[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 57 (Monday, May 2, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S2575]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                      Specialist Donald L. Nichols

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, it is with deep regret that I must 
inform the Senate about the passing of a soldier from my home State, 
specialist Donald L. Nichols of Shell Rock, IA. He was 21 years old. 
Specialist Nichols enlisted in the Iowa National Guard in March of 2008 
and was assigned to the Iowa Army National Guard's Headquarters and 
Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat 
team, 34th Infantry Division, based in Waterloo, IA. Specialist Nichols 
was killed by an improvised explosive device that struck the armored 
vehicle while he was patrolling in the Mehtar Lam District, Laghman 
Province, Afghanistan.
  Specialist Nichols is survived by his mother Becky Poock; his father 
Jeff Nichols; his fiance Chelsey Bliss; two brothers, and many other 
family and friends.
  The family and friends of Specialist Nichols remember him as a 
dedicated soldier who truly loved serving his country. His fellow 
soldiers remember him as a ``studious soldier who took his duty with 
zeal.'' Donald had decided that he wanted to join the Armed Forces even 
before he graduated high school. He showed a dedication to service that 
is typical of all of the men and women fighting for our Nation but one 
that is so rare in the common man. The memory of his sense of humor and 
his love for family, friends, and country will remain constantly with 
his loved ones.
  SPC Donald L. Nichols will be missed by all that were privileged to 
know him and my thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones in this 
incredibly difficult time.

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