Reserve Center dedicated to fallen soldiers

The two buildings of the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Puerto Rico were dedicated yesterday to two CNMI soldiers who died in Iraq last year.

The somber ceremony for the new Staff Sergeant Wilgene Lieto Professional Development Facility and the Corporal Derence Jack Administration Support Facility was attended by relatives of the pair—both killed in action during a patrol mission in Balad, Iraq, on Oct. 31, 2005.

“We dedicate [these] federal buildings in honor of two very brave sons and brothers of the Marianas who fought gallantly for our freedom and for those of the Iraqi people. Let it serve as a reminder to soldiers and visitors alike that freedom comes at a high price,” said Maj. Franklin R. Babauta, the commander of Lieto and Jack’s company when they went to Iraq.

Babauta knew each soldier personally. Lieto was his brother’s godson and Jack was his brother-in-law. Babauta was in the operating room holding Lieto’s hand when the young soldier died.

The soldiers’ widows fought back tears to address the hundreds of people gathered for the dedication ceremony.

Tiara E. Lieto recalled the countless Saturday mornings she dropped off her late husband to the Army Reserve Center to attend training. “He would be decked out in his BDU, with all his gear ready in hand. His smile told it all, how proud he was to be a soldier and to serve with the best. I, too, was proud to be his wife, and to be the one dropping him off in these very grounds for his training duties. I miss those days,” Mrs. Lieto said.

She expressed full support for the ideals that her husband died for, and wished only the best for the soldiers who are still serving or will serve in Iraq.

Melisa T. Jack described the event as an “historical moment.” She thanked the Army for naming the facility in honor of her husband, and his brothers in arms for the times they spent with Jack.

Brig. Gen. John Y.H. Ma, commanding general of the 9th Regional Readiness Command and Pacific Army Reserve, flew in for the dedication ceremony. “I am honored to be here and to memorialize our two buildings…and to recognize two soldiers who epitomized the Army values and the warrior spirit,” Ma said.

Acting Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez, who recently signed two laws renaming streets in honor of the soldiers, also paid tribute to Lieto and Jack.

“To most of the people of our great nation, these two fine soldiers are just that—two fine and dedicated United States soldiers who gave their best and last in Operation Iraqi Freedom for the cause of national security and a safe world. That, in itself, is a legacy,” he said.

“But to the people of Saipan and our neighboring islands, Derence and Wilgene were also sons, husband, father, brother, classmate, co-worker, and friend. And that is why the dedication of these two buildings this morning means so much to us, so that in some way, their legacy of courage, valor and patriotism will remain real and present to those who knew them personally and to all the men and women of the Commonwealth who pass through these doors,” he added.