Brown, Nicholas P.

Nicholas P. Brown

Huber Heights, Ohio

Feather Location: Row L, #03

Associated Press

Nicholas P. Brown was recently on a brief leave in order to see his wife, Sara, and newborn son, Nicholas Paul Brown II, born Jan. 14, 2007 _ eight days before his father died. "It was a blessing that he was able to briefly see his newborn son Nicholas, before returning to Iraq," said Brown's family. "Sara will treasure forever those moments together." Brown, 24, of Huber Heights, Ohio, was killed Jan. 22 in Mosul when his vehicle struck an explosive. He was assigned to Fort Bliss. "Nick was very proud to serve his country," his family said. "He enjoyed playing pool, being with friends and taking care of his family." Crystal Reid, a friend, remembered how happy and nervous Brown and his fiancée were on the day of their wedding. Then came word of a son. "I have never seen such a good father in the few days that you were in his life," she wrote on an online bulletin board. "I knew you hated to leave your son at home but you knew what you had to do for your family and country." Said Brig. Gen. Richard Ellis: "When Nicholas came back from leave, he showed me pictures of his new son, and his eyes would well up with tears."

Carver: Ron Oros is retired from the BASF Corporation (2010). About the time he retired from BASF he took up wood carving and now carves with the Great Lakes Wood Carvers in Parma Ohio.

Wood:  Basswood