‘They give it all sometimes, and he did’: Bellevue community recognizes fallen soldier
BELLEVUE, Neb. (KLKN) – Sergeant 1st Class Noah Tietjens was only 42 years old when he made the ultimate sacrifice while serving his country in Iran.
Tietjens was a Nebraska native, husband and father.
He graduated from Bellevue West High School in 1991 and today, has a child in the Bellevue school district.
The city’s Mayor Rusty Hike told Channel 8 that Tietjens’ sacrifice is well understood in a place like Bellevue.
“We have a lot of military families going through here, and we’re so proud of what they do for us just in this community, let alone the whole country,” said Hike.
Bellevue is home to the Offutt Air Force Base, which has been used since the early 19th century for military purposes.
Despite its history, Mayor Hike says the news of a soldier’s passing does not hurt any less.
“Your heart kind of sinks,” he said, describing his initial reaction to the news of Tietjens’ passing.
He was one of the first four soldiers killed on the frontlines in Kuwait.
“When the first four died, that was sad, but when you find out it’s one of your own that came through Bellevue here, it hits close to home,” said Hike.
Mayor Hike adds that he was just starting a city council meeting when the news broke, so he made the quick decision to dedicate the Pledge of Allegiance to Sergeant Tietjens.
In the days to come, Hike says there will be more tributes in Bellevue.
“We want to recognize what they give, what the military gives. They give it all sometimes, and he did,” said Hike.
The Mayor also said that flags will most likely be lowered in the days to come, especially nearby the Offutt base.
He also mentioned that in the past, Bellevue streets have been named after fallen soldiers too.
