Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"Heidi, I hope you check this... I am Adam Bussell's wife, he was a good friend of your husband's as they were both from Maine. And when you're in Afghanistan, having a home state in common is terribly important. We are back in Maine and have been looking for you, if you want email me amethystshadows@hotmail.com we think about you and the kids often... 11/27/07"
Jennifer Bussell of Guilford, ME

"November 19, 2007
To the family of Sgt. Nicholes D. Golding:
Nicholes gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"Nicholes,

You were a great soldier and an even better husband and father. You are forever in my thoughts and prayers. I will always be grateful for your service. The world is a better place today because you touched the lives of so many. God bless you and bless all the troops and their families that make such sacrifices."
Charles Christiansen of Washington, DC

"I am an Englishman named Golding also. I wonder if somewhere in the mists of time I am somehow related to Nicholes. In any event Nicholes will never be forgotten and I send my condolences to the family of this brave man who gave his life in the name of freedom and his Country"
Kevin Golding of Stevenage, England.

"Nicholes' memory continues to fill my life and everytime I see the slideshow I presented to the FRG a day before his untimely accident, all I can see is his smiling face. "Comanches""
SSG Reed, Willie C Co 2/87 Catamounts of Fort Bragg, NC

"It has been so long since I looked at this website and I have no idea when the last time a message was written but after two years since we lost Nick it's comforting to know that he is still thought of all over the country, even across the ocean. Because it's for our country, and for so many others that he died protecting. Though life has moved on, I'm still reminded every day of him and how much I love him. Our children are growing and they bring forth his lively spirit and stunning eyes. His son carry's that famous smile on his face, and like Nick, it never fades. I miss him every second of every day. His body rests safely in a cemetary on a hill in Addison looking over the water...just where he would've wanted to go. But I feel him near, always. He fell only to rise above us, for God must've of needed a strong and reliable soul with a heart of gold. This may not conceal my hurt but it helps, like it helps to know there are others who knew how special he was."
Heidi of Maine

"Hedi, Your husband was one of the best NCOs I've worked with. CATAMOUNTS"
SSG Lepper of C CO 2/87 IN

"Nicholes,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Vires Montesque Vincimus"
(We Conquer Power And Mountains)
87th Inf. Motto"

"Golding family:
i served with Sgt. Golding as an outlaw. he was a great soldier, but a better husband and father. he is truely missed and will always be in our prayers. we all are blessed to have served with him. he was the type of soldier that we all strived to be like. he worked hard and played hard. he would set standards that was some times impossible to top. the type of man that will lift you up if you were down. i am blessed to have known him.
thank you"
Spc. Darrell, Anderson of Lockport, Ny

"Heidi, my name is Rhett Bessey, I served with your husband in the same platoon while in afghanistan. He is one the greatest men i have ever met. A soldier, a leader , a husband, and a dad. He was always looking out for everyone else, making sure they were up to date to complete their jobs, he was always on the ball and he talked about you and the kids often. You and your family are in my prayers, if you ever need anything, find an outlaw and they will be there for you."
Rhett Bessey of Plattsburgh, NY

"Heidi i am not sure if you read these but i would like to know where abouts Nick was buried so i may visit and pay my respects. My love to you and his family."
Jodie Stewart of Fort Polk, LA

"Hedi, Nick was a very kind person who I loved to be around. I learned so much from him, he was a great leader who will always influence me.The world will never be the same after losing this awsome person.The Outlaws will never forget this great man I will always keep him in my heart.Please dont forget that we are there for you call any time
that you need something
Sincerly
Brian"
PFC Brian Schacht of Fort Drum NY

"To the family and friends,

Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your loved ones bravery and sacrifice. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. Your loved one is a hero. Greater love have no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13.

God bless you.

Home Front Ministries
Shepherd of the Hills Church
Porter Ranch, CA"

"Thanks for stepping forward when America needed you. To the family - Thank you for your contribution to our liberty and freedom. I'm sorry for your tremendous loss."
Ronald Carlson of Montrose, MN

"To the Golding family,

I am very sorry for your loss. I served with Nick in Bco 2/35 INF. He was a good soldier and NCO. Everyone who served with him was better for it. Sergeant Golding was someone I respected and am honored to say was my friend. Rest in peace, Brother."
Nick Albonico of Fort Campbell, KY

"Hi, my name too is Nick Golding, but I have never read a testomony to a man so great. I can only aspire to the respect and admiration you have commanded. I am but an ordinary man, a teacher seeking to develop the minds and attitudes of our youth. I took the selfish and concieted guise of a vain person, looking for my name in a search engine! But I must say, the messages here have touched me in a way that I felt to comment. Nicoles, you must have been an honour to know, I wish I had your courage and sense of duty. You are a sad loss for your family and friends. You have no doubt touched the lives of many, I include myself in that number. I wish you peace and harmony, wherever you may be, your namesake, Nick Golding, a Welshman in England."
Nick Golding of Oxforshire, United Kingdom

"Heidi, my name is Ben Thomann. I served in C co 2-87 with Nick. Nick was a model soldier ans well as a great friend. The way his smile touched all of our lives was unbelievable. He will be missed but never forgotten. When people ask about the braclet we wear for him, the don't get a story about the way he died, but the way he lived. We are forever greatfull for knowing him. benjamin.thomann@us.army.mil"
Ben Thomann of FT Lewis, WA

"Heidi and the babies,
I was in Iraq myself when Nick passed. He was a good friend and my drinking buddy along with Quinton and Sam and a few others. I worked with him in Hawaii and I miss hime very much. I am so sorry for your loss , we all lost a great soldier and If you ever need anything my email addy is jodie.stewart@us.army.mil We all miss him, i just wish i could have said goodbye or been to his memorial to say my goodbyes. And please send my sympathy to the rest of his family I am sorry he's gone."
Jodie Stewart of Fort Polk, LA USA

"i had the pleasure of working side by side with this great man a good friend who always saw the positive side of life, and always had a smile in his face. i served with Nick in B Co 2-35th INF and during operation PAC BOND Australia. my deepest simpathy to his family"
jose vargas of Hyattsville, MD USA

"Sergeant Golding, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"My heart is with yall..My son is there now..Still fighting to keep us all free..To keep all the fighting away from us, here in America..I'm so proud of All Our Young Men That Stand Up And Fight For Our Freedom & Safety...GOD BLESS EACH & EVERYONE OF THEM..They are so brave..I'm just a Mom of a 21 yr old that's now over there & I pray for him & all the troups everyday...I pray too, that you & yours will find comfort that, their is still young men fighting just as your son knew he should & did too. My prayers will be with your family to find peace & comfort, that your son was doing what he thought he should be doing, just as mine is now..
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS!!
CGray"
CGray of Birmingham,Al

"To NIchole's family, I am so sorry for your tragic loss. Please know that many of us appreciate his service and sacrifice for our country."
F.Smith of Pennsylvania

"my nephew nick. what an outstanding man you became. it was a pleasure watching you grow into the most kind, unselfish person i have every known. from the first time i held you like a football. till the last of our countless fishing adventures. thankyou for all the wonderful memories. you are missed more than words can say. you will never be forgotten. i am so very proud of you. thankyou for all my freedom's. you were always my hero and always will be. semper fidalas my best friend."
uncle toot. of maine

"To the Golding Family,
Nickys Smile will always be with us and
all the lives he touched, he had a special way of showing that no matter how hard it gets a smile will always lead the way. We love you Nicky and your Smile will help us now more than ever, with the memories,the good times and the bad. Keep Smiling"
The Sellner's of Steuben, Maine /USA

"You can tell by a reading of the postings here how many people knew this man as an excellent soldier and a wonderful family member. It's so very sad that our finest have to give it their all in war, but who else is as noble, as caring, as brave than these finest of our countrymen?"
The Estes Family of Phoenix, AZ

"To the Golding family: My heart goes out to you during this time of sorrow. Nicholes is a TRUE AMERICAN HERO. The sacrafice that he made for his country will forever be in the hearts of all Americans.Nicholes: Thank You for everything that you did to make this country safe. God Bless."
Jessica of Rio Vista,CA

"This is Nicholes's(Nick)Aunt Maria,I want to thank everyone for there kind words it really helps to know that everyone cares so much.Nick was very proud of what he was doing for his country and we was very proud of him.Nick loved his family very much,he would light up with joy when you talk of his kids.It seems like a horrible nightmare.What kepts me going is we will see Nick again and I will get another big bear hug.Thank you all very much."
Maria Golding of Cherryfield,Me

"This is Nickys Mom,
From a baby to a boy to a man,heart of a hero always.pride keeps me from going crazy,and Nicky ,he would say Mom,be strong.He,s my angel,and always will be.Nicky your kids will find your side (waiting with open arms )when their given a chance."
Cythnia Coffin of Steuben,Me

"Those of us in the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division (L) would like to express our deepest sympathy to SGT Golding's family.
We are just finding out about this tragic incident. SGT Golding was a great soldier and a good friend. Many of us her ein Iraq are pretty stunned. Several of us worked with him on a daily basis. I personally deployed to Japan with him last year and had a great time. He kept my spirits up while I was away from my family and was just an all around great guy. He will be missed sorely."
SGT WHITE of Kirkuk, Iraq

"To the Golding Family,
I am sending my heartfelt condolences to you in the loss of Nicholes. My son Sgt. Benjamin Gilman lost his life on January 29, 2004 in Afghanistan also. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. God bless you always."
Edith Gilman of Meriden, CT

"To the Family of Nicholes,
My heart and prayers are with you. Try to call on God to take you through this difficult time. Your son was a hero becuase he stood up to evil and fought for the ideals that make America the greatest country on earth. Your son will always be a hero to me."
mark reif of winchester, VA

"To the Family of Nicholes,
I am terribly saddened to hear that another of our fine young men have lost his life fighting for our country. May God be with you in this time of sorrow and loss."
Candy of Poynette, WI

"To all who were very kind in sending letters to this website, thank you. I am Heidi Golding, wife of Nick. I appreciate all of your support and his children do, as well. Nick was a good man, a great soldier, and a wonderful husband and father. He was a man with a smile on his face no matter what. Even in Afghanistan, he remained positive and motivating, eventhough he wished dearly to be home. I wish he could have met his daughter but I know he sees her from a distance and our son will remember him always. He will live on through the eyes of his children and through all of our memories. For me, I was blessed and privileged to have the heart of such a loving man and when the time comes, I will see my husband again. Thanks again for your support."
Heidi Golding of Ft. Drum, NY 13603

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Nicholes, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Heidi, My husband worked with yours up at 25th ID(L)on Schofield. I can't imagine what you are going through right now. The only thing I can say is stay strong for your children throughout the rest of your life and know we are all here for you if you need anything. God Bless you and your family."
Melissa Clark (SSG Clark's wife) of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

"Heidi,

No words I say can heal the pain you and your family are going through right now. I only hope that these words can help you remember what a contribution and joy Nick brought to everyone's life. Nick was always the one too make us laugh when times were rough or down, or too be there to give advice or friendship, as my family and everyone else at the 25th ID(L) is now here for you. If you need anything, at all please e-mail me at jonathan.clark@shafter.army.mil. God bless."
SSG Jonathan Clark of Ft. Shafter, HI

"Heidi,
It truley was a shock for me to learn today of Nick's death. I worked with him for BG Winfield. I do not know if you remember me but your husband was a very good friend of mine. I wish to try to express the deep sorrow and anguish that I felt upon learning of what happened. No words that I can say will ever convey all that he meant to me and the rest of the Team Winfield. He is sorely missed. I informed BG Winfield of SGT Golding's passing and I am sure that he will try to contact you to express his own personal condolences. I can not for one second comprehend the magnitude of your loss but I did want you to know that my prayers are with Nick and your family. SGT Golding was a great person, wonderful soldier and will missed by myself terribly. If there is anything that I can ever do for you or your family please do not hesitate to contact me. Once again, please accept my humble condolences and prayers for your family. My email address is angie.christian@schofield.army.mil"
SGT Angeletta Christian of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

"To Nicholes Family:
There are no words that can express our deep sorrow for your loss. May God bless you and your family as Nicholes watches over you all."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Rest in Peace Brave Solider. You are the bright shining star in the sky we see everynight when we look up to heaven."
The Taylors USMC of NC

"Thank you Nicholes Golding, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Nicholes Golding:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Nicholes for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Nicholes Golding:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Nicholes, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia