Homecoming For Island Warriors

Relatives waiting at the arrival lobby of Saipan International airport.

In the Northern Marianas, residents of Saipan went all out for the 85 returning reservists, all part of "Echo" company. Many firms sponsored "welcome home" signs that were draped along major roadways. And in addition to many private parties, the U.S. Army 9th Regional Readiness Command sponsored a "Welcome Home Warrior Citizens Award Ceremony."

Julie Lieto mother of fallen soldier Staff Sgt. Wilgene Lieto hugged a returning soldier while Gov. Benigno Fitial looks on.

At that ceremony, company commander Maj. Franklin Babauta was presented with a bronze medal for his "excellent performance as commander of the company." Brig. Gen. John Y.H. Ma, commander of the 9th Regional Readiness Command, called the troopers the "Pride of the Pacific."

Major Babauta recalled the tough mission in Iraq at the ceremony. "It is an experience that will remain with me the rest of my life."

In addition to Governor Benigno Fitial's reception for the soldiers and their families at Government House on Saipan, many businesses hosted parties for them. Roman Catholic Bishop Tomas A. Camacho also dedicated a special mass for the troops on Feb. 5th at Mt. Carmel Church, Saipan's largest house of worship.

The CNMI soldiers of Echo Company, 100th battalion, 442nd Infantry pose with Chalan Kanoa Bishop Tomas Camacho after the Thanksgiving Mass held at the Mt. Carmel Cathedral on Feb 5.

In all of the celebrations, two Saipan-based soldiers who died in Iraq, Staff Sgt. Wilgene T. Lieto and Spc. Derrence Jack, were often remembered. Staff Sgt. Lieteo's mother, Judy, was at the Saipan airport to welcome the first seven soldiers home on January 15. The rest followed several days later.

Lieto and Jack were the second and third soldiers from the Northern Marianas to die in Iraq. The first was Sgt. Yiji "Eddie" Chen, a member of the regular Army, who was killed in early 2005 and was buried at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

Meanwhile, in American Samoa, Governor Togiola Tulafono told the 100 returning soldiers of Bravo and Charlie companies, "You are truly heroes of Samoa - Toa o Samoa."

Their official welcome home ceremony on March 11 was attended by about 200 people.

"You have returned successfully. We are proud of you. You have put American Samoa on the top," Togiola told the soldiers. "Your service has brought honor to American Samoa, to your families, villages and community," he said. "You have brought glory to all of us."

Togiola's remarks were both heartfelt and deeply personal. One of his daughters, Otita Tulafono, served in Iraq as a reservist with other American Samoan troopers.

The empty seat, belonging to Staff Sgt. Frank Tiai who was killed last year while in Iraq, is surrounded by soldiers from his unit during the March 11th ceremony. [Photo: Ausage Mata’itusi]

During the Tutuila ceremonies, the death of Samoan soldier Staff Sgt. Frank Tia'i last July 17 while on patrol, was noted with sadness. Among the returning soldiers was an empty seat for Tiai. His medals of commendation were placed on the seat. His rifle was stood upright, muzzle down, with his combat helmet resting on the butt. It is a universal symbol of a soldier who died in combat.

"I think this is one of the saddest parts of this ceremony," family members told Pacific Magazine. "The death of Sgt. Tia'i affects all of our family and it brings home the reality of war overseas."

Brig. Gen. Ma, who also attended the American Samoa ceremony, told the gathering about the tasks the unit was responsible for while in Iraqi, such as conducting training, patrols and neutralizing terrorists cells.

Speaking on behalf of the Secretary of the Army, Fuga Tolani Teleso--who is the civilian aide to the secretary--suggested that the new Army Reserve Training Center in Tafuna be named the "Toa o Samoa."

There was no indication from Brig. Gen. Ma or other military officials if Pacific-based reservists will be called back to active duty. But some family members told Pacific Magazine that they are worried local reservists will be recalled as the war in Iraq continues.

"It's still a matter of worry for many of us," said one family member, who asked not be identified. "No one can tell for sure what will happen in the future."

Military officials said that about 25 soldiers from the local unit are preparing for "active component status" in the Army. Pacific Magazine is aware of at least five of them, who left American Samoa in February for the U.S. mainland to start training for active duty.

Lt. Col. Howard Sugai, the Honolulu-based spokesman for the U.S. Army Reserve, said in January that others reservists are also thinking about permanent active duty posts.