Fallen soldiers’ flags returned to Iraq

By SSG FABIAN M. INDALECIO
Special for the Saipan Tribune

There was no day more special for Echo Company than last Dec. 15, 2005, when the two U.S. flags that were draped on the caskets of SSG Wilgene T. Lieto and CPL Derence W. Jack were returned to the fallen soldiers’ unit in Iraq.

Both CNMI soldiers were killed in action last Oct. 31 when an improvised explosive device went off under the Humvee they were driving. The two flag were hand-carried all the way back to Iraq by SGT Roman Benavente.

Today is Election Day here in Iraq and all of us are honored to select this day to raise the two U.S. flags that symbolizes the sovereign power of the United States of America in honor of our two heroes—Wil and Jack.

It’s 2:21pm and all of us are anxiously waiting for the first of two flags to be raised by 1SGT Joseph Santos, flanked by SSG Edward Pangelinan and SGT Frank Tudela, both holding the tailend of the flag that would first be hoisted up. I served as the one in charge of the flag detail.

The first flag was clipped on each end and 1SGT Santos slowly pulled the rope as SSG Pangelinian and SGT Tudela released the flag, both soldiers moved one step back, stood at attention and all members rendered a salute honoring their two departed brothers.

Alternating each hand, 1SGT Santos slowly pulled the rope and the flag started to graciously flap in the wind as if something came alive. We continued to stare at the gigantic flag, a very mesmerizing sight as it started its slow ascending movement to the top of the flagpole. The flags reached the top and 1SGT Santos secured the rope and proudly rendered his salute.

As I continued for a moment to stare at the flag above, I was hypnotized by its flapping, I discovered myself looking beyond the grayish spotted light blue sky in the background, visualizing Wil and Jack, as if both were looking down from above; my body was starting to be filled with sad emotions; reflecting on that fateful day. I began to think, “oh, man, I can’t imagine the feeling of the wife and family of our two brothers.”

At the top of the pole, a slight breeze barely lifted the gigantic flag and I would have to admit, I felt goose bumps during that moment.

Patiently waiting under the flag, we can’t help, but to talk about the moments we shared with Wil and Jack, sad to say, its all in the past now, but we will never forget them in our memories and prayers. Time has passed, I looked down at my wristwatch and its time to take down the first flag, I called out, “It’s time first sergeant!,” he stepped forward, unsecured the rope, as SSG Pangelinan and SGT Tudela stood at attention rendering salute, followed by the rest of the squad present; both ready to catch the slowly descending flag.

As it reached the bottom of the pole, SSG Pangelinan and SGT Tudela reached over for the tail of the flag to secure it; 1SG Santos unclipped the flag, and surrendered it for a proper folding. Both SSG Lieto and CPL Jack’s flags were raised respectively in the same manner; and it was flown by the members of the Echo Company, who are due to return next month after 18 months of deployment in Iraq.

Both flags were presented to Major Franklin R. Babauta, Commander of Echo Company, 100 Battalion, 442d Infantry, who will be bringing both flags home to Saipan for SSG Lieto’s and CPL Jack’s families.

Echo Company is honored to perform this task, a special request by Tiara Lieto and Melissa Jack, the wives of our friends and comrades who we sorely miss.