It is with a very heavy heart I make this post.
Sgt. William M. Sigua, 21, of Los Altos Hills, Calif., died Jan. 31 in Bayji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with the enemy using small arms fire during combat operations. Sigua was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Sgt Sigua. May the Lord receive William into his arms.
To the soldiers at FOB Summerall, just know that never a minute of a day goes by that you are not in our thoughts and prayers.
My deepest condolences go out to SGT Sigura's family and friends.
I can't imagine what they are going through. Just know that you are
in our thoughts and prayers and this very sad time.
God Bless you and all of our soldiers
Mary 303rd
Posted by: Mary | February 03, 2007 at 08:50 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with Sgt. Sigua's family. God be with each and everyone of you and his fellow brothers in 1/505 who have lost a true hero. Thoughts & Prayers to all.
Karla, Iowa
Posted by: Karla | February 04, 2007 at 09:06 AM
I am terribly sorry for your loss. It cannot be easy and should not be expected to be. My sincerest sympathies and my thanks for his service and his last, best effort.
"Lord God , please watch over this family and help them to feel your deepest love, protect them and embrace them close to you, in the name of our savior Jesus Christ we pray," Amen.
Posted by: Father of CPL Chris Mason | February 04, 2007 at 11:32 AM
Link to NBC news release and video report:
http://www.nbc11.com/news/10915797/detail.html#
Posted by: Father of CPL Chris Mason | February 04, 2007 at 11:45 AM
Here is an article from The Palo Alto Daily News
Sunday Feb 4
Associated Press
The U.S. Department of Defense reported Friday that Sgt. William M. Sigua, of Los Altos Hills, died Wednesday in Bayji, Iraq from wounds he suffered when his unit came in contact with the enemy using small arms fire during combat operations.
Los Altos Hills soldier killed
Sergeant Sigua, 21, died in combat in Iraq on Wednesday
Bay City News
Family members and fellow soldiers of 21-year-old Sgt. William M. Sigua are mourning the loss of their leader, colleague, son and brother.
The U.S. Department of Defense reported Friday that Sigua, of Los Altos Hills, died Wednesday in Bayji, Iraq from wounds he suffered when his unit came in contact with the enemy using small arms fire during combat operations.
Sigua served as an infantry squad leader with the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, N.C.
Sigua joined the Army in July 2003 and was first deployed in September 2004 to bolster security for the Afghanistan elections, the department reported. Sigua was most recently deployed in August with his current unit.
"Sergeant Sigua was the type of leader you want your men to be,'' said Captain Timothy Peterman, commander, Company C. "He was intensely focused upon accomplishing his duty, but had a calm demeanor about him that put all at ease.''
Lt. Col. Scott Harris, commander, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, said Sigua was "courageous, innovative ... full of energy'' and was one of the best squad leaders in the task force.
Sigua is survived by his father, mother and two brothers, who said in a written statement that they are proud of Sigua's commitment to serve his country.
"William was a remarkable son and a dedicated soldier and paratrooper. He had very strong convictions toward his career as a soldier,'' they said.
Sigua's family said Sigua "believed he and his unit would make a difference.'' In fact, they noted Sigua had already begun making a difference in the Los Altos community through his written correspondence with the fifth-grade class at Santa Rita Elementary School.
"He and the children exchanged mail, and he enjoyed helping them understand more about what we are doing to preserve freedom. The children were excited by their contact with him. That's the kind of effect he had on everyone,'' Sigua's family said.
"He had an impact on everyone he met and had many friends who looked up to him and will remember him as a hero,'' they added.
Sigua's unit plans to hold a memorial service for him in Iraq. There is not yet word on when his family will hold a funeral service.
Posted by: debbiek | February 04, 2007 at 04:06 PM
My tears and heart-felt prayers go out to the family of this fallen hero. May it seem like only the blink of an eye before you are reunited in a better place, where there is no war or tears. Hugs from a 303rd soldier's mom.
~ Patrice
Posted by: Patrice | February 07, 2007 at 01:27 AM
To the family of this HERO. We are grieving with you. We are so proud and thankful for his service to us and his country. We are asking our heavenly father to comfort you and provide a peace in knowing that your son is in a much better place than we can even imagine. Lots of love from a 505th soldier's mom. Tammi
Posted by: Tammi | February 09, 2007 at 09:22 AM
Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Sgt. William M. Sigua. We were so saddened to hear of your loss. We know that William is at peace and with the Lord. We will continue to pray for your family and all of the soldiers at FOB Summerall each and every day. The country is so honored and proud of all of them!
Love from a 505th soldier's family- JoAnne and Dave
Posted by: JoAnne | February 17, 2007 at 07:19 AM