Tonight, we honor the memory of a combat medic who perished in service to his country in Afghanistan: Spc. Nicholas P. Bernier. We also hold in our thoughts and our hearts his families and friends, who are grieving the loss of their loved one.
The Jewish people use an expression to refer to good people who have passed on: may his/her memory be a blessing. Although different people believe different things about what, if anything, happens after death, "may his/her memory be a blessing" reflects a more universal sentiment: that the memories of those who have gone can still positively affect and influence those who remain. It is a sentiment of hope and an affirmation of life in the midst of the pain and grief that accompany a profound loss.
In that spirit--either secular or religious, as you prefer--let us remember together this brave, compassionate man, whose only aspiration was to serve his country. May his memory be a blessing, as his life was.
Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service members chronicled here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.
Spc. Nicholas P. Bernier, 21, of East Kingston, New Hampshire
The Department of Defense reports:
Spc. Nicholas P. Bernier, 21, of East Kingston, N.H., died June 25 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, of injuries suffered June 22 when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire in Kherwar, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, La.
Even from the time he was a young boy, Nick Bernier had that most special drive: to help others.
Bernier was only a fifth-grader then, but McMahon [Nick's teacher] saw something special in that young boy most called "Nick."
"I think he had a real desire to connect with people and help people," McMahon said.
Bernier carried that desire with him through school and on to the military. He grew up and became a combat medic.
<snip>
Carol Miller, who lives in town and also teaches fifth grade at the local elementary school, said she knew Bernier had a strong interest in the military and was impressed when she learned that he had become a combat medic.
"It just shows how much he cared about others," she said.
"It seems like that’s the kind of thing he would have been doing," McMahon said. "He was a good boy and he was very earnest about school and about his studies. He worked very hard to make himself a good classmate and a good student."
~ Source: New Hampshire Union Leader
Nick graduated from Exeter High School in East Kingston, New Hampshire, in 2007. In 2008, he enlisted in the Army to give him the chance to fulfill his desire to help others.
His uncle said he worked hard while in the Army to become a nurse and combat medic.
He spent much of his time in the service in Texas treating troops as they came home after being injured overseas.
Bernier’s family said he had been stationed in Afghanistan for about a year and a half. He was moved to the front lines in May, but didn’t talk much about the risk.
"I think he kept that from us, he didn’t really want to let us know a lot of times when he was in danger – he's very brave, very brave, so I think he wanted to kind of protect us, maybe, from that," said his uncle, Pete Bernier.
~ Source: WMUR
Nick’s service to his country was very distinguished. During his time in the Army, he was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Medic Badge, and the Driver and Mechanic Badge.
Nick was wounded on June 22 when insurgents attacked his unit. He was taken to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany for treatment. Sadly, he succumbed to his wounds on June 25. His family, friends, and community are trying to come to terms with losing Nick. Even in their grief, they remember his devotion to his country and to others. It was always what defined him.
"He knew the risks, he knew what was involved and what was at stake, and he told me last year when he came home that he loved his country and he was not ashamed of that," [his uncle,] Pete Bernier said. "And, you know, to watch a young man grow up and then be taken from us is very, very difficult.” (Source: WMUR)
"Nick is now and always family to me and it hurts to think that he is gone, but I know he is in a better place," said Robert Housel, one of his Exeter High School classmates. "He would want to remember the good times we had and as I reflect, no one was a better brother, friend and hero. I will forever miss him."
"The common thread binding Bernier to other Exeter graduates who have been lost in war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan is that they all were devoted to working for their country," [Exeter High School Principle Victor] Sokul said. (Source: Seacoast Online)
[New Hampshire] Gov. John Lynch released this statement on Bernier's death: "We, and all of New Hampshire, are saddened by the loss of Spc. Nicholas Bernier. His sacrifice, and the sacrifice of his family, was his service to all of us. Spc. Bernier gave his life serving our nation and protecting the freedoms we hold dear. He was a hero, and we are all grateful for his service. (Source: Exeter Patch)
Nick is survived by his parents, brothers, and sister.
Rest in peace, Nick Bernier. Thank you so much for your loyal service. May your beautiful spirit soar free and be at peace forever, and may your memory forever be a blessing to those whose lives you have touched with your kindness.
According to icasualties.org, 1649 US service members have fallen in Afghanistan, and 4469 have perished in Iraq.
About "I Got the News Today" (IGTNT)
"I Got the News Today" is a diary series intended to honor service members who have died as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; its title is a reminder that almost every day a military family gets the terrible news about a loved one. Diaries about the fallen usually appear two days after their names are officially released, which allows time for the IGTNT team to find and tell their stories.
The series was begun by i dunno and is maintained by Sandy on Signal, monkeybiz, noweasels, blue jersey mom, Chacounne, twilight falling, joyful, roses, SisTwo, Spam Nunn, True Blue Majority, CalNM, Wide Awake in Kentucky, Maggie Jean, Jax Dem, Kestrel 9000, racheltracks, and ccasas. If you would like to participate in writing these tributes, please contact Sandy on Signal.
Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service members chronicled here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.