2 NMI casualties loom over Veterans Week

Military and Veterans Affairs executive officer Ruth Coleman couldn’t help but get emotional while reading aloud a part of a proclamation declaring Nov. 3-12 as Veterans Week.

Coleman read parts of the proclamation and when she reached the part stating that families of those who never return from service have always lived with a profound sense of loss, Coleman paused, looked over her shoulder, and tried to recompose herself.

In a trembling voice, she tried to continue and said it is the community’s duty to remember what the veterans have done and that the community must always uphold the commitment it made to servicemen and their families.

Coleman said she got emotional in this part because suddenly she had a flashback of painful memories.

“I have been to two wars and I have seen people fight and suffer,” she said, again trying to control her tears.

She said the recent loss of CNMI soldiers Derence W. Jack and Wilgene Lieto made it harder for her to control her emotions. Coleman said Veterans Week would honor soldiers who fought for liberty, freedom, and democracy.

“Today we salute their service, honor their sacrifices, and honor them for supporting this nation in every hour of need,” part of the proclamation states.

Jack, 31, and Lieto, 28, were killed when a bomb blew up while they were on patrol in Balad, Iraq Monday night (Saipan time).

They were both due to come home in less than four months.

The two members of Echo Company were among the U.S. Army reservists called to active duty in August 2004. They left for a one-year tour of duty in Iraq in January 2005.

Jack was a Gualo Rai resident and worked as cash department manager at Bank of Guam. Lieto was a police officer from Tanapag. Initial reports showed that the two soldiers were on patrol when an improvised explosive device blew up and hit their vehicle Monday morning in Iraq (evening on Saipan).

Gov. Juan N. Babauta signed the proclamation in his office yesterday morning and in his brief message to the veterans and officers, acknowledged Coleman’s dedication and the groups that give high regard to the commitment of the veterans for freedom and peace.

He also said the loss of the soldiers in war-torn Iraq reminds the CNMI that there is “no greater loss than to lay down your life for another.”

Babauta said the two fallen soldiers would be honored on Veterans Day on Nov. 11 at the American Memorial Park’s Court of Honor. The governor is inviting the public to observe Veterans Week and attend the ceremonies to be given to the deserving veterans, especially from the CNMI, who fought for peace and liberty.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3457 director Barry Hirshbein, Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Bureau commander Edward Manalili, U.S. Coast Guard supervisor Greg Schultz, and Office of Insular Affairs field representative Jeff Schorr, among many others, attended the proclamation signing.