Omaha Martial Arts Community Mourns Fallen Soldier

Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, an instructor at Martial Arts International, was killed in Kuwait during the Iran war.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Omaha, Nebraska martial arts community is grieving the loss of Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, a dedicated soldier and instructor at Martial Arts International in Bellevue. Tietjens was killed in Kuwait when a facility was struck by an unmanned aircraft. Beyond his military service, Tietjens was a pillar of the local martial arts scene, known for his commitment to his students and the wider community.

Why it matters

Tietjens's story highlights the strong connection between military service and participation in martial arts. Many service members engage in martial arts training for self-defense skills, stress management, and personal development. The discipline and resilience cultivated through martial arts often align with the demands of military life.

The details

Tietjens was more than just a soldier - he was a devoted family man and a committed instructor. The owners of Martial Arts International, Faith and Julius Melegrito, have established a memorial in his honor, underscoring the profound impact he had on students and the community. Tietjens's death is part of a larger pattern of escalating tensions and risks faced by U.S. service members in the Middle East, with recent reports indicating a rise in attacks targeting American forces in Kuwait and surrounding areas.

  • Sgt. 1st Class Tietjens was killed in Kuwait on an unspecified date.

The players

Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens

A dedicated soldier and instructor at Martial Arts International in Bellevue, Nebraska, who was killed in Kuwait during the Iran war.

Faith Melegrito

The co-owner of Martial Arts International, who established a memorial in honor of Sgt. 1st Class Tietjens.

Julius Melegrito

The co-owner of Martial Arts International, who established a memorial in honor of Sgt. 1st Class 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, Co-owner, Martial Arts International (WOWT)

What’s next

The Omaha community has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Sgt. 1st Class Tietjens's family during this difficult time.

The takeaway

Sgt. 1st Class Tietjens's story underscores the strong connection between military service and martial arts, as well as the sacrifices made by U.S. service members in the Middle East. His legacy as a dedicated soldier and beloved instructor will continue to inspire the Omaha martial arts community.