Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"First off I'd like to say THANKS to all whom have expressed their sympathy torwards the loss of my brother. I had no idea that this site exsited... After reading all the stories shared, it makes me feel a deep guilt for not being there to respond to his other brothers and sisters in Alpha Co. I have wanted to know so much about his tour in Iraq... Maybe not knowing is better for some, but not me. His gravesite is in Davenport, Iowa at the Memorial Park Cemetary. Unfortunately, we did not have him buried at the arsenal because we wanted him closer to home, and by our side when we go... If you have any questions or want to talk please look me up on Facebook under Stephanie Louise Skinner. He is greatly missed by all, his infectious laugh & uplifting jokes when I was down... Wish he was here to see his nephews, becasue he loved kids, and I know they'd love him. Rest easy brother.

Love always,

Stephanie Skinner"
SKINNER of Davenport, Iowa

"Nick, my brother, my friend, we met doing a speacil training with force recon. I remember smoking and joking with you. And then we were on ship together u.s.s Denver. I miss you brother. You are a great marine and a better friend. No matter what you could make me laugh. Please Mr. And Mrs. Skinner I would like to know where my brother is buried. I was working mortuary affairs the night he was sent home. If any can help me I would be appreciated. 7792078732 call or text with any info of my Brother.

If the army and the navy ever looked on heaven scenes.
They find the streets are gaurded by united states marines.

I'll see you when we regroup."
Lcpl. Ramirez, David MSSG 11 of Rockford, IL U.S.A

"PFC Skinner,
I still remember Najaf like it was yesterday. You made me smile because of our mutual fondness of sharp stabby things… I was about to take your photo and ‘make you famous’…
This is to let you know that you’re thought of still, that you will never be forgotten. I’m sorry that I never got to take that photo.
Rest well, my friend. Semper Fidelis."
Annette Redman (Kyriakides), Sgt USMC (Ret) of Wellsboro, PA

"I have left several messages on here for Sgt. Rocha, Doc Moreno, and Sgt. Reynoso.. I didn't who Skinner was, he came to A Co. after I left, but I was at the BAS when he arrived and I saw him; bullshitting and laughing with all the Army people that were going to operate on him!!

Skinner, if i knew nothing more about you, that would be enough!!

For all his friends and family, know he didn't leave in pain or in fear; he left this world with a big, great laugh!!!!!!!"
HM2 Urbina of Garden Grove, CA

"I love you brother i wish i new you alot more than i did. I love u brother i wish you where here with me to help me threw things. I have very few memeories of you but those memories would always stick with me till i die."
Dexter Hamann of Iowa quad citys

"Hey you don't know me but my mom taught you in grade school and she liked you so much she named me after you, im fifteen now and I will always remember who I was named after"
Nick De Stefano of Chillicothe IL

"PFC Skinner,

Though I never met you personally, I feel I got to know you pretty well through your brother Marines -- LCpl Vincent, LCpl Macklin, and LCpl Martell (I think that was you).
I still remember standing in my little office in Ad Diwaniyah watching your three closest friends with their arms around each other in a brotherly hug, like a small football huddle. The murmuring of their voices reached my ears, though I couldn't make out what they said. The young warriors were manfully mourning your passing, comforting each other, occasionally laughing, occasionally crying. I stood there with my camera in my hand but I couldn't bring it to my eye. It would have been the perfect picture to accompany the story I wrote about you but it was such a private moment I couldn't make myself take it. I can tell you though, that the picture is indelibly stamped in my heart and mind.
Speaking of that story, I truly put my heart and soul into it. I don't know if your family ever read it but I hope that it comforted them to know that you were never alone, that your brothers were with you to the end, and that you loved what you did and did it well. I wanted to honor your memory and comfort your family and your friends in their bereavement. I hope it did you justice.

Semper Fi, Marine ... rest well"
Gunnery Sgt. Chago Zapata (Ret) of Los Angeles

"Wow, this is an awesome site... I hope all my brothers are doing well. As for the two that didnt come back with us at Alpha Company I am glad to say that I had the opportunity to fight beside you tough S.O.B's. R.I.P brothers"
humphrey, Sgt, U.S.M.C. of st louis,mo

"PFC Skinner,

I can still vividly see the moment you were carried off the that helicopter at FOB Hotel. When I got word that you were hit, I called for a medevac from Duke right away. At times I feel if I could have only gotten you that Medevac sooner you will still be with us today. Every night when I close my eyes, you and a few other Marines are there, and ask me "Gunny why did you let me die"? I don't have the answer for you or the other boys, but you Marines will always be a part of my life and I will never for get what you Marines did, in that Cemetery, or other places in Iraq.

Semper Fidelis Young Marine
YAT-YAS!!!
GySgt USMC(Ret.)"

"Nick, I don't know you, nor have I ever met you. However, I have had the honor of passing along your memory and your sacrafice to many over the past seven years. I made a donation to a veteran's organization seven years ago and in return recieved a black metal bracelet with your information on it. I have not taken it off for almost seven years. Its probably going to leave a permanent mark.LOL . Many people ask about the name on the bracelet and why I wear it. The why is obvious, and I am always proud to tell them a little about you. Thanks for your service and your sacrafice. I wish I was half as brave at twenty years old that you were. god bless. Semper Fi."
Blue Gragg of Waco, Texas United States of America

"Its 2011 now, hard to believe. You are missed everyday. Hinkle and I are still ready to take out Vincent's boat if he ever gets one brother. I have a memorial in my house for you and Dondo that I take care of. Can't wait to fight beside you again when I make it to Valhalla. "We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. Whoever sheds his blood with me, shall forever be my brother... ALPHA!!!... RAIDERS!!! Rest well warrior!"
Cpl Matt Martell of Phoenix, AZ

"Nick,
Today it has been 7 years since that awful day. It was a day that I'll never forget, but I try to think of better days. They played a great song for you today, "Some Gave All" on the radio, and they definitely picked a great song in your memory. You have changed my life in so many ways, and have made me such a strong person, so I thank you for that! Thank you for giving the ultimate sacrifice for myself and for everyone else in this great country of ours. I will always love you, and I hope to see you again someday!"
Anna Mechem (Mammen) of Ames, IA (originally Davenport, IA)

"Nick, you were true blue. Thanks for being a friend, glad to have known you growing up. Think of you often. Thanks for fighting, standing up for this great country of ours!"
Alan Papendorf of McCausland, IA

"Hey skinner theres not a day that goes by that i dont think of u and the rest of the raiders i miss it everday. I hope all goes well for your family and everthing if they ever need anything call me 7249948832"
Michael Zilka of new ken, pa

"Another year gone by brother....another year closer to the time we will meet again...and I cannot wait. I wont be able to make it over to see you this year...and for that I am deeply sorry. I hope the guitar session on memorial day was good! lol. Ill bring it again next time and play some more tunes for ya. We all love you and miss you so much dude. Ill talk to ya later"
Sgt Anthony Macklin of creston oh

"Hey little brother, i hope your keeping your Blues "spot on" otherwise Alex will haze you,LOL, i know you do. you are a Super Marine and since i first met you I knew that you would be one of our best. I love you and will always be thinking of you-keeping your family in my prayers. See you at the Pearl Gates Bro! RAIDERS for EVER!"
Johnny Crespo of Encino, CA

"Hey Skinner. Even though you and I never met, we share a huge connection. I've heard a lot about you first from alex and then from the rest of your brothers. I can't wait for the end of June when I get to take the hike up Mt horno and properly give my respects. Tell Alex I love and miss him."
elias contos of Norwood ma

"Hey there brother! You make sure you are keep'n it Raider style up there. We will all be together again someday, you will always be my brother. If your family ever needs anything, lead them to this website, 920-373-0265. Always and forever bro, Raider for Life!!!!"
Cpl Anderson, Paul of Oconto Falls, WI

"Skinner...it's been a long, long time now. Seems like an eternity. I knew you for a few good months man, and like everyone else I was always extremely impressed by your physical and mental toughness, but even more so by your immense character and moral virtue. You were one of those rare people who absolutely always lived by the creed "Say what you mean and mean what you say." I remember the OPFOR training mission that we did for Force that Vargas wrote about. The way you spoke up to our seniors always scared that crap out of me, but I didnt want to seem like a wuss so I stood there with you. You were a true badass bro. When I think back on being a Raider I always think of you. You truly personified the image of what we all wanted to be. I still catch myself from time to time thinking about what you would do in certain situations, because I know that you were a truly standup individual and always did the right thing. I didn't find out that you had been killed until a few days later, when a bunch of us were rejoining the BLT after being hospitalized in Baghdad. Col Mayer thought we already knew and said he was sorry for our loss. Of course we were all shocked.
The world lost a great person on Aug 26, 2004 man. You had a rare spirit...one that you don't see very often and is truly appreciated when you do. Take care man. Raider"
Matt Davis of Clemson, South Carolina

"Ill never forget you."
Josh Moore of Charleston SC

"To my young brother Nick Skinner, As I remember when you first came to Alpha and portrayed yourself as a brave and Hard Core Marine, I knew that we had a great new grunt to join our ranks. After hearing that you and Alex had been hit I felt my heart shatter. I hated that I could not be with you guys because of my stupid injuries. What keeps me going and what has kept me going is the fact that I served with the bravest "kids" I have ever known. I will never go one day without praying for your families and for the Lord to let me stand by your side once again. Till the next Raid against Hell boys!!! Keep on "jabbin and slashin". Love you. Semper Fidelis Raiders!

Jonathan Crespo
SGT / USMC
1/4 Raiders"
Johnny of Encino, CA

"Nick-
It has been just over five years sence you have been gone. I just found this page and I wanted to let you, your family, and anyone else reading this, that we may not have been close but you are on the only thing I can think of when someone askes me who do you look up to. I remember being in class with you and picking on one another all the time, including the same on the bus. I wish we could go back to those days when we were both younger and had the time to get closer. The last time I seen you was at the mall. You told me you were about ready to get shipped out to eventually go to Iraq. I remeber being mad at you and asking why? why? why are you going over there? I asked that cuz I was scared I would never get a chance to talk to you again. I remember hugging you good bye and that was the last time I seen, talked, or touched you. That day will stay with me forever. I know now why you went and I have more respect for you and every other soldier out there. I just wish you were able to come home. You will always be in my heart and I will never forget you. I love you! ( I wish I would have been brave enough to tell you when I had the chance)"
Brandy of davenport, iowa U.S.A

"Skinner, you were the hardest of hard Marines and Raiders. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. You are greatly missed. Semper Fi! RAIDERS FOR LIFE!"
HM3 (Doc) Powers, Ben of Santa Rosa, CA

"this is aaron reed pfc skinner was one of my best friends we did alot together. i leave my sympothy for his family and friends"
aaron reed of mission kansas

"To everyone that has put so many of their personal experiences. This is greatly appreciated every now and then I read these just to know how well he is missed by you all and us as well. I love you all for your kind thoughts.
Love his mother"
Laura Hamann of Walcott, Iowa U.S.A Marine Mother

"Young WarFighter,

Every night I close my eyes, I see you coming off that helo at LZ Hotel, wrapped in a sliver blanket, they used to keep you warm. I'm sorry that I could not get you the help you needed when you need it most. I did try with all my might. You will never be forgotten and I hope that one day my son can grow up to be half the man you were. I'll see you and chat with you when I close my eyes tonight and tomorrow night.

Semper Fi, Little Brother..........."
GySgt Lopez Jr., R.R. of Camp Pendleton, Ca

"Skinner i remember the first day i actually met you, we were a small detachment of marines separated from the rest of the company. I remember we were playing the role of OPFOR for a different unit. You were a only a boot back then but you were pissed that "senior lcpls" didn't have to unload the humvees and you kept arguing w/me lol. You finally just left to patrol the perimeter and when you came back you showed us all the tail end of a rattle snake! man i was pissed lol i think it was a $10,000 fine for killing wildlife on camp pendleton. i thought to myself this is one crazy boot but he fits right in with the rest of us RAIDERS. You're a true warrior in my eyes and since you have a good line of sight from up there, see if you can't call in adjustments for an artillery strike on Moqtada Al Sadr. Thanks brother. Once a Raider always a Raider"
Cpl Peter Vargas of Chicago, IL

"Hey brother how ya been? I found your dogtags the other day along with the coin that col. mayer put in your boot. We all miss you more than you can imagine. I just hope you save some of them broads up ther for the rest of us!! I love you brother"
Sgt. Anthony Macklin of Creston Oh

"Hey brother how ya been? I found your dogtags the other day along with the coin that col. mayer put in your boot. We all miss you more than you can imagine. I just hope you save some of them broads up ther for the rest of us!! I love you brother"
Sgt. Anthony Macklin of Creston Oh

"July 8, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Nicholas M. Skinner:
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

"Nick,

Today is Memorial Day. As always, my thoughts and prayers will be with your friends and family. I miss you bro, and I know many others miss you as well, but your selfless sacrifice for your brothers and your country is what makes this nation great.

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Rest easy brother, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers, ALWAYS."
David Smith of ALPHA RAIDERS!!!!!!

"Kan vi drinkker fra skulls av var fiender! Semper Fi Brother"
Jacob Hinkle of Oregon

"I miss you so much dude. You will forever be the most hardcore Raider from the HELLBOYS! I got the M-4 like we planned on and if Vincent ever gets his stupid boat I will sink it for you. Eat and fight well in Valhalla... you have earned it. Till we meet again warrior.

Semper Fi brother."
Cpl Matt Martell of Scottsdale, Arizona

"Nick was one of the most fearless and hardcore Marines and warriors that I have ever known. Some people talk a big talk but Nick could walk a big walk. I will never forget you brother. I live everyday of my life for you and thank you for always being there for me. You are a true hero who gave everything for your country, your brothers, and your Corps. I know that you are looking down on me keeping me safe from above. I love you and will always remember you. Until we meet again......Semper Fi.........ALPHA ! RAIDER!"
Benjamin Bagby of Hollywood, California

"nick was a great person and i will never forget him! Randy if you need help with anything don't hesitate to call us.."
The Roberts Family of Moline, illinois

"to my brother that i never got to know you as well as everyone else but you and me were inseperatble while we were in iraq and on the long dreadful ship ride over to our living hell. skinner i wanna say that i had sent you home , for i work on M.A duty, i stood with you on your last few hours, i had prayed the last pray for you. nick, im sorry that i could not switch places and let you go home and i stay there. but you had watched over me and keep me from harm and i want to thank you, for you friendship and your compassion, while we talked . i love you brother skinner's family please give me call my home number is 815-233-4019. please to his family im sorry for your lost and know that your son, brother,uncle, was the greatest young man that i knew and he will be missed"
cpl ramirez,david of freeport ,il usa

"Skinner family I'm sorry for your loss. I was there holding him I didn't know him but he told me something about someone named Beth. Again sorry about your loss."
A Marine of oceanside, ca

"Happy birthday brother, you are not forgotten"
Anthony Macklin of Creston Oh

"I think of Nick often. He means a lot to my son, who served alongside him. I wish I were able to comfort you in a meaningful way, but words fail me. Just know that prayers for peace and the sense of God's presence are being sent up for your entire family. Nick will never be forgotten"
Beverly Rosen of San Antonio, TX

"Skinner, you were one of the best and hardest Marines I have ever met. I remember when they'd roll out the matts for grappling matches on the upper deck of the Denver. Even the matches where you almost lost.....you never tapped out, you came back and beat that guy that was much bigger than you. And I realized what an incredible person you were. You were an amazing Marine and we all miss you. Valhalla must have been in need of a few good warriors.
RAIDER FOR LIFE!!!"
Cpl. David J. Smith of Akron, OH

"To the family of:Nicholas M. Skinner 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"

"I miss you every day Brother, It has been over two years now since that day in Iraq. Not a day goes by that I don't remember, I still have the dog tag from your boot around my neck. I will never forget you, and I will make you proud. You will always be in my heart and my stories... until the end of time. We Band Of Brothers.

Your Brother in Arms"
Cpl Stephen Thacher Vincent of Chatsworth, California/US

"Austin I am sooooooo sorry about your brother.


Love,
Lexi.N"
Lexi N of Bettendorf Iowa

"Skinner, I never really got to know you that well but what I do know is the first impression I got of you was right. You didn't take slack from anyone, no matter who it was and you stood up for your friends. Thank you for standing up for us all. I wish I could have gotten to know you better but you will always be my brother. Raider for Life. Semper Fi."
Warren Glas of Union Grove, Wisconsin

"Skinner, I know this is late to come by, to be honest it has been a couple of years...I didnt really get to know you as well as i wanted to...but i do recall the times we talked and worked together...you were a warrior like any other i have ever scene...I can never fully put into words what you have done for the Marine Corps or for 'our' company ALPHA RAIDERS 1/4...you shall forever be my brother...i love you for everything you are and everything you stood for..from this day to the next i will always remember you...I will see you soon...semper fi"
Cpl Jarred Dorhauer of College Station, TX

"My condolences to your family. Thank you for all your son did to make this a safer world for the rest of us. My grandmother was a Skinner from Wisconsin. In reading of the sacrifice Nicholas and you, his family have made I just wanted to say thank you and may God comfort you. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
Beverly Fertig of Stockton, CA

"Skinner you were my roommate my friend and my brother you will always be in my heart. Raider for life"
Lcpl Castor of GR, Michigan

"I didnt know this Marine But I remember his name My Ssgt and I held him in Our Amtrack as we carried him to the evac point. I will always remember him."
cpl Gurule of oceanside, CA

"I didnt know this Marine But I remember his name My Ssgt and I held him in Our Amtrack as we carried him to the evac point. I will always remember him."
cpl Gurule of oceanside, CA

"Nick was a great guy! My family and his family were very close. My dad and his dad have been friends for a very long time. I also give condolensces about Grandpa Skinner. Im sorry you guys are going through that. just remember the Neece's are here for you."
Ashley Neece of Davenport, Iowa, USA

"Nicholas,
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.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"Nick you were a great person as well as you were a soldier, we grew up together since kindergarden and had alote of fun and alote of laughs that ill never forget, thanx for fighting as hard as you could and keeping your head up you will be greatly missed."
Jacob Leigh of Mccausland,IA,US

"Nicholas, your death has left a burning void in my heart, mind, and soul which is felt everyday. There has not been a day that has passed sense you fell that I have not thought of you. You were the toughest Marine in my squad, both mentally and physically, and even thought you may not have know this you were greatly respected and feared for those qualities in my heart, by the rest of the HELLBOYZ, and 1st PLT. You will be missed and morned for a life time which is my own. All I can say is I am truly sorry that I could not stop what happened to you and if I could take your place I would. I am also sorry it took me so long to write you brother, I just have not been able to find the words. Always know you will never be forgotton.

Sleep well Marine and until we meet again just keep your head up and never let the man get you down."
Cpl Ski an Alpha Raider and a HELLBOY for LIFE of Walton N.Y. U.S.A.

"I send my condolences to the family of Nicholas Skinner. I share the last name as your family, and I know that all the Skinner's I have met have been wonderful people. I know he made your family proud and it's an honor to know he's somehow part of my family somewhere down the line. Good luck and may God take care."
Stephen Skinner of West Monroe, LA

"Nick Was a Great Person With an Infectious Personality. You Couldn't Help But Love him! I Think About Nick Everyday and Miss Him Evan More! R.I.P Nick! I Love You and You Will Never Leave My Heart!!"
Mark J. Skinner of Davenport, Iowa

"Nick Was a Great Person With an Infectious Personality. You Couldn't Help But Love him! I Think About Nick Everyday and Miss Him Evan More! R.I.P Nick! I Love You!"
Mark J. Skinner of Davenport, Iowa

"NICOLAS WAS ALWAYS MY BEST FRIEND AND FAVORITE COUSIN. HE TOUGHT ME HOW TO SHOOT A BOW AND ARROW, HOW TO DRIVE A FOUR WHEELER, BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT THING HE TOUGHT ME WAS TO ALWAYS STICK WITH YOUR FAMILY AND ALWAYS BE THE BEST PERSON YOU CAN BE. I MISS HIM SO MUCH AND ILL NEVER FORGET HIM.MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE HAMMONS AND SKINNERS.
REST IN PEACE NICOLAS.
I LOVE YOU"
SHANNON WAGES of GAINESVILLE MO

"Nick was a wonderful person. I loved him very much. There is not a day goes by that I don't miss him. Even going on a year now I still can't believe he's gone. But just remembering the simple things about him like his gorgous half smile makes the days pass easier.
-Nick, I love you with all my heart. I miss you so much but some how I know you are trully not gone for good because I carry you and our great memories in my heart. I know I will see you again when I go and I know you will be there to greet me. I will always remeber you and keep you close to me. As you once wrote in my year book, "I will and do miss you, really".
-I WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER-"
Andi Gregerson of Davenport, Iowa/ Scott County

"It has been my greates honor to serve with PFC Skinner. He was one of my best Marines and he will always be with me in my heart. I dedicate my time and service in the Marine Corps to both PFC Skinner and Lcpl Arredando. I miss you Nick but I will see you again when my time comes. I will honor you for the rest of my life and I salute you brother. I am proud to have been your Platoon Sgt. Semper Fi

SSgt Simon L. Sandoval
USMC
Alpha Company Raider
1st Platoon"
Simon L. Sandoval of Oceanside Califronia, USA

"You and Drew were always MY heros. I love you and i miss youre goofy "im-gunna-kick-ur-butt-little dodds" smile. You will always be my hero, my soldier, my friend, and my angel. You and Drew have fun up there, but dont have TOO much without me. Im sure i'll be there soon enough. and i CaNnOt wait till the day i can see you two again (and grandpa boyd! haha) *I LOVE YOU NICK*
<3always<3
nikki"
nikki dodds of donahue, iowa

"nicholas meant the world to lots of family and friends...including me...put in a good word up there for all of us down here"
ash of United States, Iowa, Princeton

"dear nick, it was really a great time working on the same team as you .. both of us being from iowa we grew up the same and we always understood the meaning of the word country.. thanks for giving it all you had .. god bless your never forgotten . love always and forever."
Frank Richardson of mccallsburg, iowa , USA

"To the family of Nicholas M. Skinner:

The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 29 May. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain, LTC Kenneth L. Beale, Jr. will preach a message entitled “Remembering Our Freedom.” A former Soldier and country music songwriter and performer “Rockie” will pay a special musical tribute. At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:info@fortsnellingmcf.org
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org"

"He will truly be missed and will always be loved. PFC Skinner was truly a hero that anyone would want to immulate. Skinner eventhough I only knew you for a short time....you and arrendondo will always remain dear to me. Take a well deserved rest "Raider".....you have earned it."
SSgt Johns 1/4 Alpha Company of Camp Pendleton, California

"Our Dearest Nick...
You are greatly missed in our hearts at home. Now, you will no longer hurt, your with god! Nick was a very loving young man, loved by everyone. Loved his family, no one or anything ever came between Nick and the family he was always there no matter what! We all miss you and love you more than you could ever know. While your above us Nick...keep a close eye on your mom and dad who had the biggest loss in their life and hearts!
Love You Nick,
Aunt Dorene, Uncle Donnie, Cousin Martika and Robert"
Dorene Wages of Caulfield, Missouri USA

"Pfc Skinner will and still is missed by his fellow Hero's, we all love you Nick, Semper Fi! Your spirit will forever be in Alpha Company. Alpha Raider for life! "SOME GAVE ALL, ALL GAVE SOME." AN NAJAF, IRAQ AUGUST 2004"
1stSgt Synovec, Richard of San Diego, CA

"i never got the pleasure of nicholas. my demo team to started a project(Troops Tribute Across Iowa) in January 2004 and ended in September 2004. We would like for his family to take place in our project next year. so if anyone has information on nicholas or his family please contact me at: queenie_20035@yahoo.com. God bless nicholas and his family!"
Ashley Farrier (T.C.B. Demo) of Washingtion, Iowa, USA

"Alpha Raiders shall never be forgotten - they are the "Best of the Best"."
T of Iraq of Massachusetts

"skinner you are missed by all of us. we know u are watching out for all of us. sepmer fi
bro"
Lcpl Brittner raider 1st plt of FOB duke

"Nobody could ever forget Nick. He was awesome. I met Nick a long time ago and spent the whole summer with him and that was the best year of my life. I learned a lot about him and one thing I can never forget is how much he cared. He was rough and tough but had a huge heart. I miss him everyday. I love him with all my heart and I send my deepest sympathy to his parents and family."
Laura Davis of Springfield,Missouri USA

"Rest in peace Raider. I hope you catch all the big fish in Heaven. You are a true hero and will be missed by your brother Raider's."
1stSgt Young, Alpha Raider of FOB Echo Iraq

"To the family and friends of Private First Class Nicholas M. Skinner,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort in love's everlasting connection.

In the Support section of this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at this crucial time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. There are many, loving and caring Americans from all over the United States that will never forget the sacrifice that your loved one has made for our Freedom. Please register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca

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

"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. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"To Nicholas' Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"To Nicholas' Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten."
a grateful family in Phoenix, AZ

"To the family of Nicholas,
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. Nicholas is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to our country. May God bless you during this difficult time."
The McClain family--azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

"Thank you Nicholas Skinner, 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 Pfc. Nicholas Skinner:
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 Pfc. Nicholas Skinner:
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