Firtamag died on Feb. 24 in Pembroke, Kentucky; his passing was considered a “theater death,” as he fell ill during his last deployment to Afghanistan in 2010.
A U.S. Army Honor Guard Team received and escorted the remains to the Firtamag Residence in Keng Village, Yap, where they were to be buried.
A funeral service was held at the family residence. Attendants included U.S. Army Pacific deputy commanding general Brig. Gen. John E. Seward, U.S. Ambassador to the FSM Peter A. Prahar, FSM Speaker of Congress Isaac Figir, Secretary of Transportation, Communication, and Infrastructure Francis Itimai, and Yap Gov. Sebastian Anefal.
Noting Firtamag’s numerous combat tours, as well as his sister’s military service, Prahar said “Sergeant Firtamag and his loved ones are among those who answer a calling beyond the normal duties of everyday life, those who give more than is expected or required, those who shoulder the burden of fear and sacrifice, and those who do so without thought for fame or fortune.”
Prahar thanked the Firtamag family, as well as the people of Yap who have sacrificed in the name of freedom.
He made special mention of U.S. Army servicemen buried in Yap: Staff Sgt. Steven Bayow, killed in action in Iraq in 2005, and Spc. Eric Finniginam, killed in action in Afghanistan in 2010.
Following the remarks, the U.S. Honor Guard performed full military honors of firing of volleys and Taps.
Seward conducted the presentation of flag and medals; in addition to his posthumous promotion to staff sergeant, Firtamag was awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star.
Firtamag joined the military in March 2003, six months after his sister, Staff Sgt. Vinycia G. Nam enlisted.
Assigned to B Company, 96th Combat Support Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Firtamag completed two deployments in Iraq (2005, 2006) and two in Afghanistan (2008, 2010). Upon falling ill in Afghanistan he returned to Fort Campbell for medical treatment.
Firtamag is survived by his father John, mother Ruth Giyeg, three sisters, and his wife Kimberly Masten Firtamag. His parents currently reside in San Antonio, Texas.
