MSGT Fuatia Tia Theus, United States Army

MSGT Fuatia Tia Theus,  United States Army

Fuatia Theus was born November 3, 1971 in Hawaii and died August 16, 2010 in Temple, Texas, at the age of 38, after years of battling breast cancer.  She was an active duty soldier at the time of her death.

Fuatia joined the United States Army in December 1990 and was a human resources specialist.  She was assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, at Fort Hood’s Warrior Transition Brigade.  She was a drill sergeant from 2005-2006

Her many Army decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and six awards of the Army Good Conduct medal.

Funeral services were held on August 27 at the Heritage Funeral Home in Harker Heights, Texas.  In attendance were Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the arriving family and friends.

The Riders then lead the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas for interment with full military honors.

At the cemetery the procession was welcomed by fifty American flags lining the roadway at the committal shelter.  The flag draped casket was moved from the hearse to the shelter by the Army Honor Guard.  The Patriot Guard Riders then formed a line of American Flags around the shelter during the rendering of the military honors. 

A seven rifle detail fired three volleys of fire, representing Honor, Duty and Country.  The Army bugler played taps and the flag covering the casket was folded into the traditional triangle and presented to Fuatia’s husband, SFC Theus, also an active duty soldier, on behalf of the United States Army and a greatful nation

Fuatia’s Samoan heritage was in evidence at the service by the presence of her Samoan family and friends wearing Samoan clothing.  The service itself was conducted in English and in Samoan.

MSGT Fuatia Tia Theus was laid to rest on the gentle slope of the cemetery, over looking the Texas hill Country, as the American flag flew at half-staff, on the hill above, in her honor.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, three year old daughter and many dear family and friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call
I turned my back and left it all
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found that peace at the close of the day
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Ah, yes, these things I too will miss
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow
My life has been full, I’ve savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief
Lift up your heart and share with me
God wanted me now, He set me free!

With thanks to the DailyMe for biographical information.