School, Phenix City, Alabama, 2007-2014.

Dom was married to Hildagine for 54 years. They met here in Columbus, Georgia while he was a Tac Officer. They have two children; Robert M. Manio and Virginia M. (Bill) Wansley.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother, brothers; George (Florence) Manio and Robert Manio, and sister; Evelyn Manio. Surviving brothers are Jeremiah (Melanie) Manio and Eddie Manio. Sisters are Jane (Jon) Weis and Marie (Mauricio) Miller.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Dom’s life, the family asks that charitable donations to be made to the scholarship created in his name at Columbus State University (Columbus State Giving). The link is https://almabase.columbusstate.edu/g/main-giving-page

A visitation with a rosary for Dominador will be held Thursday, December 28, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary 3770 Hwy. 431 North Phenix City, AL. A funeral mass will occur Friday, December 29, 2023 at 11:30 AM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1502 Broad St., Phenix City, Alabama 36875. An interment with military honors will occur Friday, December 29, 2023 at 1:30 PM at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, 553 AL-165, Fort Mitchell, Alabama 36856.

Dominador will be laid to rest in Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, 553 Hwy 165, Fort Mitchell, Alabama 36875.