Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"Your sacrifice is not forgotten. I think of you everyday. Thank you for being a friend. God Bless!
- Memorial Day 2021"
SSG Olinger, Michael C. of Anaconda, MT

"2018 Memorial Day: Thank you for your bravery and ultimate sacrifice for our freedom! May you rest in eternal peace in Gods grace,and may God be with your family now and forever."
Tammy Andrews of Prospect Ct. USA

"Thinking of you,"
Karen

"2016 Memorial Day thank you for your ultimate sacrifice may you rest in peace. May God be with you and your family for eternity."
Tammy Andrews of Prospect Connecticut

"207-607-0044"
SFC Charles Marshall of Wiscasset, ME

"Heidi, I'd like to get together and as Nick would say, talk about the stars! I OWE that to you as a fellow Mainer... SFC Marshall (retired)"
SFC Charles Marshall of Wiscasset, ME

"I was the gunner in the truck directly behind SGT Golding's vehicle when it was struck. I never knew him personally, and even after two more tours in Afghanistan, that day still haunts me more than any other. That day and that sound will be forever etched in my mind. RIP, brother."
Brent Fetters of Colorado Springs

"Nick was my uncle. He died when I was 2. Sure, I didn't get to know him.. but I feel as if I did. I love you Uncle Nick! Miss you <3"
Alexis Fletcher of Deblois, Maine

"nick golding was a true hero and a great dad i miss him and we all miss him may god be with you"
bailey golding of orrington,maine

"2015 Remembering you and your ultimate sacrifice this Memorial Day and everyday. May you rest in peace and God be with you and your family forever."
Tammy Andrews of Prospect CT.

"SGT Golding was someone we could count on. Always had a smile, even when it was really bad. I miss him. Rangers Lead the Way!"
Captain Troy J. Albuck of Hanover Park, IL

"Your ultimate sacrifice is remembered today, yesterday and always. May you rest in peace and may God be with you and your family for eternity."
Tammy Andrews of Prospect Ct.

"Remembering you and your precious family this year."
Chaplain Crowley of Hawaii

"I was just thinking about Golding today. I had the privilege of serving with him in Korea. He was an excellent soldier and friend."
J. Burgett of "Currahee"

"I was in C co 2/87 with Sgt. Golding in that small compound in Ghazni. Although I was in a different platoon and didn't know him as well as others, his death still affects me to this day. I am so thankful for people like Sgt. Golding who have the patriotism and courage to face our enemy. I will never forget your sacrifice."
Jason Tomkivits of College Station TX

"it's been 9 year's and Ithink of you every single dayI WILL NEVERforget you my nicky love alway's aunt keren"
karen golding strout of harringtonmaine

"Nicoles, I am thinking about you, my sister, and your children today and every day."
Chris Christiansen of Virginia

"Hi Nick I miss you every day and not a day goes by I don't think of you, I loved you very much and Auntie will see you again CAN YOU DO ME A FAVOR LOL SOUND FAMILIER HOW EVER YOU SPELL IT gIVE Karmin and Kaylee a big hug,and never let them go, love alway's AUNT KEREN LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU EVERY SINGLE DAY"
karen strout of HARRINGTON

"He was a good man and a good father I mss him and love him much and I wish he had never gone."
Christopher Golding of Maine

"Nick,

I will never forget who you were as a friend and fellow NCO.

pbradshaw3@hot.rr.com"
SSG Bradshaw of Ft Hood, TX

"I miss you so very much you were a great uncle I love you so much and hope to see you in heaven some day! You dont know how much I miss you and love you!"
Mariah Golding of Sullivan Maine

"so proud to be nick golding aunt karen so many good memories love you nicky"
karen golding strout of harrington maine 04643

"To the family of:Nicholes D. Golding
I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015.
Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga""

"Heidi, my name is Jake Dziemaszkiewicz. i served with your husband in Afghanistan during his tour. we were in the same platoon together. i was supposed be driving that day and the loss of nick took a big toll on me. i hope you can forgive me cause everyday i thought it should have been me. i'm sorry for your loss and i hope if there is anything i can do contact me 860-970-5214. he will always be my hero."
Jake D of Bristol CT

"Nick! Your not forgotten buddy!"
Michael White of Houston,Texas

"Heidi

My name is Sean Hurst I served with Nick as Team Leaders in C co 3rd PLT "Outlaws" 287 INF. Your husband left such a positive impression on me I think of Nick on a constant basis. He always had a smile on his face and it is one of the things I remember most about him. I learned allot about How to be a Good NCO from watching him.
hurst.sean3@gmail.com- in case of any needs that may arise
God Bless you and the kids."
Sean Hurst of Rockledge,FL

"Heidi

My name is Sean Hurst I served with Nick as Team Leaders in C co 3rd PLT 287 INF. Your husband left such a positive impression on me I think of Nick on a constant basis. He always had a smile on his face and it is one of the things I remember most about him. I learned allot about How to be a Good NCO from watching him.
hurst.sean3@gmail.com
God Bless you and the kids."
Sean Hurst of Rockledge,FL

"Heidi,

As I prepare to leave Hawaii, I find myself thinking of old friends and of course of Nick. I sincerely hope that you, the children and both families are doing okay. I think of my dear friend still from time to time. I know that he watches over us all. Take care of yourself and your children. I will remember all of you always.

ChrisAngie5065@yahoo.com"
SSG Christian of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

"The Comanches never will forget SGT Golding as long as I'm around. We've come back to Afghanistan, and we always remind our new soldiers of those that gave all for our freedom. I wish you well from all of us."
SGT Justin Gregory Blodgett of Sayed Abad, Wardak, Afghanistan

"Heidi,
I think of Sgt. Golding nearly everyday. For me, he is Afghanistan in my mind, and I don't know why. I hope that you are doing well. I have prayed for you since the day he died. I hope you've been able to move on better than I have."
Sean Stoots (spc. HHC, Charlie Company) of Clover, South Carolina

"Golding was in my Platoon at 1/506 in Korea. If there is one thing that I can say, he was always smiling, and always doing the right thing. I remember hearing about this a while ago, and was shocked. I know that the world is a better place because of people like him. I pray for his family, and hope that in the midst of all storms that God will bring peace always!"
S. Verdeck of Pleasanton, CA

"sua contribuição á sua pátria se perpetuará pela honra de te-la servido."
franckysthenia oliveira of ipanguaçu-rio grande do norte,Brazil

"Nicholes,

As the years pass, we continue to be comforted knowing that you are watching over us through every trial and tribulation...Brave men and women, like you, stood in harm's way to protect our way of life and generations will owe you a debt of gratitude...You are in our prayers on Memorial Day and always in our hearts. Thank you for giving my children a better world to live in. We miss you Nick."
Charles Christiansen of Washington DC, USA

"Nick!
Just thinkin' about you on Memorial Day today. Im out the Army now, back in the Great State of Texas. It's been 5 years since we had a blast at Yama Sakura.You are not and will NEVER be forgotten.
Keep the gates open for me.
"TROPIC LIGHTNING""
Michael White of Houston, TEXAS

"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