Comrades play taps for Lieto, Jack

BALAD, Iraq—Soldiers from the 100th Battalion, 29th BCT, and other units recently joined the Echo Company for a memorial service that was held for SSG Wilgene Lieto and SPC Jack Derence on Nov. 5 at the Sustainer Theatre of the LSA Anaconda in Balad.

The theater was crowded and soldiers not lucky enough to get a seat were standing outside and milling inside the theater lobby, waiting patiently for the ceremony to begin. Everyone’s emotion was so tangible that I didn’t see a soldier smiling on that day.

The theater was filled with sympathy and good words for our fallen comrades. I could sense the grief in everyone’s hearts so I moved slowly and respectfully among them and took photos of the somber event. The crowd was silent as the sergeant major of the 100th Battalion called out for the ceremony to begin.

I continued to take few more photos as I listened to the chaplain and ranking officers speak. After a brief lull, Echo Company commander Maj. Franklin Babauta stood up and walked to the podium, took out his speech from his pocket and began reading it. You could easily sense that it was not his usual voice. He was trying very hard to read his speech audibly and it was obvious that he was trying not to let his emotions get the better of him. The short speech probably felt like an eternity for him.

Major Babauta then returned to his assigned seat and sat down with his head in his hands. As I looked around, scanning to take a few more photos, I noticed some soldiers—Echo Company and those from other units—with a film of tears in their eyes.

A dedicated slide show of Lieto and Jack was also shown and everyone’s eyes were glued to the gigantic screen. I could sense that everyone was still in disbelief that our comrades were not with us anymore. The ceremony went far longer than I expected, as if everyone wanted to stay and listen. Island religious songs were sung as everyone quietly sat and absorbed the comforting beat of the music.

When the master of the ceremony signaled for the 21-gun salute details to begin, everyone stood up on the command of attention and waited, an island song playing in the background, bringing with it memories of home. Company First Sgt. Joseph Santos then made the roll call. He stepped in front of the high theater stage and thundered, “Company, attention!” Everyone’s shoulder snapped straighter and waited for their names to be called.

“Sergeant First Class Robert,” Santos shouted. “Go for broke, first sergeant,” shouted SFC Robert back.

“Sgt Towai!” “Go for broke, first sergeant!” echoed Towai.

“Specialist Olopai!” “ Go for broke, first sergeant!” replied Olopai.

Santos then shouted, “Staff Sergeant Lieto!” The room fell silent. I could see the first sergeant struggling to call out the name again, as if he was going to break into tears.

“Staff Sergeant Lieto, Wilgene!” Still another round of silence.

“Staff Sergeant Lieto, Wilgene Tudela!” he repeated, calling out Lieto’s full name. I could see that the first sergeant was painfully trying to finish the roll call. The ringing silence was painful to the ears.

Santos then called out: “Corporal Jack,” calling out the name of our departed brother. Again, a painful silence greeted him. “Corporal Jack Derence!” The first sergeant was now shouting at the top of his lungs. “Corporal Jack Derence Weilbacher!” It was almost unbearable, definitely the saddest moment of the memorial service.

The order to fire the 21-gun salute was then shouted and the theater room was filled with the loud echoes of gunshots. I was jolted back and couldn’t help but notice one soldier nearby with his eyes closed, his thoughts obviously on memories of our fallen comrades, Derence and Wilgene.

Everyone remained at attention as the trumpet outside the theatre played taps. Dignitaries, high-ranking officers, Echo Company, and other units, one by one marched in front of the two rifle-helmet display and rendered a salute to honor Lieto and Jack.

As everyone marched outside the theater, all of us were embracing and shaking hands, exchanging words of condolence and telling good stories of our two fallen heroes that will forever last in our hearts.

Go for broke and God bless you SSG Wilgene T. Lieto and SPC Derence W Jack. (By SSGT Fabian Indalecio, Special to the Saipan Tribune)