Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Staff Sgt. Frank Tiai

45, of Pago Pago, American Samoa.
Tiai died in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his position. He was assigned to the Army Reserve's 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry, Fort Shafter, Hawaii. Died on July 17, 2005.

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"To the family of Staff Sgt. Frank Tiai,
Frank was such a wonderful man. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about him. I like you miss him.
I was honored to serve in the same brigade with him. When ever we changed locations we would find each other. He was such a motivator, mentor and confidant to me.
I am so sorry I could not do more on that fateful day seven years ago. I did every thing I could and wish I could have done more. I was with him in the end. He was a man of honor right to the end.
I think of him every day and he will be with me for the rest of my life. My prayers are with you. He will not be forgotten. Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever."
Adam Coble of Kearney Nebraska

"To the family of:Frank Tiai
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""

"Uncle, O oe lava o le Toa. Thank You for your sacrifice. You are missed and you will never be forgotten."
Zelda Mageo- La'ulusa of Pago Pago, American Samoa

"”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 1,750 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!
Mothers of our heroes, please be aware that the Project Compassion sponsors will now help cover the costs of the portraits for you to have one - regardless if the spouse of the hero has one or not!
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 bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Project Compassion
P.O. Box 153
Manti, Utah 84642"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"I want to send out my deepest sympathies to the family of SSG Tiai. Never have I known of a man that has touched so many lives... so respected and loved, by both young and old. Absolutely EVERYONE that I have ever met, that has had the honor of knowing you, EVERYONE speaks of you with love. When your name leaves our lips our eyes travel far away. To a time and place when we were blessed by you, and a gentle memory makes them just stare for a moment, and smile. Never will you be forgotten, Never will you be anything but a HERO to all of us... a for real kine HERO. I keep your name around my wrist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I have for years, and I don't wish to ever take it off. EVERYDAY I remember those last moments, and even now years later, I cry, like tonight. I don't know brother... I just WISH sometimes that I could've done something more, ANYTHING, or that I never do enough, ya know? I will never forget, NEVER forget you brother ...O ka maluhia ia oe.
-SSG STERLING D. BEAIR
COMBAT MEDIC
C Co. (MED) 29th BCT"
SSG Sterling D beair of Honolulu, HI

"ua malo le tau ua malie o ua maimau ai aupega o le taua auauna lelei ma le faamaoni ulufale mai ile manuia o lou tama"
Ieremia siio of America samoa Leloaloa

"I commanded C Co 100-442 IN from Oct 2003 to July 2006. I was Frank's commander in Iraq and can say without a doubt that he was one of the most professional and respected NCOs I have worked with in my 23 years in the Army. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of him and his sacrifice. Brother Frank...you are missed, Toa O Samoa.

Charlie HOOAH!!!
Go For Broke!

Former Cobra 6"
MAJ Byron Douglas Hill of Austin, TX

"July 11, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Frank Tiai:
Frank 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

"Dear Talo, Rambo & Foaga,E le galo lava lo oulua alofa, talofa e, ia Falani.Words are never enough to express how sorry we feel for yr great loss even though it is nearly two years since he passed away.I weeped when I found out about a wk later.Big brother Frank was a hero and is always a hero in my heart.I always think of you and the kids. Ps give my love to all the fam in Pagapago.Best regards and love - Garry Shane $Pela Edwards"
pela edwards of Australia

"He was a great man, he will not be forgotten!"
Doc_Ox of Hawaii

"THANK YOU LORD FOR BRINGING FRANK IN OUR LIVES ,THANK YOU FRANK FOR YOU SERVICES THANK YOU FOR BEING MY HERO YOU WERE SO GOOD TO ME WHEN WE BECAME FRIENDS ,SORRY FOR THE BAD TIMES AND THE HARD TIMES THAT IGAVE YOU WHEN YOU WERE ALIVE .TO THE WIFE AND THE LOVELY KIDS I PRAY FOR YOUR LOSS YOUR LOSS ISOUR LOSS TOO .THANK FOR YOUR HUSBAND FOR HIS COMMITMENT TO HIS PEOPLE AND HIS COUNTRY.MAY THE LORD BE WITH YOU FRANK AND ALSO YOUR FAMILY.WITH RESPECT AND LOVE."
TAFA.F. of NEW YORK.

"Frank was a very social man and he was so loving and kind ,i will always remember him in my heart ,he loves his family and he loves his samoan people. He is a very humble person and you can always count on him if you needed him ,frank you will always be miss in our hearts .May the Lord be with your family as you are gone .May you rest in peace and happiness.i miss you in life .I will cherish the good times and also the bad times .My prayes will always be with your family.Peace be with you . LOVE."
Stein.M of U.S.A.

"To the family of dear friend , Frank, be strong ,Frank is with his Father above.My prayers will always with you ,and your children.Frank was a very strong man, and he was a very freindly man that I know .He is now in heaven and let us all have his memories lived.May GOD bless you,Talosaga,and your kids,Frank will never be forgotten.WITH LOVE AND GRATITUDE."
AIGA> MISA. of texas.

"thank you mr.tia'i for your sacrifice....we love you from the bottom of our hearts....
a great man indeed!"
one love of nuuuli, american samoa

"We thought of you with love today
But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday
And days before that too.

We think of you in silence
We often speak your name.

Now all we have are memories
And your picture in a frame.

Your memory is our keepsake
With which we'll never part

God has you in His keeping
We have you in our Heart.

"They gave their lives so that we, and others, shall be free.""
SPC Leaana of Lawton, Oklahoma

"talofa lava im venus Tava'e i would like to send my condolence to mafutaga and the kids especially to home boy faga i can feel the pain that you all facing now we are all in the same pain now. you may rest in peace ssg.tia'i you will be miss by many...."
venus tava'e of fagaalu

"Frank my brother not a day goes by that I don't think of you. We met so many years ago when we were in the 100/442 infantry together training in Australia, we developed a frienship and a closeness that brothers share thru the years. My memories take me back to times we shared when ever we would see each other and your smile that always comes to mind.I still have the LavaLava and 1 of your dog tags you gave me so long ago, I also have pictures of you and I during different training times when the Battalion would get together.I miss you and I know that the Lord must have really needed you, I look forward to the day that we meet again. May the Lord continue to bless your family and all who new and served with you. Aloha Pumehana God Bless, Mitch"
SSG Mitch Ryder of Hilo, Hawaii

"talofa lava uncle! i know you're reading this as i'm typing it down. i wish i was there for your final day. it's not fair for you to leave all your loved ones behind too soon, but i guess God has different plans for each one of us. i wish there was something i could do, but let's just leave it up to the Lord for he has the power to make everything possible and impossible. have a safe trip to the real world and we will always pray for you. we luv you and i wish i would've gotten to know u better. much love from my parents, siblings and the rest of the aiga. ......"
SPC Christina Auva'a of Samoa (currently in Iraq)

"WHERE DOES FRANK TIAI LIVED?"
TRINA TAGALOA of FITIUTA MANUA

"MO LE TINA IA TALOSAGA MA LE FANAU PELEINA... O MATOU TALOSAGA A MATOU MA USO MA TUAGANE MAI LE TATOU MOTU I AMERIKA SAMOA O LO'O MATOU DEPLOY FA'ATASI MAI I'INEI I IRAQ, E MANATUA ATU AI PEA LA OUTOU AIGA ONA O LE TU'UMALO O LE TAMA PELEINA IA FRANK TIA'I... UA MALO TAU IA OE LE TAMA... IA O LEA O LE A FA'AAUAU ATU E MATOU LE TATOU GALUEGA... MAY UR SOUL REST IN PEACE N SEE U AT DE OTHER SIDE STAFF SERGEANT TIA'I..."
PV2 TAIIVAO, SUSANA T. of FORT HOOD, TEXAS/ F.O.B WARHORSE, BAQUBAH, IRAQ

"HEAVENLY FATHER IS ALWAYS BY YOUR SIDE AT ALL TIMES. YOU ARE NEVER ALONE!"
ILENA ANNASTAS TALATAINA of TAFUNA, AM. SAMOA

"Thank you for your services. your death and others will serve as lessons that freedom of choice, comes at a painful cost. RIP"
Trybe of West Jordan Utah/USA

""TOA O SAMOA"
UA MALO TOA UA MALO TAU...
"SSG. FRANK TIA'I

My condolences goes out to the Tia'i family of Pago, especially to Mrs. Talosaga Tia'i and her kids. I may not know SSG. Tia'i but i knew another part of him, who change my life, he is Faga his son. Faga or Rambo as many know him by, was my partner in crime through thick and thin he has indeed change my life. When the tragic news of our hero "SSG. Tia'i" reach our island of Samoa our people were yet burden with another fallen soldier. To the families and friends who knew him dearly may the Lord give you comfort as you grieve the lost of a great son, father, and friend. All my love to Mrs. Talosaga and her kids. May the good Lord comfort you as you try to go on with your lives, just know that he is in a better place and be happy that he is indeed one of the soldiers serving in the army of the Lord. Rambo, your heart is as big as your father, and you are as brave as he is. Be strong and have courage for your mother and sister really needs it. All the love to you and your family!!!"
Ms.Tyrell of American Samoa

"Frank Tiai, you are a HERO! Your family should be really proud of you, especially SAMOA! Thanks for saving our lives!!"
Karin Vailili of Arizona

"SSG Frank Tia'i will always live on in our memories, and in our hearts. I am really going to miss seeing his smile at every drill and his jokes at every AT. May he rest in Peace, and may our Heavenly Father continue to bless Mrs. Talosaga Tia'i and the children with the strength that they need to go on with their lives. SSG Tia'i may not be here physically, but his spirit and legacy lives on through everyone whose lives he has touched. He is a TRUE HERO, and have paid for freedom with the the ultimate sacrifice. Ua malie toa, Ua malo tau. Ua i'u iate oe le tausinioga. Malo le tau Toa o Samoa. Ia manuia lau malaga.

Alofa'aga from SGT Lise Tia and the Tia Family"
SGT Lise Tia of Balad, Iraq Originally from American Samoa

"I DIDNT KNOW SSG FRANK, BUT I KNOW HE'S A GREAT AMERICAN. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIM AND ALL THAT MOURN HIS LOST.
GOD BLESS"
Jason McCormick of Birmingham, Al

"Samoan Poem

Roses are red,
SAMOAN are brown,
TAHTS MY PISUPO,
So put it down!!

My SAMOAN pride,
I will not hide.
My SAMOAN race,
I will not disgrace.
My SAMOAN blood,
Flows hot & true.

My SAMOAN people will always stand by,
Through thick & thin,
Til' the day we die.

Our SAMOAN flag,
Higher than all the rest,
Cuz everyone knows,
SAMOANS ARE THE BEST!!

SAMOAN pride is my mind.
SAMOAN blood is my kind.
So step aside and let me through,
Cuz its all about the SAMOAN crew.

Life sucks and then u die,
But if you SAMOAN you die with pride!!"
Faauuga Tufono of Belton,MO

"Samoan Poem

Roses are red,
THATS MY PISUPO,
So put it down!!

My SAMOAN pride,
I will not hide.
My SAMOAN race,
I will not disgrace.
My SAMOAN blood,
Flows hot & true.

My SAMOAN people will always stand by,
Through thick & thin,
Til' the day we die.

Our SAMOAN flag,
Higher than all the rest,
Cuz everyone knows,
SAMOANS ARE THE BEST!!

SAMOAN pride is my mind.
SAMOAN blood is my kind.
So step aside and let me through,
Cuz its all about the SAMOAN crew.

Life sucks and then u die,
But if you SAMOAN you die with pride!!"
Faauuga Tufono of Belton,MO

"To The Tiai Family,
May The Good Lord Bless The Soul Of Our Hero...Frank Tiai.May He Rest In Peace.To His Wife,Children & Family...God Is With Him & We Cant Imagine How Painful It Is To Lose A Husband,a Father,a Brother,Uncle & Friend But We Hope God Is Comforting All Of You Each Days.Frank You Will Never Be Fogotten You Maybe Absent From The Body But You Are Present In Our Hearts.We Love You & May You Forever Be Blessed.Deepest Sympathy To Mrs.Talosaga Tiai & Children Also The Tiai Family Of Pago Pago...May God Bless Frank Tiai & May He Rest In Peace...We Are Forever Grateful For The Things You've Done.
Love,
Kisiueta & Allice Tufono"
Allice Tufono of Belton,MO

"To the Tiai family,
Our heartfelt condolences to you for the loss of your beloved FRANK. May the Angels watch over and surround you as you try to heal.
FRANK - Thank you for your service to our country. You will always be remembered as an American Hero and we celebrate your life. God's Speed young warrior."
--Sharon & Craig Erwin of Oregon, United States of America

"Our thoughts and love maybe a distance away..But Talosaga our dear cousin and your children Rambo and Foafoaga remember our thoughts are with you.
Cousin Staff Sgt Tiai you promoted and fought for peace for man kind and humanity "Manuia Lou Malaga.

Love always
Nancy(Maina) and Family,Alice(Vae) and Family,Foafoaga and Family, Kesia and Family,Siaki(Jack) and Family and most of all Dad and Mum and all of the Tautaiolefua Family in New Zealand"
Foafoaga of New Zealand

"You are truly missed, and always honored in our hearts. I can't believe you are gone, it's been so long since we've seen you, and now....all we have is the great memories and knowing that you are in a better place. We've missed you Frank, and we'll never forget you. Much love to the Family. Be strong, he is watching over us all."
Your 2nd Family of Fort Ord, California

"To the family, wife, and children of Falagi Tia'i - May God bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time. God Bless Falangi for the sacrifice he made for his family and his country. He is truly a hero."
Mele & family of Marina, CA

"Knowing you as we grew up in our childhood days and the happy times we had, brings me fond memories of you. As we grew older and went our separate ways, god layed out different paths for us. The ultimate sacrifice you made personally declared a courages individual you were. You will never be forgotten for the service you rendered. Peace be upon you and your family. May god's presence brings soothing healing to your wife and children and may god's grace and love guide and comfort your family through these hard times."
Your friend forever: Nana G. Muasau of Anchorage, Alaska

"I remember SSG Tia'i as I used to be a member of the 100th BN, 442nd Infantry in American Samoa. He was a hardcore soldier and always made us laugh with his sense of humor, which kept us going during drills and AT's. You will not be forgotten uso. Malo le tautua. Ia manuia lau malaga. Ia fa'amafanafana le Ali'i i le aiga fa'anoanoa.

Soifua,"
PFC Alaimalo, Lloyd M. 208th TC USAR of Tucson, AZ

"The Salute


To those who have died,
And to those who have cried.
We Salute You.

To those who have lost,
Paid the ultimate cost.
We Salute You.

And to those who still serve,
The Red White and Blue.
Our grateful Nation,
Proudly Salutes You.""
Tom Balstad of West Warwick, RI

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. America will forever honor your Hero.
The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the sacrifice that was made and we will NEVER FORGET.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry mays of Massillon, Ohio

"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. Your HERO, Frank will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

""Christ Above All"! Talosaga, Faga and Foaga, o Iesu Keriso o le tumutumu o mea uma. Remember him with love as we do with all our soldiers that have fallen.

"Ua Malie Toa ua Malo le Tau". Our Samoan Rambo to the max. Sole, you are one HERO that will be remembered with laughter and admiration around here on island. Falagi as he is known around our close knit family-church community was well known for always being on the get go during family and church functions. Hmmm...I guess Bob will be guiding traffic now come your special day bro.

A hard core soldier who would perform up to standards no matter what state he is in. I remember his face and his favorite phrase when he wants something done,oh! and especially when he's running late from work..."Se sis, se fai mai ka mea ga..."

To the extended family of Frank Tiai, you are all in our prayers. Lupe and Tia'i, Tina, Sine, Lia'i and all, Falagi has been called to direct traffic and keep things in order in a much better place.

Freedom isn't free...for our soldiers paid the ultimate price with their lives in order for other nations to experience and live and freely as we do.

"Toa o Samoa"

Alofaaga mai ia Talosia and Kids, Esau Jr and family, Rev. Orekene and Nilla, Joe and Feato, Nor and Mose, Lene and Tika, Pelupelu and sista soljah Esau."
Ielino A. Esau of Pago Pago, American Samoa

"FRANK TIAI ONE GREAT AMERICAN! YOU HAVE ANSWERED A CALLING TO SERVE THE MILITARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. REALITY IS FRANK, THE PERCENTAGE OF ALL AMERICAN'S.......DO NOT ANSWER THAT CALL. THIS IN IT SELF MADE'S YOU THE ELITE, AND AMERICA HERO! FRANK YOUR FAMILY IS HURTING FROM YOUR LOST. YOUR FAMILY IS NOT ALONE. WE LOST OUR SON GREGORY LAST YEAR. HE SERVED ALONG SIDE OF YOU AS YOU DID WITH HIM. YOU BOTH HAD NOT KNOWN ONE ANOTHER. YET, YOU BOTH KNEW THAT AS SOLDIERS YOU ARE BROTHER'S. ONE'S THAT PROTECT OVER ONE ANOTHER AND EACH OTHER'S UNIT. YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN YOUR LIFE IN VAIN FRANK. YOU HELPED FIGHT TERRORISM IN THE WORLD, GIVEN THOSE IN IRAQ HOPE, AND MADE AMERICA ALOT SAFER SINCE 911. YOU ARE A HERO IN THE ISLANDS AND A HERO HERE IN THE STATE'S. YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY, TOMORROW AND FOREVER NEVER EVER TO BE FORGOTTEN FRANK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MY HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"A salute to you Frank for making the ultimate sacrifice. All though we had never met, the conversations that we had recently I feel that I have truely lost a brother. To the Tia'i family we are all in your debt. God Bless"
BOB of Fort Worth Tx/USA

"To Sgt. Tiai's Family, I wish to offer my deepest condolences to you. Your Frank is a true American Hero who always will be remembered and honored. May God Bless you all."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"Tua and family, I was deeply saddened when I received notification of Frank's sacrifice. I am sorry. His commitment to his country is one to admire and I salute him for his service. Undoubtedly, he is a HERO and will not be forgotten!"
Angela Turman of Ft. Worth, Texas

"Thank you Frank Tiai, 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. Frank Tiai:
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 Frank 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. Frank Tiai:
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 Frank, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on