1st Lt. Nainoa Keali`ihokuhelelani Hoe
August 28, 1977 ~ January 22, 2005
"...there are some men whose brilliance in boyhood and early manhood dazzles their
contemporaries and become a legend. It is not that they are precocious, for precocity rarely charms,
but that for every sphere of life they have the proper complement of gifts, and finish each stage so
that it remains behind them like a satisfying work of art.
Sometimes the curtain drops suddenly, the daylight goes out of the picture, and the promise of
youth dulls into a dreary middle age of success, or it may be of failure and cynicism. But for the
chosen few, like Nainoa, there is no disillusionment. They march on into life with a boyish grace,
and their high noon keeps all the freshness of the morning.
Certainly to his cradle the good faeries brought every dower. They gave him great beauty of person;
the gift of winning speech; a mind that mastered readily whatever it cared to master; poetry and the
love of all beautiful things; a magic to draw friends to him; a heart as tender as it was brave. One
gift was withheld from him - length of years."
Pilgrim's Way 1940
Fewer words have so poignantly defined our Nations Heroes as the poem written to honor the brave young
airmen who flew in defense of freedom in the English skies during the Battle of Britain.
Sixty-five years later, it seems those words were written specifically for our heroes of today who proudly
answer our Nations call to battle the forces of evil.
United States Army 1Lt. Nainoa K. Hoe, was killed in action on January 22, 2005 while serving as the Platoon
Leader of 2nd Platoon, Charley Company, 3rd Battalion 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry
Division, (Tropic Lighting), Stryker Brigade Combat Team, in Mosul, Iraq.
Nainoa was a remarkable young man who loved life and was honored to have the opportunity to serve his
country in the proud tradition of his ancestors.
Nainoa is best described by the men who stood at his side in battle:
“…The first thing I thought was, “great just what I need a few months before combat, an LT fresh from IOBC
who knows everything.” LT Hoe wasn’t like that. He fit right in with the personality of the platoon. It was later
that he shared that the first time he met the squad leaders and me he thought “what have I gotten myself into,
these guys are out of control.” He quickly learned that the platoon trained as hard as we played, he was not
only one of the best platoon leaders I have ever served with, but he was also a friend.” ~SFC Corey Myers~
“…What can you say about a man who cared about his men, his country and his family as deeply as he did. He
inspired the un-inspirable, and motivated the un-movable. He brought men of different backgrounds and
different outlooks together into a team that had a single purpose and a united goal. From the newest soldier,
to the most seasoned non-commissioned officer, he could relate to them all and inspire them to exceed their
potential.
Take away the Army, the Ranger Tab, his Airborne Wings, or any of his other accomplishments, and one would
still find a truly genuine person. Nainoa was well versed in politics, adept in history and the proud tradition of
the Army. He exuded confidence and sound judgment in battle, lightheartedness and joy of life in the
presence of friends and family. He could turn lemons into lemonade with a smile, and soften a harsh situation
with a joke. He loved his job, and was proud to be a soldier.” ~1Lt. Phillip Fassieux ~
“…I heard from a mutual friend who said Nainoa Hoe was being assigned to 3/21 Infantry. I immediately asked,
“if he was a good dude or not.” I will never forget his answer; “Nainoa was the best leader he has ever met.”
Nainoa was fiercely competitive, yet never micromanaged his soldiers. He trusted and empowered his NCO’s
and allowed his men to succeed and fail on their own merits. He never accepted credit for his men’s
accomplishments, and never deflected the blame for any deficiencies his platoon encountered. His men were
the most important thing to him both in training and in combat.
Nainoa led from the front in Mosul, no matter the mission, 1LT Hoe would be in the first Stryker vehicle leading
his men or right up front with the lead element in a dismounted patrol. He never asked his men to do anything
he would never do first himself. He was not out seeking glory or spotlighting he was just doing what he knew
was right leading from the front.
I will never forget my last conversation with him Veterans Day 2004. Mosul erupted in violence and 1st Platoon
had its mission. Nainoa stopped me on my way out the gate which was odd. We usually spoke after missions
not before. “…hey be careful out there, it’s getting kind of crazy.” I looked at him confused and said, “hey
brother don’t worry about me I am good.” Nainoa was worried because that was his nature; he was not only
worried about his men but his friends as well. I was wounded later that day and EVACED back to the states.
That last simple conversation would be the last time I would ever speak to my friend.
Every Veterans day for the rest of my life I will remember 1st LT Nainoa Hoe. I will ponder the question “where
does America get men like Nainoa Hoe,” men of honor, courage, who put the welfare of all others above
himself. I recall a speech given by COL Ralph Puckett in which he stated, “that once America stops being the
home of the brave we will no longer be the land of the free.” 1Lt Nainoa Hoe is proof that America is the home
of the brave and will always be the land of the free. No greater tribute is given to the man once described as
the “best leader I have ever met.” Nainoa I am going miss you.” ~CPT Darren Glenn~
“…In speaking about the personality of the men he would lead I informed him that 2nd Platoon would be
successful no matter what, his challenge was to be value added; not dragged along for the ride.
Value added…what an understatement. Nainoa took charge and never looked back. He was the perfect man
for the job and he was a natural fit. He earned the respect and trust of his men, his peers, and superiors.
Everyone saw the same man. If you asked a private to describe Nainoa you would get the same description as
the Battalion Commander.
I was always amazed and admired Nainoa’s maturity. He was truly wise beyond his years and everyone felt
comfortable talking to him or taking direction from him. Nainoa always remained calm and I never saw him lose
his cool.
Our grief and sadness is for ourselves in many ways. We know that our lives will not be as complete now that
we come to terms with the fact that Nainoa can no longer be a part of them. We will truly miss his presence
and that is terribly painful.
I will miss his sense of humor
-poignant comments that often came from no where, but always captured the situation perfectly
-his perfect imitation of SFC Ruiz “moving north now, moving north now”
I will miss his pride
-Pride in his Hawaiian heritage
-Pride in service
-Not only his own, but his families incredible legacy of service to the country
-Pride in his men and his unit
-He would absolutely glow when talking about the men in his platoon and their achievements
I could describe his qualities forever; to reflect on his loss you think of hopes unfulfilled and goals
unaccomplished, but that would be a mistake. We must focus on what Nainoa accomplished during his time
with us. He served his country proudly like his father before him in Vietnam and his brother Nakoa currently;
and he left an indelible mark on everyone who served with him, accomplishments that would take most 3
lifetimes to achieve. Nainoa’s impact will be felt for years and his spirit kept alive by those fortunate enough
to know him.
It is truly an honor to say that I served with Nainoa.” ~CPT Rob Born~
You can find out more about this terrific son, husband, brother, fellow warrior and friend by doing a “google
search” or a “yahoo search” on the internet. “Nainoa Hoe”
Mahalo for your interest in Nainoa’s “My Hero” magnet in remembrance of not only Nainoa’s sacrifice but also
the service and sacrifice of all of our Country’s brave young men and women in uniform who risk their lives
daily for the freedoms we take for granted. Celebrate and treat each one as “My Hero.”
Allen K. Hoe,
Proud Father
Additional Postings:
11/22/05
I've had 5 platoon leaders and only one of them came close to being as great as 1Lt. Hoe was. I don't think that
i will ever have another platoon leader as good as him. To be a great leader you have to know what motivates
each and every one of your soldiers. From the lowest ranking private to the platoon sergeant. He knew how to
motivate each and every one of us. During combat he never ever paniced when we came under fire. It is an
honor to have served under 1Lt. Hoe. I hope to see you again bratha.
Spc. Hadley
11/30/05
He was a great friend and leader I would follow him any where. 2-6 this is 2-4 Red con one, anywhere any time.
It was a privilege and an honor to serve with him. I know that he watches over us and guides us everyday. I
am so thankful to be able to visit his home and pay tribute to him, thank you to all who have made this
possible. Emily he is watching over you, you are truly the ipodomey of military spouse. We miss him every day.
Always in support the "maggot lord" 2-4
SSG Birdseye
Eulogy to a Fallen Soldier
In a blaze of fire and light that I couldn’t see
You left without seeing my face
Your body fed the flowers that bloomed.
Your soul watered our faces
And evaporated to glory.
Your brother inherited your spirit
Your father carries your burdens
And your mother stores regret in her purse.
The stranger that you would have met has a
memory behind her ear
Where she can’t see it.
By Ashley Raethel
January 22, 2006
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I will never forget my brother, my friend, my comrade, my platoon leader...He will always be in my memories and
in my family's thoughts and prayers and prayers for his family and especially his younger brother Nakoa. This is
a the best way to remember our heroes, so they may never be forgotten...SSG.Moreno; C2-3, 'A Brother'
Hank Moreno
---------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't know your son 1Lt. Nainoa. You have my heartfelt sympathy. I lost my nephew Sgt. Michael Marzano May
7,2005 in Haditha. I know the emptiness you feel. May God give us the strength to go on with our lives as I
know that's what our loved ones would want us to do.
Sally Homer Proud Aunt of Sgt. Michael Marzano
--------------------------------------------------------
Hello Nainoa, It's been a while since I have said hello to you, or smiled back at your photo on my computer, or
on my desk. I still feel your presence...strong, compassionate, endearing, a leader of men..born to be a hero
and a great man from the first day you took a breath on this earth. Have peace and know your good works will
carry on through the lives you have touched. Thank you for touching my life. Diana
----------------------------------------------------------
To the Family of NAINOA K. HOE
,
“…….that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation,
under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people,
shall not perish from the earth.”
Nainoa gave “the last full measure of devotion” to this cause….this Freedom that Lincoln talked about….believing
that it was something worth going to the other side of the world to defend. He recognized that freedom is not a
uniquely American ideal. He knew that the desire to be free burns in the breast of every man of every nation. It is a
divine spark that excites human passions like nothing else. It caused East Germans to take the chance of going
across the Berlin Wall. It fueled the Solidarity revolution in Poland. It incited the Patriots in Boston and
Philadelphia to shake their fists in the face of a king and take their destiny into their own hands.
Nainoa paid the terrible price that Freedom sometimes exacts. I know that your grief and pain must be
crushing. I know that the words of a stranger provide little comfort for your loss. Let me share with you what an
American that you do know thought about Nainoa even before he was born……
“…….. And what sort of soldiers are those you are to lead? Are they reliable? Are they brave? Are they capable of
victory? Their story is known to all of you. It is the story of the American man-at-arms. My estimate of him was
formed on the battlefield many, many years ago, and has never changed. I regarded him then as I regard him now
-- as one of the world's noblest figures, not only as one of the finest military characters, but also as one of the most
stainless. His name and fame are the birthright of every American citizen. In his youth and strength, his love and
loyalty, he gave all that mortality can give.
He needs no eulogy from me or from any other man. He has written his own history and written it in red on his
enemy's breast. But when I think of his patience under adversity, of his courage under fire, and of his modesty in
victory, I am filled with an emotion of admiration I cannot put into words. He belongs to history as furnishing one
of the greatest examples of successful patriotism. He belongs to posterity as the instructor of future generations in
the principles of liberty and freedom. He belongs to the present, to us, by his virtues and by his achievements. In
20 campaigns, on a hundred battlefields, around a thousand campfires, I have witnessed that enduring fortitude,
that patriotic self-abnegation, and that invincible determination which have carved his statue in the hearts of his
people. From one end of the world to the other he has drained deep the chalice of courage.
The soldier, above all other men, is required to practice the greatest act of religious training -- sacrifice.
In battle and in the face of danger and death, he discloses those divine attributes which his Maker gave when he
created man in his own image. No physical courage and no brute instinct can take the place of the Divine help
which alone can sustain him.
However horrible the incidents of war may be, the soldier who is called upon to offer and to give his life for his
country is the noblest development of mankind……”General of the Army Douglas MacArthur Address to the
Corps of Cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, 12 May, 1962
Nainoa, young as he was, understood something that many men twice his age fail to grasp; FREEDOM ISN’T
FREE!! There are evil men in this world that would take our freedom from us and plunge us into a 7th century
Islamic theocracy. Nainoa stood on the wall and shouted NOT ON MY WATCH!! What a magnificent young man!
How proud you must be to know that you produced a young man of such sterling character and undaunted
courage!
Now he rests in honored glory. He shares the rest of eternity with our Savior, in whom his faith was well placed. He
is at complete and total peace. The burden remains for us to go forward without him. Though your pain is
overwhelming and breathtaking, please be assured that THIS American Family loves you and thanks you for
sacrificing your son on the altar of Freedom on our behalf. I hope that I can be the kind of man, as a Father, a
husband, and as a citizen of the Republic that Nainoa died defending, that is worthy of this sacrifice.
God bless you, and may his grace and mercy envelop you for all your days here. May you know his peace that
surpasses all understanding, and may you take some small comfort in knowing that you will see Nainoa again in a
short while.
My warmest Regards,
Joseph Norman and Family
P.S. Please visit http://www.fallenheroesproject.org/ Mike Reagan is a wonderful Patriot who has a very special
gift to share with you.
August 28, 1977 ~ January 22, 2005
"...there are some men whose brilliance in boyhood and early manhood dazzles their
contemporaries and become a legend. It is not that they are precocious, for precocity rarely charms,
but that for every sphere of life they have the proper complement of gifts, and finish each stage so
that it remains behind them like a satisfying work of art.
Sometimes the curtain drops suddenly, the daylight goes out of the picture, and the promise of
youth dulls into a dreary middle age of success, or it may be of failure and cynicism. But for the
chosen few, like Nainoa, there is no disillusionment. They march on into life with a boyish grace,
and their high noon keeps all the freshness of the morning.
Certainly to his cradle the good faeries brought every dower. They gave him great beauty of person;
the gift of winning speech; a mind that mastered readily whatever it cared to master; poetry and the
love of all beautiful things; a magic to draw friends to him; a heart as tender as it was brave. One
gift was withheld from him - length of years."
Pilgrim's Way 1940
Fewer words have so poignantly defined our Nations Heroes as the poem written to honor the brave young
airmen who flew in defense of freedom in the English skies during the Battle of Britain.
Sixty-five years later, it seems those words were written specifically for our heroes of today who proudly
answer our Nations call to battle the forces of evil.
United States Army 1Lt. Nainoa K. Hoe, was killed in action on January 22, 2005 while serving as the Platoon
Leader of 2nd Platoon, Charley Company, 3rd Battalion 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry
Division, (Tropic Lighting), Stryker Brigade Combat Team, in Mosul, Iraq.
Nainoa was a remarkable young man who loved life and was honored to have the opportunity to serve his
country in the proud tradition of his ancestors.
Nainoa is best described by the men who stood at his side in battle:
“…The first thing I thought was, “great just what I need a few months before combat, an LT fresh from IOBC
who knows everything.” LT Hoe wasn’t like that. He fit right in with the personality of the platoon. It was later
that he shared that the first time he met the squad leaders and me he thought “what have I gotten myself into,
these guys are out of control.” He quickly learned that the platoon trained as hard as we played, he was not
only one of the best platoon leaders I have ever served with, but he was also a friend.” ~SFC Corey Myers~
“…What can you say about a man who cared about his men, his country and his family as deeply as he did. He
inspired the un-inspirable, and motivated the un-movable. He brought men of different backgrounds and
different outlooks together into a team that had a single purpose and a united goal. From the newest soldier,
to the most seasoned non-commissioned officer, he could relate to them all and inspire them to exceed their
potential.
Take away the Army, the Ranger Tab, his Airborne Wings, or any of his other accomplishments, and one would
still find a truly genuine person. Nainoa was well versed in politics, adept in history and the proud tradition of
the Army. He exuded confidence and sound judgment in battle, lightheartedness and joy of life in the
presence of friends and family. He could turn lemons into lemonade with a smile, and soften a harsh situation
with a joke. He loved his job, and was proud to be a soldier.” ~1Lt. Phillip Fassieux ~
“…I heard from a mutual friend who said Nainoa Hoe was being assigned to 3/21 Infantry. I immediately asked,
“if he was a good dude or not.” I will never forget his answer; “Nainoa was the best leader he has ever met.”
Nainoa was fiercely competitive, yet never micromanaged his soldiers. He trusted and empowered his NCO’s
and allowed his men to succeed and fail on their own merits. He never accepted credit for his men’s
accomplishments, and never deflected the blame for any deficiencies his platoon encountered. His men were
the most important thing to him both in training and in combat.
Nainoa led from the front in Mosul, no matter the mission, 1LT Hoe would be in the first Stryker vehicle leading
his men or right up front with the lead element in a dismounted patrol. He never asked his men to do anything
he would never do first himself. He was not out seeking glory or spotlighting he was just doing what he knew
was right leading from the front.
I will never forget my last conversation with him Veterans Day 2004. Mosul erupted in violence and 1st Platoon
had its mission. Nainoa stopped me on my way out the gate which was odd. We usually spoke after missions
not before. “…hey be careful out there, it’s getting kind of crazy.” I looked at him confused and said, “hey
brother don’t worry about me I am good.” Nainoa was worried because that was his nature; he was not only
worried about his men but his friends as well. I was wounded later that day and EVACED back to the states.
That last simple conversation would be the last time I would ever speak to my friend.
Every Veterans day for the rest of my life I will remember 1st LT Nainoa Hoe. I will ponder the question “where
does America get men like Nainoa Hoe,” men of honor, courage, who put the welfare of all others above
himself. I recall a speech given by COL Ralph Puckett in which he stated, “that once America stops being the
home of the brave we will no longer be the land of the free.” 1Lt Nainoa Hoe is proof that America is the home
of the brave and will always be the land of the free. No greater tribute is given to the man once described as
the “best leader I have ever met.” Nainoa I am going miss you.” ~CPT Darren Glenn~
“…In speaking about the personality of the men he would lead I informed him that 2nd Platoon would be
successful no matter what, his challenge was to be value added; not dragged along for the ride.
Value added…what an understatement. Nainoa took charge and never looked back. He was the perfect man
for the job and he was a natural fit. He earned the respect and trust of his men, his peers, and superiors.
Everyone saw the same man. If you asked a private to describe Nainoa you would get the same description as
the Battalion Commander.
I was always amazed and admired Nainoa’s maturity. He was truly wise beyond his years and everyone felt
comfortable talking to him or taking direction from him. Nainoa always remained calm and I never saw him lose
his cool.
Our grief and sadness is for ourselves in many ways. We know that our lives will not be as complete now that
we come to terms with the fact that Nainoa can no longer be a part of them. We will truly miss his presence
and that is terribly painful.
I will miss his sense of humor
-poignant comments that often came from no where, but always captured the situation perfectly
-his perfect imitation of SFC Ruiz “moving north now, moving north now”
I will miss his pride
-Pride in his Hawaiian heritage
-Pride in service
-Not only his own, but his families incredible legacy of service to the country
-Pride in his men and his unit
-He would absolutely glow when talking about the men in his platoon and their achievements
I could describe his qualities forever; to reflect on his loss you think of hopes unfulfilled and goals
unaccomplished, but that would be a mistake. We must focus on what Nainoa accomplished during his time
with us. He served his country proudly like his father before him in Vietnam and his brother Nakoa currently;
and he left an indelible mark on everyone who served with him, accomplishments that would take most 3
lifetimes to achieve. Nainoa’s impact will be felt for years and his spirit kept alive by those fortunate enough
to know him.
It is truly an honor to say that I served with Nainoa.” ~CPT Rob Born~
You can find out more about this terrific son, husband, brother, fellow warrior and friend by doing a “google
search” or a “yahoo search” on the internet. “Nainoa Hoe”
Mahalo for your interest in Nainoa’s “My Hero” magnet in remembrance of not only Nainoa’s sacrifice but also
the service and sacrifice of all of our Country’s brave young men and women in uniform who risk their lives
daily for the freedoms we take for granted. Celebrate and treat each one as “My Hero.”
Allen K. Hoe,
Proud Father
Additional Postings:
11/22/05
I've had 5 platoon leaders and only one of them came close to being as great as 1Lt. Hoe was. I don't think that
i will ever have another platoon leader as good as him. To be a great leader you have to know what motivates
each and every one of your soldiers. From the lowest ranking private to the platoon sergeant. He knew how to
motivate each and every one of us. During combat he never ever paniced when we came under fire. It is an
honor to have served under 1Lt. Hoe. I hope to see you again bratha.
Spc. Hadley
11/30/05
He was a great friend and leader I would follow him any where. 2-6 this is 2-4 Red con one, anywhere any time.
It was a privilege and an honor to serve with him. I know that he watches over us and guides us everyday. I
am so thankful to be able to visit his home and pay tribute to him, thank you to all who have made this
possible. Emily he is watching over you, you are truly the ipodomey of military spouse. We miss him every day.
Always in support the "maggot lord" 2-4
SSG Birdseye
Eulogy to a Fallen Soldier
In a blaze of fire and light that I couldn’t see
You left without seeing my face
Your body fed the flowers that bloomed.
Your soul watered our faces
And evaporated to glory.
Your brother inherited your spirit
Your father carries your burdens
And your mother stores regret in her purse.
The stranger that you would have met has a
memory behind her ear
Where she can’t see it.
By Ashley Raethel
January 22, 2006
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I will never forget my brother, my friend, my comrade, my platoon leader...He will always be in my memories and
in my family's thoughts and prayers and prayers for his family and especially his younger brother Nakoa. This is
a the best way to remember our heroes, so they may never be forgotten...SSG.Moreno; C2-3, 'A Brother'
Hank Moreno
---------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't know your son 1Lt. Nainoa. You have my heartfelt sympathy. I lost my nephew Sgt. Michael Marzano May
7,2005 in Haditha. I know the emptiness you feel. May God give us the strength to go on with our lives as I
know that's what our loved ones would want us to do.
Sally Homer Proud Aunt of Sgt. Michael Marzano
--------------------------------------------------------
Hello Nainoa, It's been a while since I have said hello to you, or smiled back at your photo on my computer, or
on my desk. I still feel your presence...strong, compassionate, endearing, a leader of men..born to be a hero
and a great man from the first day you took a breath on this earth. Have peace and know your good works will
carry on through the lives you have touched. Thank you for touching my life. Diana
----------------------------------------------------------
To the Family of NAINOA K. HOE
,
“…….that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation,
under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people,
shall not perish from the earth.”
Nainoa gave “the last full measure of devotion” to this cause….this Freedom that Lincoln talked about….believing
that it was something worth going to the other side of the world to defend. He recognized that freedom is not a
uniquely American ideal. He knew that the desire to be free burns in the breast of every man of every nation. It is a
divine spark that excites human passions like nothing else. It caused East Germans to take the chance of going
across the Berlin Wall. It fueled the Solidarity revolution in Poland. It incited the Patriots in Boston and
Philadelphia to shake their fists in the face of a king and take their destiny into their own hands.
Nainoa paid the terrible price that Freedom sometimes exacts. I know that your grief and pain must be
crushing. I know that the words of a stranger provide little comfort for your loss. Let me share with you what an
American that you do know thought about Nainoa even before he was born……
“…….. And what sort of soldiers are those you are to lead? Are they reliable? Are they brave? Are they capable of
victory? Their story is known to all of you. It is the story of the American man-at-arms. My estimate of him was
formed on the battlefield many, many years ago, and has never changed. I regarded him then as I regard him now
-- as one of the world's noblest figures, not only as one of the finest military characters, but also as one of the most
stainless. His name and fame are the birthright of every American citizen. In his youth and strength, his love and
loyalty, he gave all that mortality can give.
He needs no eulogy from me or from any other man. He has written his own history and written it in red on his
enemy's breast. But when I think of his patience under adversity, of his courage under fire, and of his modesty in
victory, I am filled with an emotion of admiration I cannot put into words. He belongs to history as furnishing one
of the greatest examples of successful patriotism. He belongs to posterity as the instructor of future generations in
the principles of liberty and freedom. He belongs to the present, to us, by his virtues and by his achievements. In
20 campaigns, on a hundred battlefields, around a thousand campfires, I have witnessed that enduring fortitude,
that patriotic self-abnegation, and that invincible determination which have carved his statue in the hearts of his
people. From one end of the world to the other he has drained deep the chalice of courage.
The soldier, above all other men, is required to practice the greatest act of religious training -- sacrifice.
In battle and in the face of danger and death, he discloses those divine attributes which his Maker gave when he
created man in his own image. No physical courage and no brute instinct can take the place of the Divine help
which alone can sustain him.
However horrible the incidents of war may be, the soldier who is called upon to offer and to give his life for his
country is the noblest development of mankind……”General of the Army Douglas MacArthur Address to the
Corps of Cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, 12 May, 1962
Nainoa, young as he was, understood something that many men twice his age fail to grasp; FREEDOM ISN’T
FREE!! There are evil men in this world that would take our freedom from us and plunge us into a 7th century
Islamic theocracy. Nainoa stood on the wall and shouted NOT ON MY WATCH!! What a magnificent young man!
How proud you must be to know that you produced a young man of such sterling character and undaunted
courage!
Now he rests in honored glory. He shares the rest of eternity with our Savior, in whom his faith was well placed. He
is at complete and total peace. The burden remains for us to go forward without him. Though your pain is
overwhelming and breathtaking, please be assured that THIS American Family loves you and thanks you for
sacrificing your son on the altar of Freedom on our behalf. I hope that I can be the kind of man, as a Father, a
husband, and as a citizen of the Republic that Nainoa died defending, that is worthy of this sacrifice.
God bless you, and may his grace and mercy envelop you for all your days here. May you know his peace that
surpasses all understanding, and may you take some small comfort in knowing that you will see Nainoa again in a
short while.
My warmest Regards,
Joseph Norman and Family
P.S. Please visit http://www.fallenheroesproject.org/ Mike Reagan is a wonderful Patriot who has a very special
gift to share with you.
HONORING 1LT NAINOA K. HOE
MilitaryMagnets.com
