28, of Saipan, Marianas Islands of the Pacific.
Lieto died in Balad, Iraq when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during patrol operations. He was assigned to the Army Reserve's 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry, 29th Brigade Combat Team, Barrigada, Guam. Died on October 31, 2005.
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"I've missed you so much. I miss our trips and long walks on the beach. I would trade anything just to see you once more my love. Most of all I wish you were here to watch Junior turn into the man I know you'd be proud of. He continues to wear the necklace you left for him and cherishes it. I wish he would have met you, so he would know how much of an amazing man and father you are. Save us a seat in Heaven! I love you mi amor"
-Solene
"BROTHER YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!!
GO FOR BROKE!
BATTALION MORTARS DET 1 HHC 100TH BN 442D INF REG"
Watanabe of Hilo, HI
"Thinking of you always, especially during this somber Memorial Day. We love you. Forever in our hearts. 053016"
Your nen of Talaabwogh, Saipan
"10-31-15
My precious Nen. I can still hear your distinct and comical laugh piercing through my ears. Though it's been 10 years since the good Lord chose to bring you home, the life you lived and the memories we've shared continues to resonate deep within my heart. Our precious Boy and Ling are an amazing reflection of how blessed we are. We love and miss you dearly. Always and forever in our hearts!"
Your Nen of Saipan
"05-25-15
Thinking of you always, especially this Memorial Day. How our precious angels have grown...helping me clean your resting place for today's special day. We love and miss you so!!!"
Your Nen of Talaabwogh
"Thinking of you, Wil. We will never forget. Our hearts still grieve and we miss you dearly. You've earned your beautiful wings up in Heaven. We love you always and forever. Until we meet again, Prim. Please hug and kiss Mom, Dad, Wilben and my Dad for us! XOXO"
Mem of Saipan, CNMI
"23rd of November, 2014-
It's been 9 years & 23 days without you, daddy. I'm still staying strong for you. I love & miss you always."
Your daughter, Calia. of Tanapag, Saipan
"Dearest Wilgene, you are forever loved and missed immensely. Our childhood memories lift my spirits whenever I think of you. Thank you for being our hero and our inspiration!!! I love you, brother!
Si Pumpkin~"
J. Kapileo of Arizona
"05-26-14
Thinking of you always, Nen! We love and miss you so much! Forever in our hearts!"
Your nen, Boboy, and Ling of Talaabwogh
"Happy Valentines, Nen! I miss you so much!!! The kids miss you so much!!! We love you!!! Forever in our hearts...."
Your Nen, 02-14-14
"Brother Wil,
A good man, best leader and will always remember you and Jeff. My prayers goes out to you, family and friends in Saipan and other places."
ReignMan of Vancouver, WA
"October 2012
It's been 7 years without you here at home and with us. Thinking of, missing, and loving you always! You are, and always will be, forever in our hearts, Nen!"
Your nen, Ti
"To the family of:Wilgene T. Lieto
I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015.
Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga""
"Always and forever in our hearts! I miss you! We all miss and love you!!!"
Your nen, Ti of Tanapag, Saipan
"All I can do, is wish, I was there next to you Brother! I miss you Wil! Til we meet again... Have are beer cold and the grill ready when my time comes bro!"
Ed T. S. of Saipan
"I miss you so much daddy .Thank you for loving me.And helping me.Thank you for loving us."
Wilgene your son of Tanapag,Saipan
"Wil, my beloved Godbrother.. It's been 6 months since you passed. & I want to say I miss you so much! I'm taking care of your daughter, we have a blast together. Wil, you are SAIPAN'S HEROE & ecspecially, MY HEROE. I'm glad I have a Godbrother like you. You will always be in my heart no matter what. Half of my heart is in heaven with you & the family. Hope to see you soon Wil..
GO FOR BROKE!!
Miss you so much. 3"
Amalina of Tanapag, Saipan
"Sorry for your loss, Just looking for family, we have the same last name, just would like to know if we are related. debi_37@hotmail.com"
Debbie of staten island ny
"To our brother in combat. We will never forget you and Cpl Jack. I will never forget that day too. May GOD be with you and you're forever in our hearts and minds.
"GO FOR BROKE""
SGT Reyes of Saipan
"Hey brother, I have not stopped thinking about you or your family. I sit and think of you everytime I crack open a beer, and put a chew in. You will always be in my heart along with your family."
SSG David Earls of Fort Hood, Texas
"I dedicated my facebook status today for a fallen Hero. Wilgene Tudela Lieto was assigned as mine. Thank you for your bravery. I prayed for your family at 3pm today in remembrance of your sacrifice. God Bless!!"
Stephanie Youngblood of Birmingham, AL
"Wil
I'll never forget you, man! You always had a smile on your face, no matter how bad things were in country. All your little side comments always got me laughing I would forget where we were. You are one of a kind, Sarge! I know you knew how much I respected and enjoyed your leadership. I will never forget you, brother. You are greatly missed!"
Dan of Saipan, CNMI
"Our prayers to the family of Staff Sergeant Wilgene Lieto. A hero, who made the ultimate sacrifice, he will never be forgotten! Our thoughts and prayers and may God bless you."
John and Kathy of Columbus, GA
"Wil! Miss you bro! I miss all the pranks you pulled, the jokes you told, and the person you are. You are a great man, brother, and you are truly missed. Thank you for your service. You will never be forgotten. GO FOR BROKE, BRO!"
Chris of Saipan
"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Kenna of Manti, Utah USA
"September 30, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Wilgene T. Lieto:
Wilgene gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV
"Uncle Wilgene I still pray that you are in heaven and that the family back home is safe. I know what you have fought for and I thank you deeply for that. My dream was to join the marines and fight for saipan and my family, but now all that has changed. Knowing how it feels to grief over a loss I dont think I can go through with it.My love will remain here for you and my soul will always thank you deeply. REST IN PEACE!! I will always be thinking of you....GOD BLESS"
Britton Jace MAfnas Cruz of garapan, Saipan
"Dear brother,
I am very proud of you. You have made me a better man since you were around. Now that you were called to heaven, I understand that I will have to do what we talked about and that was to better my family as well. You will always be in our hearts and memories. We will always love you. And when it's my turn to go to war, I ask you to please be by my side as you always have. ADIOS CHE'LU"
Kojak and family of Saipan, MP
"Hagu Che'lu hu!!! Thank you for all the good fun we had. You are always in my heart, you were always there to cheer me up when I'm down, I mean just about everything. Wil, I know you are watching over your family and friends. Go for Broke Che'lu!!!!"
Debuguy of Las Vegas, Nv
"ha Bro,
Today is Memorial day.I was thinking about you and jack as I do every day since I got back. You and all the other guys of Eco. taught me so much about good things in life family, sticky rice, beetle nut. I miss all of you guys but you and jack the most. I feel as though I came out of Iraq a better man because you was and still are part of my life. I am on my way back down there for another tour. I am going to church today for you and jack. May you rest in peace Bro. GO FOR BROKE!!!!"
SGT David L. Randolph (Rock) of Graff. Gremany
"Wilgene,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other soldier who was also killed in that blast for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Go For Broke!(442nd Inf. Motto)"
"Wilgene,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other soldier who was also killed in that blast for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Go For Broke!(442nd Inf. Motto)"
"To the Lieto Family, I send my deepest feelings for your family. I served with him that year. He and I would heckle one another whenever we seen each other in the housing area there on Balad. I had gone by his room to mess with him and was told by his room-mate what had happened. I was very upset that I didn't get to spend more time with him before hand and truly missed him after the attack. I still think about him each and every day. I have just recently found this website as well as a website to order a KIA bracelet in honor of him. Although we didn't know one another very well I considered him a good friend. I have ordered the bracelet with his information on it and do wear it in honor of him and his memory. Being a former Marine now serving in the Army...I must say that the Marine Corps would have been proud of all that he done and stood for. Semper-Fi SSgt. Wilgene T. Lieto. YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN..."
Stanley Sharp of Ft. Sill, OK
"Wil will always be in my heart and memory. I sit and think about the times that we would look for beetle nut, fing one and split it, and chew together. The jokes you would play on me and the fun we had at bliss, and hawaii. You were always there for me and we always had a laugh about something. Your chimahowlie brother will always remember you. To your family, Wil was a brave man that sacrificed alot for freedom of others and you all also have sacrificed alot also by him being over there. My prayers are with you all. I was honored to serve with him in Echo Company 100/442"
david earls of knoxville, tennessee
"To Wilgene's Family, I am so sorry for your loss, you are in our prayers. Wilgene, you are a true HERO. Thank you Wilgene for all you have done for us. God Bless you Wilgene and God Bless your family."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York
"To the +LIETO+ family of Tanapag...
We lost 2 heroes at once..we were all suprised and we ached for days...my condolences to you all! I salute your son, brother, husband, cousin, uncle, nephew, and good friend as a good hero..he fought for our freedom and for the peace of those who needed help! A brave hero is someone that our family can depend on..and we just lost one~+WILGENE+~ you'll always remain in our hearts and forever be our hero!"
EDILYNN BENJAMIN of CAPITOL HILL, SAIPAN
"Ay Wil! Man, it's because of YOU that I became a better person. You treated me like a little brother.Those times you brought me to the basketball court to teach me how to play.You are my hero. You are SAIPAN'S HERO. I could just imagine you and Jeff being taken into Heaven.After you left us, there has been a void in my heart that cannot be patched up.When you left us, half of my heart was taken into Heaven. Thank you Wil."Hooah""
Si Mik of Saipan,CNMI
"Wilgene,
I missed those lunch hours we played basketball at the NMC gym. You and your cop friends made the games more competetive with your presence. I enjoyed the moments playing with you guys, and the " trash talk" we all shared on the basketball court. I must admit that I did most of the trash talking but it didn't work because your team still won. It was all fun and healthy. Hearing of your demise along with my brother Jeff's shocked me beyond anything I've experienced before. The day of your passing was my own personal 9-11. I will never forget the moment the news reached me, and how I reacted. My whole world turned upside down. I searched for answers only to remember the famous quote of yesterday "only the best die young". May your journey be guided by God's loving hands until the day we meet again on another basketball court in the promised land. This time the real Lebron will be there to show us how the game is really played. Till we meet again buddy."
Si " Lebron" of NMC - Saipan
"How do we say "Thank You" to a HERO like Wilgene Tudela Lieto? How do we say "Thank You" to all his Loved Ones in his life, his wife, children, parents, in-laws, sisters, brothers, uncles, aunties, nieces, nephews, friends, all who knew him, and God, for him to lay his life down, so we can all live...the greatest deed in deed. Let's not live our lives in vain, nor take our freedom for granted. Thank you, Wilgene. Our prayers always to your families and friends.
From a Fellow Soldier."
si, Ed of Saipan, Mariana Islands
"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness,
and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief.
Our nations HERO, Wilgene will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless you ALWAYS.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "
"TO THE LIETO FAMILY FROMTHE WAHL FAMILY. MY TEARS NEVER STOP FLOWING FOR MY SON GREGORY. WILGENE, I AM DEEPLY SADDEN MORE SO OF YOUR NEWS! FOR IT BRINGS BACK TEARS. TEARS THAT I SHARED FOR MY SON KIA BALAD, IRAQ 05-03-04. AN TODAY THOSE TEARS ARE WITH WILGENE. YOU HAVE NOT DIED IN VAIN WILGENE! YOU ARE A HERO TO YOUR PEOPLE AND ALL OF AMERICA! THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY AND FOR BEING AMILITARY BROTHER TO OUR SON; AS HE WAS TO YOU! YOU ARE SOMEONE'S SOMEONE AND YOU ARE SOMEONE TO THE WAHL FAMILY. MY HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH WILGENE AND HIS FAMILY. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY
"Thank you Wilgene Lieto, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios
"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Wilgene Lieto:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Wilgene for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada
"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Wilgene Lieto:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Wilgene, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia