Fallen soldiers remembered for valor, kindness

The two local soldiers who died in Iraq last year were remembered Saturday for their bravery and kind spirit.

Amid the grief, family members and commanders talked about the pride they had in the late Staff Sergeant Wilgene T. Lieto and Corporal Derence W. Jack, both killed during a patrol mission in Balad, Iraq on Oct. 31, 2005.

“There are many things for which SSG Lieto and CPL Jack will be remembered, but what we will never forget was their dedication to help others and their commitment to their missions. Regardless of how difficult the tasks assigned to them, I have never once heard either one of them complain. Quitting was never an option for them when others have thought of giving up,” Major Franklin R. Babauta said during the dedication of the U.S. Army Reserve buildings in Puerto Rico to the two soldiers.

Babauta, who was Jack and Lieto’s company commander when they were deployed to Iraq, also remembered the pair for their good character.

“[Wilgene] was a role model to many, including his children and his four sisters. He wanted to further his education so that he could provide a better life for himself and his family,” he said.

“Jeff, on the other hand, wanted to relocate to the States and eventually return to his homeland, Pohnpei. From the moment he enlisted, CPL Jack treated his fellow soldiers with dignity, grace and respect. He was willing to take the time to help others. He was a trustworthy individual with his quiet, humble spirit, and generous heart,” he added.

Brig. Gen. John Y.H. Ma, commanding general of the 9th Regional Readiness Command and Pacific Army Reserve, also paid tribute to Lieto and Jack’s loyalty to the Army.

“Like their fellow Chamorro and Carolinian soldiers, they were the quiet professionals, allowing their actions to do the talking. They went about their business without complaints and always looked after their fellow soldiers—Echo Company was a tight group, a band of brothers,” Ma said.

Tiara Lieto remembered her husband’s commitment to his military duties and the pride he felt about being a soldier. She said Lieto was always happy to go on training.

“After training, Wilgene would come home all drained out and tired, sweaty and all, but still beaming with a smile from ear to ear. You could sense the pride he had and that sense of accomplishment in him,” Mrs. Lieto said. “Although training was always very grueling and draining, he was never too tired to be a father, to be a husband.”

For her part, Melissa Jack said that being a part of the Army was a dream fulfilled for her husband. “We lost one of the most beautiful hearts, the most perfect man,” she said.