Today my walk was dedicated in honor of:
Army SGT Nicholas A. Casey, Age 22 of Canton, OH.
KIA Oct. 27, 2008 Operation Enduring Freedom
SGT Casey was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.
Sgt. Nicholas A. Casey, of Canton, Ohio was a Timken High School graduate and enlisted in the Air Force after graduating in 2004. After less than a year with the Air Force, he decided to switch and join the Army. Nicholas met his future wife, Rachelle, in English class at Timken High. They dated in high school and were planning for a wedding after graduation. Then Nicholas decided to enlist with the Air Force. He was sent to Texas and Rachelle followed. The pair were married by a justice of the peace in San Antonio. After about six months with the Air Force, Nicholas decided to join the Army. He wanted a military career and the Army offered more opportunity. There were more options and promotions came faster. They ended up at Fort Hood in Texas, where Nicholas was assigned to the 504th Military Intelligence Brigade. In August 2006, the 504th deployed to Camp Striker in Iraq. Nicholas returned home Oct. 31, 2007. He didn’t spend much time at home. In mid-September, he shipped out to Afghanistan with his new unit, the 7th Special Forces Group based out of Fort Bragg in North Carolina. He also recently was promoted to sergeant. Rachelle decided to enlist.
The couple talked about the idea and it seemed to be the right thing to do. He and his wife have two sons and Nicholas was devoted to them, spending time with them when he was home. Nick was killed in Afghanistan while on his second tour of duty in the Middle East. He died at age 22 in Baghlan, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when a suicide bomber detonated explosives as they were preparing to enter a building.
SGT Nicholas A. Casey received the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart.
He is buried in the North Lawn Cemetery, Canton, OH.
We had a great 9.90 Mile walk this morning. We walked out in the country and got to see the beautiful sunrise this morning. We then walked down main street to the War Memorial Park and back home. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping me honor this hero. We had an amazing 210 honks. Thank you.
Army SGT Nicholas A. Casey will not be forgotten !
