SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii — Soldiers, families, and senior leaders from the 2nd Mobile Brigade gathered Jan. 22 at Schofield Barracks to honor the life, service, and sacrifice of 1st Lt. Nainoa K. Ho during an annual memorial ceremony recognizing fallen Warriors of the 21st Infantry Regiment.
The ceremony paid tribute to Hoe, A native son of Hawaii and fellow fallen Gimlets that were remembered for their enduring impact on the regiment’s legacy and war fighting spirit.
The ceremony opened with remarks from 1st Lt. Robert W. Baker, the Charlie Company executive officer, assigned to 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, who emphasized the purpose of the gathering.
“Today’s memorial is to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our way of life and promote democracy around the globe,” Baker said.
Hoe, a 1995 graduate of Kamehameha Schools, earned a bachelor’s degree in management information systems and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Hawaii before commissioning through the university’s ROTC program. On Jan. 22, 2005, he was killed by sniper fire in Mosul, Iraq, while leading his platoon on a dismounted patrol. He was 27 years old.
At the time of his death, Ho was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, based out of Fort Lewis, Washington.
Maj. Gen. James J. Bartholomeees, the commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division, delivered the keynote address, highlighting Hoe’s legacy through three enduring themes: warfighting spirit, transformation, and ohana.
“1st Lt. Nainoa Hoe is a son of Hawaii, a leader of uncommon character, and a Soldier whose courage and devotion to his platoon will forever inspire every Soldier that walks through the doors of this mission training complex,” Bartholomees said.
Bartholomees reflected on the symbolic American battle flag Ho carried on his final mission—originally carried decades earlier by his father, Allen Hoe, a Vietnam veteran and combat medic.
“That flag symbolizes our warfighting spirit,” Bartholomees said. “The stories that go with it and the momentum that travels with it are powerful.”
The ceremony also honored multiple fallen Gimlets by name, with Soldiers presenting the Gimlet stick—symbolizing toughness, perseverance, and competitive spirit—in remembrance of those who gave their lives in service during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Each fallen Soldier’s service, awards, and surviving family members were formally recognized. In addition to honoring past sacrifice, Bartholomees emphasized the continued transformation of the 25th Infantry Division, including the recent activation of a second battalion within the 21st Infantry Regiment, doubling the regiment’s size and expanding its combat readiness in the Indo-Pacific.
“The work we do here prepares us for our toughest day of combat,” Bartholomees said. “So when that day comes, we act with clarity, speed, and confidence—honoring the example set by those who stepped in harm’s way before us.”
1sg. Sgt. Steven Edgemon, representing Charlie Company, spoke directly to Gold Star families in attendance, emphasizing the responsibility of today’s Soldiers to carry forward the legacy of those who came before them.
“The debt we owe can never be repaid,” Edgemon said. “So we honor them by never letting the next generation forget their sacrifices.”
Allen Hoe, father of 1st Lt. Hoe, shared personal reflections on his son’s path to military service and the moment that solidified his decision to serve.
“This place is extra special to me,” Hoe said. “My son dedicated his whole life to service, and this honor reflects who he was and what he believed in.”
The memorial concluded with the Tropic Lightning March and the Army Song, reinforcing the Warriors Brigade’s commitment to honor fallen Soldiers not only through remembrance, but through continued service.
“Let us live lives worthy of their sacrifice,” Bartholomees said. “Ensuring the price they paid for freedom is remembered not just in stone, but in our hearts.”