Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Spc. Nicholas R. Idalski

23, of Crown Point, Indiana.
Idalski died in Ramadi, Iraq, when his unit was conducting combat operations and was attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado. Died on June 21, 2005.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Army Spc. Nicholas R. Idalski.

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"Semper Fidelis"
justin dean of westland mi

"tens years tomarrow and I still miss you every day"
dad of crown point,in

"Happy birthday nick watch the sky we have something for you on the 3rd 7/3/2013"
DAD of C.P.

"Happy Birthday Postal Brother! Still Miss you...Always Miss You!
7-3-2012"
Chuck G. of Cedar Lake, IN

"Wednesday when I was in my studio class at school, one of my classmates was singing a song where the words come directly from a letter sent from a man in the army to his wife. I never understood why she was getting so emotional while singing, then she told us it was because the wive got the letter the same day she found out her husband had been killed in action. I was besides myself for a few minutes, while everyone was telling her how to be more involved in the song, all I could think about was the letter Busia received from Nick right before Uncle Tony called her that day. I will never forget seeing her heart break, and then she handed me the letter and told me to read it. I believe he ended it with "God bless the Army, and especially the Infantry." I decided to speak up in class and tell my brief story about my amazing cousin Nick. Telling her that she needs to realize she is singing some of the intimate words that woman will ever read, and that the heartache she feels from rereading it over and over again will be with her forever. But near the end she is at peace, and she knows that all will be well. It has been awhile since I talked about Nick. And since than he has been on my mind a lot. But it feels good to share his story every now and again."
Michael Idalski of Mount Pleasant, MI

"We all still remember. You'll never be forgotten as a brother, friend or hero."
A Friend of Rogers City, MI

"Hey Nick, it's that time again, we are in the midst of planning the next Eagles Golf Outing in your Honor, your Dad got a new sign made to replace the one on the square. Everywhere you go around town it seems your picture is hanging in every window. We are having new ones printed to replace those that are faded. The pictures may fade, but your memory most certainly has not. My daughter just left last month for boot camp, there's a lot of crazy stuff going on in the world right now, so if you can....keep an eye on her and out of harms way. Take care"
MDC of Crown Point, IN USA

"hey i know u guys all miss and love him i do not know him but i live by where he is barred a i go and see the fire where his placeis where all the servic men and women are by the fire and i love to go there and see it"
kaytlin of crown point

"Merry Christmas Nick, you are missed each and every day and especially during the holidays, Christmas was your favorite! I will never stop aching, but you remain in my thoughts every day, you remain in my heart and you will never be forgotten."
love you always, Mom

"I used to run into you here and there around Crown Point growing up, you were a few years older than me, but you used to borrow my moped for smoke runs... I heard about your death from my wife while I was deployed to Samarra and it made the realization sink in that I am not invincible though I am young and a Soldier, I just wanted to tell you that on July 4th this weekend though some will forget why fireworks are going off, others won't..."
Chris of Crown Point

"Five years. And still it seems like I'll see you out and about. I guess it still hasn't sunk in....I miss you like crazy, buddy, and always will. Love you so much and can't wait till I see your crazy a$$ face again."
Lisa D. of Crown Point, IN

"It's been 5 years since your passing and not a day goes by I don't think about what it would be like if you were here with us. What you gave for this country and your family will never be forgotten. Love ya miss ya and will never forget ya bro."
of cp

"Nick, Matt and I miss you everyday! Everytime we seen you you always had that betuful smile on your face! We hold are memreys of you close to our hearts! There are many! I will never forget the night caroll and joe got married and you and chuck where in the back seat with me on our way home and caroll's mom was driveing all of our drunk a@@ home and you and chuck where singing out the windows it was the funniset thing ever! I think the song was you make me feel like a woman LOL! You will never be forgotten! We always talk about you! Thank you for everything you did to make us safe here at home! I thank your mom for haveing such a careing, loveing, tusting, happy, funny, kind man! We love and miss you everyday! THANK YOU LOVE YOU! MATT AND STEPHANIE RAFALSKI!"
MATT AND STEPHANIE RAFALSKI! of CEDAR LAKE, INDIANA

"Nick, Matt and I miss you everyday! Everytime we seen you you always had that betuful smile on your face! We hold are memreys of you close to our hearts! There are many! I will never forget the night caroll and joe got married and you and chuck where in the back seat with me on our way home and caroll's mom was driveing all of our drunk a@@ home and you and chuck where singing out the windows it was the funniset thing ever! I think the song was you make me feel like a woman LOL! You will never be forgotten! We always talk about you! Thank you for everything you did to make us safe here at home! I thank your mom for haveing such a careing, loveing, tusting, happy, funny, kind man! We love and miss you everyday! THANK YOU LOVE YOU! MATT AND STEPHANIE RAFALSKI!"
MATT AND STEPHANIE RAFALSKI! of CEDAR LAKE, INDIANA

"there isnt a day that goes by that i dont think about you. i remeber going behind your house to smoke cigs when we were supposed to be studying!!! Miss you bunches in my heart everyday!!!"
Ryenn

"I did'nt get a chance to get to know Nick but I do know he was a true American hero..a wonderful son, brother and friend. All I can say is THANK YOU for making a better life for us. His sacrfice will never be forgotten. God bless the Idalski and Greenberg family."
Diane of Shorewood,Il.

"Happy Veterans day little bro miss you and thinking of you today and everyday."
of CP

"Today we take the time to remember a friend and a hero. Nick was a good friend and great soldier. I miss you brother."
Donnie Rush of Bagram, Afghanistan

"Hey Taco Neck. Its been a little over 4 years now, feels like it was yesterday, and also feels like its been so much longer. Me and Reg were talking about all the crap we used to pull, and sure enough, your name came up. Playing Tony Hawk on Playstation, you calling us off school, Abby biting our ankles on our way out the door, Chronic 2001....we wish you were still here to crack your stupid jokes, to make fun of us for acting like tomboys, and most of all just to be the great guy you always were. You never stopped looking out for us...I guess that was just who you were deep inside. You had a light about you that just made everyone smile, and I truly do miss that. We miss you like crazy, and one day we will see each other again. There was an article about you in the paper the other day, and even though I don't think we ever met your mom, keep an eye on her, as I know my mother is up there with you keeping an eye on me. Your sacrifice for this country was at the ultimate price. Love and miss you brutha... ;-)"
Lisa D. of Crown Point, IN

"June 21, 2009
To the family of Spc. Nicholas R. Idalski:
Nicholas 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

"Re: SPF Nicholas R Idalski

Hello,
I represent PRAYER SHAWLS 4 FALLEN SOLDIERS (PS4FS), an organization that since October 2007 has sent over 2,800 prayer shawls to military families who have lost a loved one. We are an organization of over 240 groups from all over the country. We make every effort to reach families even when post cards are returned after they have moved. Would you kindly send me a contact email/address so that we may send a loving hand-made prayer shawl to the family? Thank you!

Cozette Haggerty, Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers
Email: ps4fs@charter.net
Website Address: http://webpages.charter.net/ps4fs/shawls"
Cozette Haggerty of Wilbraham, Mass.

"To Nick's family & friends,
While surfing the web I stumbled upon this page and read through the messages. I didn't know Nick nor do I know any of you, but those messages are very touching. I am really sorry for all you have lost. Nick was obviously a much loved young man in life, just as he is now. This tribute to him is really beautiful and keeps his memory alive and well for even strangers like me to see. I thank Nick for all he did for our country, and I thank you for sharing a little bit about Nick with the rest of us.
I wish you all the best."
Kristin of Maryland

"Hey Nick! Its Katey Lewis! You probably dont remember me all that well but im Chuck Garcia's neice. Im writing about you as my hero for language class. Every one keep telling me that they didnt know who you were but i told them that if they knew who you were they'd want you to be their hero too, but your my hero! My mom misses you terribly and Carol Garcia was crying for years! We all laugh at the stupid things you and Chuck did when you guys were little! I wish I could have known you then! I bet you were a fun guy! You always were! I love you! You'll always and i mean ALWAYS be in my heart!"
Katey Lewis of Lowell, Indiana

"Nick, I went to school with you, grew up with you, and will ALWAYS remember you. I love you bro. I joined for you, I will make those who took you, remember you."
Kevin of Crown Point

"Merry Christmas love and miss you"

"Happy Turkey Day lil bro. Always thinking of you"

"To the family of:Nicholas R. Idalski 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"

"nick I still cant believe that you are not here. I think about you all the time. we had so much fun over the years.I named my first child after you Mya Nicole, thats as close as I could get with a baby girl and once she is old enough Ill tell her all about you.I wish you were here to have seen me make something of myself"www.hoosiersupplier.com" but i know your watching and are proud. I love and Miss You alot everyday.MY HERO"
Justin Harder "Manis" of orlando Florida

"Nick,

Man it has been way too many years now since the back to back keggers we used to always have with the teeny boppers, and its been way too long since we last got to play baseball at the old high school, so long the field and the school are gone. Regardless Man, I still tell your story and our stories to everyone I know whenever I pass a photo of you. You were a hell of a man and an even better friend. I cant wait till we meet again TNS."
Bill Bixby of Crown Point, IN

"Nick, We miss you so much everyday. You were my best friend, and as it seems you still are. Your memories help me through so much. You've made a great impact on all those who new you. In life or in death. Your name lives on here everyday. Crystals teacher once asked the class what they were thankful for. My little girl stood up and said "I'm grateful for Nick Idalski. He died for our freedom." You're a legend Nick. Your name will live forever. As it should. We love you Nick. I'll see ya later brother."
Scott Noel of Crown Point, In.

"Hey bud another year goes by and not a day passes without you being in my thoughts. You are truly an American Hero. Thank you"
of C.P

"Another Memorial Day, another day of tears for all those who have passed before you and for those who have come after you. Steve and I went to a special Memorial Ceremony in Indianapolis this Friday. It was unbeleivably moving and emotional. The awsome power of all the thousands of people who gathered to Honor the Fallen. All in all though, I wish with all my heart you were still here with us. Love and miss you son."
Mom

"yo pops I just wanted to say happy easterto ya and that i aint forgot I love ya still to this day miss ya ya son"
Justin Manis of orlando

"hey nick, well i don't know where to begin. i'm sorry i wasn't there with you, i'm sorry i wasn't there to carry you home. i got the news about you 2 weeks before i deployed. i cried for days. which is tough for me, i'm not really a crier. i never got a chance to tell you how much your friendship means to me.
i think of all those times we stayed up late bullshitting and laughing. the dnd games till 4 in the morning. chuck and pete and us just living the teenage dream.
i carry your picture in my left breast pocket. right over my heart. i have another on my wall locker. i say hey to you every morning, and goodnight every night. you watch my back while i'm on missions, and i thank you for that. just wish i could've done the same for you. every time i treat a u.s. casualty, all i can think is "if i'd been there for nick, maybe i could've done something." then i focus and try to save someone else's friend.
much love man,
the other nick"
nick marchand of tikrit iraq

"Merry Christmas brother, thinking of you always. I know you are with us always in spirit. Missing you."

"Hi baby, Happy Veteran's Day, we honored you, your fallen brothers, and all vets in Oregon at the Families United for our Troops Regional gathering. Met so many wonderful families of the fallen, I know all were with us through the week-end. All my respect, all my honor, all my love and miss you more every day.
Love you son, Mom"

"Happy Veterans Day to an American Hero. May the memories you left live on always in the peoples hearts that you have touched."

"I watched the clip from CBS Chicago on the painting. The painting is incredible. We all miss Nick very much up here, he will truly never be forgotten."
Jess of Northern Michigan

"i have no loved ones laft behind but my boyfriend leave for a year and i don't like it becasue it scares me so much leaves for a year in Jan and in that something can happen but i know it's job if you cam help me get throw this e-mail me at nate_jess28@yahoo.com
Thank you for your time"
Jessica Lilley of P.A

"Hi baby...it's a blue day today, am especially missing you. This is when I can hear your laugh, a soft touch on my shoulder and a little whisper in my ear to say "don't cry mom, I'm here with you today". I miss you more than I can say and I'm grateful to all the wonderful people who remember you still. Bless them all for the prayers that help us everyday. love and miss you always"
mom

"I would like to ask whoever reads this to go and check out a web site for Nick. The sites address is www.spcnicholasidalski.com. It is a wonderful tribute to a brave young soldier."

"06-30-2007
Two years later....I will never forget you...Postal Brother..."
c.g. of Cedar Lake

"Hey bro, well Happy Memorial Day. Miss you but will never forget you. You are a much braver person than most. HOOAH!!"

"I'm thinking about you today... I came home to Crown Point the week you got to go to heaven...it was amazing to see all the love that Crown Point and everyone there had for you. You were amazing and so special. Even though it had been years since we talked, I hold special memories of you! Bless you Idalski Family. You gave the best gift...John 15:12-13
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
THANK YOU."
Nicole Nevelo of Scottsdale, AZ

"Getting married in four months bro. It hurts that you can't make it in person. But I know you'll be watching. Mom, Dad and I were talking about you the other day, we all miss ya pretty bad."
Jess of Northern Mich

"Nick, It's Kaley Lewis...I still remember the three weeks you stayed with us when we lived in Lake Dale, and I still remember all the times you'd tickle me or play around with me...And I even still remember you at my parents wedding...I cried looking at all those pictures my mom and dad found of you in our house...at school we had to write down who our hero was, and why they were so special to us.I wrote about you, I wrote about all of the things I remembered about you...My language teacher gave me a C but when I read it aloud to the class almost everyone was crying...I cried while i was reading it...And some other people wanted to read it and they all cried...I miss you Nick you were a family best friend...
I'll never ever forget you...But at least you are up there with god...one day I'll see you again and I can't wait to give you a big hug....
Love Always,
Kaley"
Kaley 12 of Lowell, Indiana

"hey son, well time has a way of staying the course and not letting us stop. I know that you were with us when both of your brothers were married this year,you were best man in spirit. I am so thankful to all the wonderful people who always remember you and care,and it doesn't matter how much time has gone by. Christmas is the most difficult holiday to struggle through because this was your special holiday, your favorite. I miss you more with each passing day,and wish you were here with all my heart. Thank you for helping to watch over Matt while he was in Iraq, he and his family are very special. Now I'm asking you to help watch over Fabrizi,your squad leader, until he can come back home,and Evans too. They are both back over there for another year, help keep them safe son. Merry Christmas in heaven baby, I love you always"
love, Mom

"Hey Nick,
We see your picture everywhere and remember all the great times we had together, we miss you so much. God bless you for the price you paid serving this country. We love you and miss you every day."
Lisa D. and Reggie of Crown Point & Dyer, IN

"It's good to see that people still visit your sight. There still isn't a day that goes by that you don't cross my mind. I know you're looking over us...you were protecting us overseas and now you're our guardian angel. I miss you man. Happy Halloween."
Jess of Up North, Michigan

"Hey Nick, We all love you and miss you so much. You are a true Hero in all our hearts. I look at your picture every day and want to just be able to grab you and give you a big hug! Thank you for watching over my soldier, I know you were right there marching next to him in Iraq for his whole tour. My heart goes out to your family, they love you and miss you more than words can say. You are bringing Matt back home to the USA now, and my soldier is your family's soldier too. When they look at Matt, they can picture you standing right along side of him, with arms around each other, toasting a shot of Rumpelmintz, just as I do. Love Ma Dutton"
Val Dutton of Crown Point, In, USA

"We were moved to tears when we had the opportunity to visit Broomfield, Colorado's "The Healing Field", a memorial of flags for the victims of 9-11 and each the fallen since then. The flags flew by day and were lit at night for a full week. As we walked through the field with our two sons, we sensed a holy hush; a quietness, and a profound sense of respect resting there. What an honor and privilege it is to have sponsored a flag and find that it had the name of your Nicholas on it. We hang it with pride in front of our home and think of Nicholas daily. We are humbled by his sacrifice... and the sacrifice of his family and friends. We we are reminded daily to pray for you. We offer our sincere thanks and deepest condolences to all of you. Nicholas will not be forgotten."
Steve & Laurie Hansen of Thornton, CO

"I remember all those times of staying up late watching M*A*S*H with you. I'm proud of you for all you have accomplished. I am truely blessed to have known you. I will miss you. You will be a HERO forever in all our hearts."
Crystal H. of Cedar Lake, IN

"Thank You
by Lily Michaels, 2003

I can't shake every hand.
I can't put flowers on every grave.
I can't console every family member.
But I can say thank you.

You have given me the freedom I enjoy today.
Your blood was shed in place of mine.
Your family grieved so mine could rejoice.
All I can say is thank you.

There are not words big enough.
There is not a hug strong enough.
There is not a smile wide enough.
All I can offer is thank you.

You are my hero.
You are in my thoughts.
You are in my prayers.
For all you've done, thank you.

Nicholas Idalski is an American hero who will not be forgotton. Thank you Nick for your sacrifice and honorable service."
Judy D of Anderson, IN

"Hey Nick. Just cruising by and wanted to say still thinking of you and wanted to say miss you a lot but I am sure you already know that. Well can't wait to see you again someday. It is probably a blink of an eye for you and will seem like an eternity for me. Well gotta go miss and love you always. You are truely a "HERO""
Steve of C.P.

"Hey bro,
I just wanted to write cause I've been thinking about you a lot. I poured one out for you last week on your birthday...I miss you like crazy. I'll see you when I get there. Peace"
Jess of Gaylord

"Hey Nick,
Just want to write and say Happy Birthday. Even though its been a little over a year it seems like we just lost you yesterday. I know you are in a better place and on your second birthday in heaven I know you will be celebrating with everyone. Miss you always.
Love Steve"
Steve of C.P

"I would give anything for one more day. I should have never lost touch with you. I waited for your return home every day since I moved back here. I think about you every day and it hurts. I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!!!!!
Posal brother #1
God Bless you...""
Chuck Garcia of Lowell, IN

"My husband rode his motorcycle on June 17, 06 for the ILLinois Motorcycle Freedom Run. He wore a copy of a dog tag with Nicholas Ryan Idalski's name on it around his neck. The proceeds from this ride went to the Mideast War Memorial in Marsailes, ILLinois. I will keep these dog tags and pray for Nick's family and friends. He is not forgotten. Love, Kathy & Gene Charniak"
Kathleen/Gene Charniak of Antioch, IL 60002

"Hey Nick,
I wanted to write and tell you happy memorial day. I thought a lot about you today and how proud you made me. You are a true hero. I will never forget you. "In our hearts always" Love you bro."
Steve of C.P.

"Here is a poem for you Nick that I have wrote. But most of all, ALL CPHS Alumni have to stick together no matter what year they graduate. We all love you and miss you deeply! For more rememberence check out my site www.geocities.com/alicelynn2006

A Prayer For A Special Soldier

He was a perfect son,
His parents couldn't ask for more.
He was the perfect brother,
That never stopped caring.
He was a great friend,
The one to always catch you when you fall.
He was the greatest boyfriend,
The one that knows how to treat a girl right.
So when it came time to become a perfect soldier,
He had more love for his country than most.
When it came time for him to go,
He became the perfect soldier to protect god.
Now he joins all fallen angels,
But also became more of a man than he ever was.
I am grateful for knowing this once in a lifetime soldier,
Because he gave his life for the country he loved.
My prayer is a wish that has wings,
It flies to the heaven above,
Asking god to love this wonderful man as one of his own,
But also let him live as the unforgotten soldier.
Nick, thank you for the memories, we will never forget you, but also we will always love you."
Alice Lynn Zieseniss/ Class of 2003CPHS of Crown Point, Indiana/ USA

"Nick, even though I never had the privelege of knowing you, I chose the honor of writing about you. After writing a twelve page paper about you, I realized how much of a hero you truly are. I wish I had been able to meet you, and I know that God must have missed you fiercely in heaven to take away one of His true angels on earth. You taught so many people to love and to enjoy life. I think everyday how I need to live as you would have wanted everyone to live. God bless the Greenberg and Idalski families. My thoughts are with you all."
Marybeth Fredericks of Crown Point

"NICK
I JOINED THE ARMY WITH YOU, AND IF YOU ASKED I WOULD DO IT AGAIN. I AM IN IRAQ. PLEASE LOOK OUT FOR ME AND KEEP ME SAFE. I WILL ALWAYS BE THINKING OF YOU AND I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU.

YOUR BEST FRIEND
LOVE SPC MATTHEW A. DUTTON"
SPC MATT DUTTON of IRAQ

"I am deeply sorry to hear about Nick. He was obviously a fine young man. I would be honored to write a more in depth story on him and post it online.
http://rightfielder.blogspot.com
rightfielderblog_at_hotmail.com"
Brian Huard of Murrieta, CA

"Nick was my favorite cousin. If I had a problem he would try his hardest to help me even if he had no clue what he was doing. He always had a good spirit and heart. If he did something wrong he would take the blame not push it on someone else...like when he ran into our busia's (grandma's) garage and almost had it cave in. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him.
Let his memory never die."
Michael P. Idalski of Rogers City, MI

"Nick,
We've spent a lot of time apart ever since you moved back to Crown Point from Rogers City...but you've always been my best friend. I'll always remember the times I had with you. I miss you man, I'll never forget you. You were like a brother to me and I prayed everyday that you would make it home. The lord truly has sent you home. I'll see you when I get there. Kim and family, I'm so sorry for your loss and I pray for you every day. Be strong."
Jess Kuznicki of Rogers City, Michigan

"thank u for all u teached me i will never forget the short time we spent together and the ever inportant advice u gave me..thank u for serving our country..u gave ur life and love thankz nick"
justin slayden of lowell crown point

"Nick, I just want to hold you, to hug you, to hear your crazy laugh. I miss you so much it hurts every day. You have left us with a life time of memories and you have accomplished so much in such a short time. I will always stay strong like I promised you, and will wait for you to meet me when I can come home. Until then, I will follow your words, and fight the good fight, tomorrow will be a better day. As always, love you, miss you, stay safe"
Mom of Crown Point, IN USA

"Nick, when you think of how a brother is described you fit all the catagories. You weren't just a great brother but the best friend anyone could ask for. The memories you left me with are ones I will cherish always. I know you will always be with me and all the other people you love. I love you and will never forget you. Your brother Steve."
Steve Idalski of Crown Point, IN United States of America

"Nick, Man you been gone only a short while but, man I miss you so much. I think about you everyday. I cant stand the thought of you not being here to see the better times of my life. Everything I went through I knew no matter what I could always stop by your house and no matter what or who was over you always gave me the time of day to tell you what was going on. Thanks for all the advice you gave me and all the great times. I promise for you I will make something of myself I just wish you would be here to see it. I love you man. I'll see you soon.

love,
ya son"
Justin Manis of lowell, In. U.S.A

"Dear Nicholas's Family and Friends, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to you on the loss of your Nick. He is a true American Hero. What a fine son you raised. He will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless all of you, and know Nick is safe in heaven with Him."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"Nick,

I want to thank you for your bravery, your devotion to your country and your love for Lisa. You will truly be missed and will always be in our hearts."
Bob Wheeler of Crown Point, IN

"ILL NEVER FORGET THE GOOD TIMES THE TWO OF US SHARED IN BASIC TRAINING AND AIRBORNE SCHOOL. THE WEEKENDS IN GEORGIA GOING TO CLUBS AND THOSE GOOFY PILOT GLASSES YOU USED TO ALWAYS WEAR AROUND. TAKE YOUR PLACE IN HEAVEN SPC. IDALSKI WITH ALL THE OTHER MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE DIED FIGHTING FOR THIS GREAT COUNTRY. I MISS YA BUDDY"
SPC. ARNOLD 82nd ABN DIV of FORT BRAGG, NC

"Nick, I only knew you through Brian but I'll never forget the few times we hung out. You're a great person...like Nathan said: a true hero a role model. I will never forget you or your bravery. THANK YOU for your service. I have learned so much about myself through this tragedy and I owe that to you. THANK YOU! Your family is in my prayers.

ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS!"
Tiffany H. of Crown Point, IN, USA

"If Anyone is going out drinking take a shot of rumplemints my great dear fallen hero. It was his favorite drink"
sonny of crowntown

"Nick, A.k.a my pops. I will always remember you and I know you'll be watching all of us, Me, Kuehl, Big Mike, Scotty, Your brothers Nathan and Steve, Brian, Govert, Baby D, Michelle Trent, The Zillers, Zelms, Jay, Little Kurth, Bias, Warehouse, and everyone else that you ever blessed with your presence will always remember. I love you Nick. My promise to you is I will never let your name die. You will always live on with us. I will also do my best to make sure that Lisa is okay. I love ya pops, Thanks for all the great memories. Love
Sonnyboy"
Justin Manis of Lowell , Indiana, U.S.A

"Nick, you left us too soon, but the little time you were here you made such a difference. It's hard to believe I will never again hear your "Hello, Mrs. Wheeler" greeting or see your smiling face. I'll miss you Nick and you always will hold a special place in my heart. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten and I will keep you in my prayers."
Dorothy Wheeler of Crown Point, IN

"TO NICKS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. MAY GOD BLESS YOU DURING YOUR TIME OF GRIEF. HIS COURAGE AND VALOR WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED IN OUR FAMILY. WE WILL NEVER FORGET"
THE STANLEY FAMILY of CROWN POINT, IN

"I miss you so much man. I had such a hard time approaching you at the wake. I wish I could go back in time and tell you how good of a friend you were to me. Saying goodbye is not enough. I will never forget you staying over at my house with all the guys playing role-playing games. I'll also never forget partying with you at Alex's. Your death reminds me how important friends are in our lives. I deeply miss the time we've spent together.

Love-"
William P. Sanford of Crown Point, IN United States

"Nick,
you were a good friend in high school all through senior year, man we had some funny times hangin out with everyone. I will miss you so much, I am sorry I didn't get to see you again. you will be forever missed by us all."
John Bereckis of FT Bragg, NC

"Nick, I attended school with him, he was a great person inside and out. He will forever be remembered my me and our entire town. RIP. ALL THE LOVE IN THE WORLD"
Laura M. Ellis of Crown Point, Indiana USA

"Nick, thank you for being a hero. We will never forget you. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. My prayers are with you and your family. As a friend, I am deeply saddened by your loss, and I express my deepest condolences to your family and friends. I miss you Nick, and I will keep you in my prayers."
1st Lt Andy Wheeler of Pensacola, FL

"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, Nicholas will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. America will forever honor your Hero.
The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the sacrifice that was made and we will NEVER FORGET.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, Ohio

"Thank you Nicholas Idalski, 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 Spc. Nicholas Idalski:
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 Nicholas 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 Spc. Nicholas Idalski:
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 Nicholas, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on