On April 2rd, 2005 another American soldier paid the ultimate price for our continued freedom and for the emerging democracy of Iraq. SSG Ioasa Tavae has become the latest hero, in a growing list of heroes, to offer himself for a cause bigger than himself. He represented, and represents, all that is good and just about our country and the soldiers who serve her.Ioasa Tavae died leading his men in combat. At the time he fell, SSG Tavae's only thought was to lead his men forward to accomplish the mission. Personal safety was not part of that thought process. While there is no glory in war, there is heroism in some deaths- on 2 April, like many other days prior to that fateful day, Ioasa Tavae demonstrated the sort of heroism that he was known for. His was not the self-aggrandizing sort of chest thumping machismo that we've come to expect from Hollywood movies. SSG Tavae's heroism was subtler, more sincere, and more complete. His heroism was the kind found in the seven simple words of the Army values- loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honesty, integrity, and most recently and most clearly: personal courage. SSG Tavae was a leader of men. Based on my experience with him, I believe God had a plan for this man- Ioasa Tavae was born to be a soldier. He was a warrior in the fullest sense of the word. He cared for his men more than himself. He was not afraid to speak his mind about what was right. He cared about his mission and he loved soldiers. He was a friend to many, a husband to one, and leader to all who saw or knew him. We mourn his loss because SSG Tavae had so much more to offer all of us. His humor, his friendship and his aura drew people to him. I certainly did not know Ioasa Tavea as closely as many here- but what I knew of Ioasa Tavea speaks volumes about who this man was. He was a man whose reputation of professionalism and sincerity preceded him. He was a man whose soldiers followed him not because of rank or position but because of respect and admiration. He was a man to whom others flocked because of his character. We will miss SSG Tavae because of his character- he was a good and decent man. Ancient Norse legend say that following death warriors go Valhalla- the heavenly home of warriors. While Valhalla is legend to those of Christian faith, I believe that God keeps special watch out for soldiers. Ioasa Tavae was a special soldier- God now has him in the special part of heaven he reserves for soldiers. I'll never know where we find such men as SSG Tavae; I only thank God that men like him find us and provide a shining example of life that even death can not dull. While we mourn the loss of a soldier, friend, family member, and hero, I pray we can take comfort in the knowledge that he is in that special place and that his memory will remain with us until we too venture to meet him. Todd B. McCaffrey LTC, IN Commanding 1st Bn, 5th Infantry Regiment Mosul, Iraq