Omaha Martial Arts Community Holds Vigil for Fallen Soldier

Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, a beloved instructor, died in Kuwait during U.S. attack on Iran.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Omaha metro martial arts community held a vigil to honor Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, a martial arts instructor at Martial Arts International in Bellevue, Nebraska, who was killed in Kuwait when his facility was hit by an unmanned aircraft during the U.S. attack on Iran. Tietjens' birthday would have been the same day as the vigil.

Why it matters

Tietjens was a respected member of the Omaha martial arts community, known for his dedication to his students and the local youth. His death has deeply impacted the close-knit martial arts community in the area.

The details

Tietjens was a Sgt. First Class in the U.S. military and was stationed in Kuwait when his facility was struck by an unmanned aircraft during the U.S. attack on Iran over the weekend. Tietjens was a martial arts instructor at Martial Arts International in Bellevue, Nebraska, and was in touch with the gym's owners just days before his death to see if he could participate in a Zoom class while overseas.

  • Tietjens' birthday would have been on March 6, 2026, the same day as the vigil.
  • Tietjens was killed in Kuwait on February 22, 2026 when his facility was hit by an unmanned aircraft during the U.S. attack on Iran.

The players

Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens

A U.S. soldier and martial arts instructor at Martial Arts International in Bellevue, Nebraska who was killed in Kuwait during the U.S. attack on Iran.

Faith Melegrito

A family friend of Tietjens and co-owner of Martial Arts International.

Julius Melegrito

Co-owner of Martial Arts International and friend of Tietjens.

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What they’re saying

“'Mr. Noah is a brave and amazing soldier. He is one of the most amazing human beings I know, who dedicated his life not just to the country but during his free time he dedicated his life to the students and the youth of our community.'”

— Faith Melegrito, Family friend of Tietjens and co-owner of Martial Arts International (WOWT)

“'He says, 'I will try to be on there tonight — this is February 22nd — but I can't guarantee I will be there. We are in the process of moving to a different location and not sure how long it will take.' So even though he's overseas, he trains. He tries to keep up.'”

— Julius Melegrito, Co-owner of Martial Arts International (WOWT)

What’s next

A GoFundMe has been created to support Tietjens' family.

The takeaway

Tietjens' death has deeply impacted the close-knit martial arts community in Omaha, who are mourning the loss of a beloved instructor and dedicated soldier who served his country and community.