Your tributes to fallen soldiers

Nick Madaras

PFC Nick Madaras was killed September 3, 2006, but it was how he lived, not how he died, that touched the lives of everyone he knew. I met Nick in high school, and we started dating. For our first date, we went to an italian restaurant and it turned out that he had made reservations. Later in the night he finally admitted that he had reservations at 10 other restaurants in case I didn't like italian food. Nick always looked out for other people first, and he joined the army because he was sure that the experience was what he needed to "grow up." Nick became a tremendous solider and a quiet listener. He earned the respect of his fellow soldiers and his superiors through his tireless effort to accomplish every task perfectly. Nick wanted to pursue a career in medicine, and he always loved kids. He was thrilled at the prospect of becoming a father one day, and we were looking forward to a traditional white wedding in the church that my parents go married in. Nick was also a caring and protective older brother to his younger sister, Marie, and his brother Chris, and an important friend to those he knew. The world is truly a lesser place without him in it. I miss Nicholas every moment of the day, and on memorial day, the country must extend compassion and sympathy to all of those families grieving this year for their soldiers who were killed. We must also comfort those families who are still awaiting the return of their soldier because the wait is grueling and long. Thank you to all of our service members who keep this country safe. --Ellen de Moll, Wilton, CT (submitted on May 4, 2007)

Nicholas J. Manoukian

In Honor and loving memory of my son Cpl Nicholas J.Manoukian,my "Fallen Warrior".As troops pass by in a parade he is just a tree in a forest of men.When he travels from his homeland to the heat of battle,he is just someone who fills a seat on the air transport.To the enemy he is just another faceless target to be eliminated. But this Warrior is more than just a number.He is the beautiful baby,an only child that filled his mother's heart with so much love that she easily devoted her life to him.He is the young boy who suffered the loss of his loving father at the tender age of 12 causing pain more intense that any wound in battle.He is the teenager who could get into mischievous trouble,charm the girls,and keep his friends laughing.He is the organizer of fun,the Artist that makes sketch paper and canvas come alive.He is the accomplished drummer,creator of rhythms that could make his drums resonate with brilliance.He is the romantic that writes poetry to the girl that is special to his heart..the girl that would compel him to ride a bicycle on just a wheel rim without a tire to complete the journey to her home.He is the romantic that proposes to her by celebrating all of the Holidays that they will miss together while he is deployed to Iraq for a second time,ending with sending her on an Easter egg hunt to find her ring in July.He is the Step Daddy to a 2 yr old little boy who as he grew would depend on him for guidance into manhood.He is the young man who commands respect and love from a stepfather who is proud to call him his son.He is a MARINE who is loyal to his brother warriors who love him for his wonderful sense of humor and always reaching out to others to help them in any possible way.He is the man tough enough in body and spirit to face the enemy for the freedom of his nation and still be able to tenderly say "I love you Mom".He is the cherished son, the joy and love of his Mom's entire world. Now this vibrant and talented young warrior has been taken from us by a heartless enely.Now we no longer hear his laughing voice or the rhythmic beat of his drum solos or the romantic whispers in the ear of his wife he so deeply loved.No longer can we see his strong stature,feel his rib smashing hugs, see his soft dark eyes and his beautiful smile that could light up a room. Nick gave life a gleam that most people only carry a glimpse of. Cpl Nicholas J.Manoukian known as "Manny" to his Marine brothers was born on August 31,1984 in Westland Michigan and killed in action in Ramadi Iraq Oct 21,2006 while out on patrol when an Improvise Explosive device detonated near his Humvee. Two of Nick's Marine brothers were also killed that October night and two were wounded. My beloved son Nick was promoted to Corporal and awarded the Purple Heart with Gold star and Navy Achievment Medal with combat "V" posthumously. Nick is gone from our world but he now lives with an eternal spirit in the presence of God.You are only a breath away.I love you son, Mom --Mary Manoukian Calhoun, Lathrup Village, MI (submitted on May 7, 2007)

Michael Marzano

My son, Michael born May 18th, 1976 was such a clown. He would do anything to make people laugh and sometimes he didn't realize how humorouse he could be. One time while I was visiting in Pa and getting ready to head back to Arizona, Michael and his brother, Nic, got into a fight. I picked up the phone to hear Michael yelling and telling me to "Talk to your son!". I giggled, which sent him into a laugh when he realized that I was talking to my son, just not the one he was talking about. The tension between this brotherly spat quickly ended with both respecting each other more. There was 5 years difference between these brothers but as they grew, the age gap seemed to disappear. They were roommates before Michael deployed to Iraq making the loss all the harder for Nic. The respect that Michael earned by being a Marine and voluteering for this war can never be taken away. He was more than a Marine to us though, he was our blood. He was our family. He is our Hero. Sgt. Michael Marzano, USMC was full of humor and one-liners. His view on life was to live it to the fullest and appreciate what is given. He worked hard to become a Marine and to follow in his father, Al's shoes. He moved to Phoenix to be closer to his his mom, Margy, upon completion of active duty in Camp Lejeune. After a year of civilian life, he was too much of a warrior to watch as his fellow comrades went off to war to protect our country so he volunteered to go as well. He joined the 3/25 out of Brook Park Ohio and after additional training at 29 Palms, he flew off to Iraq. His dream of becoming a Sergeant, the rank of his dad, was a proud day for Michael and ironically happened on April fool's day, 2005. Michael loved what he was doing and even hinted at finding another unit to hook up with after this tour of duty was completed. But on May 7th, 2005 while on patrol, a van filled with IED's came out of an alley at the Haditha Iraq hospital and blew up. Michael was killed immediately. That is the hero part of Michael's life and ultimately his death, but the fun, family part was what we remember and miss the most. He could come to a family party and become the clown just by being his silly self. His size and stature were large. He had given up a chance at the 2000 Olympics as a boxer to join the Marines. This was not a small boy. But he was young at heart and warm and cuddly too. I miss his pleas for back scratches and his big bear hugs. He was a hero to us before 5/7/05 but now the country can share in that knowledge. Mother's day is a day I will never forget as it is the day I received the news that the young man that made me a mother gave the ulitmate sacrifice. He is now in Heaven telling one-liners and riding motorcycles and just making others laugh. He is one of a kind. He is our Hero... We miss you, Sgt. Sport,,,,Love, Mom, Dad, Nic, and all that were able to know and love you. --Margy Bons, Phoenix, AZ (submitted on April 28, 2007)

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