‘They will tell us to stay the course’

Editor’s Note: The following is the speech delivered by Echo Company commander Maj. Franklin R. Babauta during the memorial service for SSG Wilgene Lieto and CPL Derrence Jack on Nov. 5, 2005 at the Sustainer Theatre, LSA Anaconda, Balad, Iraq.

As I was preparing to write my speech, I did not know where to begin. It was very hard for me because I know the two soldiers personally.

We are here today to honor our two fallen brothers, SSG Wilgene Lieto and CPL Derrence Jack. As you may know they were both from Saipan out in the Marianas chain of islands. Saipan is a small community with over 50,000 people. Most of the residents there know each other very well. We live a simple life of taking care of our children, respecting our elders and keeping with traditions and customs. Most of us would never have thought that we would have been affected by the war here in Iraq. Till one day when we got the call. It was right before the 4th of July, which was the island’s liberation’s day.

We all gathered together at the reserve center and prepared for the long trip over here. We all kissed and hugged our families and friends and promised to keep safe and take good care of each other and return once the job was done.

As I looked back, I did not recall any of our soldiers trying to find reasons not to go. It made me happy to be their commander. I looked at each soldier and every family member and assured them that their sons, husbands and fathers will get the best training and that I would look after each of them.

Our purpose for this ceremony is two-fold. First, we must come face to face with the grim reality of war. Two of the world’s finest soldiers, SSG Lieto and CPL Jack, will not return home with us. The secondary purpose of this ceremony is reflect on the sacrifices made by SSG Lieto and CPL Jack and consider how their sacrifice has forever influenced our lives.

Today, I believe, that if they were among us, they would tell us to continue on with the fight. That if they were here with us today, that they would want each and every one of us to stay focused and be strong and steady to the end.

If our two brothers were here today, they would tell us not to carry the load of guilt or regret. They understand and continue to support us and simply ask us not to forget them.

Your prayers, your comforting words and your acts of kindness have meant a great deal to us and the families at home.

On behalf of the families, they would like to thank you all for coming to this Memorial Service. We will never forget you.

Si Yuus Ma’ase.