Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"It has been six years since that aweful night. I was there, I trained him and I always think about Nick. He was funny, a jack of all communications traits, and master of none. Boy...he did like his Newports and never feared anything. His biggest desire was to reunite with his boy. I had asked Nick not to come back from his Humanitarian assignment. It was during the time his mother had passed away. He said he could not stay...he couldn't live with himself if we went over to fight and he stay behind. I really admired him the more that day. I was then a staff sergeant. But man, Nick was a hell of a Sgt. We named our camp in Al Numanya after him.."Camp Hodson" He's definately missed."
Sergio La Porte of Oceanside, CA

"You were always Nick to me, and always will be. I remember meeting you my freshman year; you were an amazing person and I looked up to you in so many ways. You were always so easy with people and truly cared about others. You were so selfless, generous, quick to smile, and to help. I loved your quiet ease as well, not something many have these days. Of course, the basketball didn't hurt. The list goes on, I have never been eloquent with my words, but you were cherished by many, yet truly known by few. I know I am blessed to have known you how I did.

I loved the friendship we had and what it flourished into. I regret some of my choices, and to that I am so sorry. I am sorry I wasn't there to say goodbye to you and hello again to your family. But you know now why I had to. Our lives could have been so different but their meanings would have then changed. I am grateful for the choice and for the way things were and turned out. I am amazed how God used you and allowed your seasons to unfold. What kept me going and now truly excites me is knowing I will see you and my other loved ones in Heaven on that blessed day. Unselfishly, I am glad that you are now home. Just know that your God given purpose is fulfilled on earth, yet what your purpose and name left will continue.

I await the day we can continue our walks and talks. We will all continue to love you as we should: our friend, mentor, brother, and love."
Courtney Thomas Mitchell of Smithville, Kansas City, Mo

"March 9, 2009
To the family of Sgt. Nicolas M. Hodson:
Nicolas 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

"Dear Nick I hope that you are looking down on me. I just wanted to let you know that I loved you and your mom so much. She was like a second mother to me. I loved when one of your best friends (My Uncle David) would take me over to see you and your mom. I loved that whenever I came over there you, my uncle David, and me would play basketball. The thing I miss the most about you is all of us trying to play golf in that open field in front of your house. Lol we all know how that went. After that your mom would make us something to eat. I just wanted to let you know I cherish those memories with all my heart.I also would like to tell you that whenever my school asks us to free write in elementry school that year I always wrote about you. I still have those to this day. I also0wanted you to know tjatyou influenced me to join the army when I become of age."
Tyler Jones Age 13 of Kansas, City

"Nicolas,
I wanted to tell you how much I miss you. You always made me laugh! I think of you, your mom and sister ever day. I love you and can't wait to see you again one day."
Jessica Stenner of Smithville, MO

"Nick...I will remember you forever for your kindness and how you took me under your wing even though you didn't have too to make sure I got my GED, you also sat down with me every time I got depressed and looked through my family photos with me to cheer me up, you tought me how to care for people when I thought I was numb and you treated me better than any other in our platoon. I could never forget the impact you have had on my life and I thank you every day of my life for this."
Aaron Wyckoff of Jackson MI

"Nick i love you with all my heart and i will up until the day i die. then i will see you."
tyler of Kansas City

"Dear Family of Nicolas Hodson:

To honor the Missouri soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families, the professional artists of Grateful Hearts Project are offering to paint a portrait of the individual soldier for his family.

These 16'x20" original portraits are being offered completely free of charge in recognition of the sacrificies made by these brave soldiers and in condolence for their families loss.

For more information, please email us at gratefulheartsproj@sbcglobal.net

Sincerely;
the Artists of Grateful Hearts"
J.Gragg of Lee's Summit,Mo.

"It has taken me years to find this page but i feel like i found myself here. Sgt i remember you so clearly even to this day i remeber the day befor you left us, Man how you loved newports and i was dumb enughe to announce that i had some (HEY did i hear you got PORTS). I can still to this day see the whole convoy rolling out and then we got the news i could not belive any thing like that could have happened but it was true.
You never left our minds or our prayers and you never will although i did not know you as well as some of the other brothers i knew you well enughe. Sgt you will never be forgotten and your death did not come in vain. I will see you again on the streets you guard please hold a spot for me

SEMPER FI."
Jeremy smith(jeremydsmith2000@hotmail.com) of Fridley MN

"Nicolas....I haven't had the words to express how much I love you and still do to this day. I will never forget how proud I was of you the day that you enlisted. You were not only my boyfriend of 3 1/2 years, but you were also my best friend. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you and your family. I will miss your smile and humor terribly. I love you and always will."
Cody Hiatt of Smithville, MO

"May 22, 2007
To the family of Nicolas M. Hodson. Nicolas 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

"A Message to Nicholas

Nicholas,

Over the years we have had many discussions regarding, life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. You were always inquisitive on why things happen. Well, as we have always agreed, things happen for a reason, and it’s up to us to make the best of it.

Life - You were faced with a “significant emotion event” in your life, which was your graduation from high school. You had to make a decision, college now or college later. Well, you chose the marines first and college later. This contributed to your quest for ongoing life.

Love – You met and Married Michelon, who was the love of your life. You have now accomplished two you your endeavors.

Happiness – The birth a Marius Hodson was your pursuit of happiness. His birth brought you to the climax of your plans. After our early demise your son Nicholas Jr. was born.

So, your work is complete. While, short it may seem, it is complete. You have now moved on to bigger and better things. I can only hope, that we can fulfill our dreams in the short amount of time on this earth as you have.

See you on the other side,

Uncle Paul
US Army Ex-SSG"
Paul Hodson of Gilbert, Arizona

"May you always remember him for the hero that he was. In giving his life for his country, he earned our grateful thanks"
Lorene of Colorado

"The Hodson Family Misses you. Grandmother, Father , Bothers, Aunts, Uncles and host of Cousins Carson,California"
Aunt Sevenna of Gilbert Arizona

"My Dearest Nick,

I was driving over to pick up the kids the day I heard of your fall on NPR. I sat back and said….. hmmm that is kinda weird a Nicholas from Smithville, Mo. You see brother I never got the Nicholas part. I just got the eternal friendship of Nick. I reached Deanna when I started to realize and we both said – “could it be?….no….could it”….we ran to the television to see you staring back at us from the screen.

We cried and I find myself from time to time in that place. I drive by the flagpole at the high school that they erected for you. They said it was for all the fallen. They said it was a law or something. But make no mistake Nick. They raised it to you.

That day I went out and bought a red, white and blue wristband. I started wearing it immediately. That was in March of 2003 and by 2004 it was worn out. So I took it and placed it in my wallet. Even though I have changed wallets. It still goes forward with me. I remember the times at Tres Hombres. I remember the brews. I remember your smile and your laughter so contagious. I also remember the last time I spoke with you.

I was working at Sprint on Barry Road and you came in and were looking at some of our new phones. You were in town from N.C. and I was knocked out. You were so excited to join the military. I remember that. I also remember thinking that was a solid choice for you. I remember saying goodbye to a boy at Tres and meeting a man at Sprint when you were in town on leave.

I will never forget you. Never – Flat out. You are burned into my soul like a brand and I prefer it that way.

Know this my brother. My children will know of you, as all of my friends have come to know of you. As long as there is breath in my life I will speak of the glory of your name and the honor that was bestowed upon me to always be your friend.

I love you and will see you when the fates deem it time."
Brad Goldsborough of Smithville, MO

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

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"We miss you each and every day. Watch over your boys and family. Give Mario the strength to be the best."
Sgt C of NC

"You will never be forgotten and every day you are remembered for your service, dedication and compassion. May God be with you and yours."
Danielle wife of RP2 (FMF) Aaron Smith -3/2 Camp Lejeune- of Charleston SC

"Although I never met Nicolas, I feel as if I had. My husband was a friend of his and was with him in Iraq on the day he died. Shortly after my husband's return from Iraq, we had our first child...a boy. We named him after Nic and have a picture of him hanging over our sons bed. My husband always talks about what a wonderful person he was and how happy he is that he had the chance to meet him and become his friend. To Nic's wife, children and sister: I am deeply sorry for your loss. He must have been an incredible person. If you ever need anything, please let us know (hayleyberstler@aol.com). We would be happy to help in any way possible."
Hayley of Morris Plains, New Jersey

"To my fallen friend and brother, you have done more for me than you will ever know, there isn't a day that goes by that I do not wish that I had a chance to thank you. Either way Nick... you will never be forgotten."
Aaron Wyckoff (awyckoff_1980@yahoo.com) of Jackson, MI

"To the family of Sgt Hodson I would like to express my sympathy I was the RP in 3/2 in 2003 I was there when he went and I'm sorry I truly am I wish I could have done some thing. But I couldn’t do any thing but pray. But know that for the past two years on the 24th I have a drink in honor of my fellow Batio Bastard."
RP3 Aaron Smith of Charleston SC

"To the family of the never forgotten Nick. My name is Tom Pope; I met Nick in 98' when we were in the DEP together waiting to go to Boot Camp and where we became pretty good friends. We ended up going to Boot Camp on the Buddy Program where we were in the same Platoon looking out for one another and going through the same stuff hand in hand. I don't think I could have made it through without someone like him. I think we both helped push each other to make sure we both made it through ok and got to go home to see the family after graduation. Boy was that ever a great day. Then we ended up going to 29 Palms together; though we were in different Companies there, we found each other and still hung out and looked out for each other. It was always nice to know that I had a brother from back home near by to talk to that was going through what I was going through and to talk to about the great things back home that we both missed. He was a great friend, a brother and an even better Marine. I am sorry for your loss, I wish I could have been with him to watch his back and keep working as the great team that we had become in Boot Camp. Not that he needed it, the Nick I knew, he was a great man and never let anything get by him easily. If you could send me an email at thomas.pope@iraq.centcom.mil I wish to locate him to be able to pay my respect to my long lost brother upon my return. I send my love and sorrow for your loss; it is truly a loss to the entire world as he was a great man."
Tom Pope of Kansas City, Mo currently in Baghdad, Iraq

"St. Charles Democratic Alliance held a Tribute & Memorial to the 20 fallen soldiers from Missouri on 3/19/2005, the 2nd anniversary of the War in Iraq. Four families of the fallen attended the event, and nine families shared messages that were read during the tribute by Connie Greene, sister of fallen soldier Jamie Huggins. The event aired on all four local newscasts (Fox KTVI, KPLR, KSDK, KMOV.) Biographies of each of the fallen soldiers were read while photos of the soldiers were displayed. The event also included Bible readings, songs, keynotes speeches by Rev. Jason Samuel and Viet Nam Veteran Ken Peters, and a fellowship in the church hall immediately following the tribute. Our organization was sensitive to the fact that even though information on Missouri’s fallen soldiers is a matter of open record, we had to go beyond the name, rank and serial number – we needed to share information on the fallen soldiers from the family’s perspective and present a tribute that each of the soldiers would have approved of. This was a day for honoring Missouri’s finest, as well as the sacrifice the families made, and continue to make every day. Special thanks to the Burkhardt, Gottfried, Huggins and Spink families for traveling long distances to Transfiguration Church in Lake St. Louis to participate in this community tribute. (anngastler@charter.net)"
Ann Gastler of St. Charles Democratic Alliance of St. Peters, MO

"Thank you for the invite to Lake St. Louis. I will be unable to attend due to prior engagements. I will advise his sister on what will be going on. If you could just give blessings to his family and friends that would be great. On behalf of everyone here in Kansas city/Smithville - give our blessings to all the fallen soldiers in MO and all over the country. I will also like to add - I am putting together a basketball tournament here in kansas city (3-on-3). I am asking for donations to help fund this tournament - The proceeds will go to non-profit organizations. I have choosen some here in kansas city since Nic lived here for so many years. If you have any questions or need more information please email at the following address: dwcrabaugh@sbcglobal.net - thank you for all the support -"
David Crabaugh of Kansas city/mo

"I am organizing a 3/19/2005 Tribute & Memorial Service Honoring Missouri's Fallen Soldiers, hosted by St. Charles Democratic Alliance. We plan to have a spiritual memorial tribute planned to honor the 18 fallen Missouri soldiers who died in Iraq. We wanted to let you know your beloved isn't forgotten and invite you to this tribute. If you're not able to be in Lake St. Louis on 3/19/05 but would like to send a message or letter that we could read on behalf of your family, again, we'd be honored. Again, my deepest sympathy and please know that Nicolas is in my prayers."
Ann Gastler (anngastler@charter.net) of St. Peters, MO

"I want to thank each and everyone for there kind words. It’s been a struggle for his sister and wife for the last year. Nic was the best person I have ever met. His memory will never be lost. We do are best for him so that he will never be forgotten either. I give my deepest sympathy to all those over seas who are fighting and for those who have died. Thank you all"
David Crabaugh of Kansas City MO

"Thank you Nicolas for your bravery and courage for this country. You are hero. To the wife and family- I'm so sorry for your loss and hope you all are doing ok. God bless you."
Alicia Bilby of Nevada, Missouri

"To the friends and family of Nicolas M. Hodson:
Thank you for your sacrifice. I am truly sorry for your tragic loss. We grieve together, I lost a husband to the war in Iraq. Know that you are always in my prayers and Nicolas will never be forgoten."
Sarah Linden of Portland, OR USA

"RIP MARINE"
Petty Officer Cawthon of RTC Great Lakes, IL

"To the wife of Nicolas M. Hodson:

I am writing to you as part of a social studies project. I would like to say that I can bearly feel the pain you are going through becuase I never had loss somebody special in my life. It must be really hard to loss someone you love. You must really miss your husband."
Olga Chavez of Appleton/New York

"To Remember Them..In loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.

As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Marine!!
We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"We Will NEVER FORGET !" As the first anniversary of the death of your loved one arrives;
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering all your family and loved ones in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Nicolas, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

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

"Thank you Nicolas Hodson, 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

"Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Thank you brave soldier, your courage and sacrifice will nerver be forgotten."
Ken and Maritza Holley of Pembroke Pines, Florida

"May the Lord be with you in your time of grief. We are proud to have such brave and couragous soldiers fighting for freedom!"
The Hansen family of Springfield MO

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Nicolas Hodson:
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 Nicolas 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. Nicolas Hodson:
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 Nicolas, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera, of Powder Springs, Georgia

"Thank you Marine for your sacrifices. May God be with all your loved ones and may you rest in peace in beautiful heaven"
The Taylors, USMC of NC