April 17, 2019

Education: Marine Corps Infantry School, Marine Basic Reconnaissance Course, Amphibious Reconnaissance School, Airborne Course, Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape Cold Weather Environmental Survival Training, Marine Scout Sniper Advanced Course, Marine Operational and Emergency Medical Skills Course, Marine Dynamic Assault/Special Reconnaissance Course, Military Free Fall Parachutist Course, Special Missions Training Branch Urban Sniper Course, Marine Urban Sniper Course, Marine Multi Mission Parachutist Course, Marine Urban Reconnaissance and Surveillance Course, Marine Special Operations School, Infantry leader Transition Course, Special Forces Qualification Course, Special Operations Language Training, Survival Evasion Resistance Escape Level C Course, Special Forces Sniper Course, Advanced Leader Course, Special Forces Weapons Course, Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Course, Special Forces Senior Leader Course.

 

Awards and Decorations: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award), Navy and Marine Commendation Medal with “V” Device, Navy and Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Gold Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Mobilization Device,Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2nd Award), North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Navy Unite Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation (Army and Air Force, 2nd Award), Special Forces Tab, Military Freefall Parachutist Badge, Military Freefall Jumpmaster Badge, Parachutist Badge, Australian Parachutist Badge, Expert Rifle Marksmanship Badge, Overseas Service Bar (3).

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Survived By: Nick is survived by his mother, Mona, his sister, Gretchen, his brother, Joey, his sister-in-law, Becca, his nephew, Nicholas and his fiancé, Anna. Nick has a large family of aunts, uncles and cousins.

 

 ​Nick was a Special Forces Weapons Sergeant. He died of a catastrophic medical event which occurred 3-4 minutes after exiting the plane during freefall training for a pending deployment. We have never found out the cause. We are so very thankful for Nick’s Team and all they did for us.

 

​The following comments are from a few of Nick’s Green Beret and Marine Corps brothers

 

“Nick was the type of Soldier every commander wants…It was one of the highest honors in my life to serve as Nick’s team Leader."

 

“Nick’s satisfaction came from knowing he had done everything in his power to ensure that the mission was successful and held to the highest standards he placed on himself.”

 

"One of my favorite memories of Nick is when he turned down an opportunity to advance personally because his team was deploying to Afghanistan."

 

“Nick’s death was not only an extreme loss emotionally as a brother but also as a mentor to others in the regiment.”

 

“You saved my life. I wish I could have repaid you…I am grateful for having been your friend, for having served next to you.”

 

“I miss you, Shep. Most of all: your relentless love for your brothers-in-arms."