5.18.05 ERDY,
So many people have hopes and dreams of becoming a doctor
or a lawyer, but your dream was to put your own life
on the line & fight for our country.You are a TRUE
hero & I know everybody you’ve come across
in life is proud to say they knew you.I will never forget
the pool parties & little “get togethers”
at your house or getting lost on the way home EVERY
time!I love ya lots & I’ll remember you always
as a SOLDIER!BOOTS- Ever since the first day I met you
I’ve envied your strength & drive.You are
a beautiful girl with a genuine personality.Whenever
I think about you I can’t help but picture Giesting
screaming,“Josie, NOOO!”HAHA!!You will pull
through this & become even stronger as a person.You
rock girl & I love you always! ERDYS- You are forever
in my prayers & my heart!
Love always,
Lindsey
5.18.05 Nick- its so hard to believe that you have
gone. everyone was waiting to see your big smiling face
to come home. i always was looking up to you and you
always showed me the right thing to do, sometimes. you
were a hero to all, your family, friends, this country,
and me. everyone will miss you but we will never forget
you. you have made an impression on everyone and we
all thank you for that. your family and friends are
proud of you and always will be. ashlee will be in everyones
prayers and everyone will take GOOD care of her. i know
your family is strong and it will be tough, tough for
all of us, but we allknow everyone loves them, and everyone
loves you. myself and everyone will miss your dearly
and never forget that smiling face. Rest In Peace Nick.
God Bless------R.J.K
5.18.05 Erdy you will always be the one and only SOB.
From Klonnes' class to all the parties in college, I'll
never forget the crazy times we had together. You are
a true hero and your ultimate sacrifice for us will
never be forgotten. I can honestly say you are the bravest
person I ever met and i am honored to have been your
friend. Love ya man, you will be in my prayers.
Matt Buckhanan
5.18.05 I don't know what to say other than I love
you and that I will miss you greatly. You were one of
the funniest and most intelligent people I had ever
met. I admire greatly your bravery in protecting our
country, and ridding the world of evil. You touched
many lives in your short time on earth and I am honored
that I was one of them. Thanks for everything. Rest
in peace Erdy.
-To Nick and Ashley's families; I can't imagine what
you are going through and I keep you in my prayers.
You raised a hero, and he will never be forgotten. -
Joe Gilb
5.18.05 NIck,
You and I never met but I had the privlage to meet your
fiance. She is a great girl you were lucky to have such
a special person who loved you very much. I am a close
friend with the Derga family. My prayers and thoughts
go out to your family. Make sure that you and Dustin
don't get into to much trouble up there in heaven.
R.I.P
Brandon
5.18.05 Nick,
The only time I met you was at the sendoff at the base
in January but you touched my life. Dustin loved you
as a brother and I am so glad you were in his life and
a best friend! Rest assured Nick, we are there for your
family and Ashley so don't worry about us here at home.
You and Dustin just settle in up there in heaven - no
fighting over the upper bunk! Thank you for your sacrifice.
You are a true hero. Please talk to the General upstairs
to provide comfort and protection to Lima 3-25. - Bob
Derga
5.18.05 Nick, Thank you for being the hero that you
are. You had a smile that brightened up the room and
a personality that made everyone feel loved. A friend
gone too soon but someone that will live on in the hearts
of everyone forever. Erdy family and Ashey, you are
in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong and know that
Nick will be with you from now until you meet him again.
Love, The Rouse Family
Rob, Karen, Angela, Robby, Craig, and Matthew
5.18.05 Hey Nick.... So I go back to the first day
I met you. It wasnt really that long ago, Nov 6,2004.
We were on our way to the Marine ball, and I was late
like always. Dustin was already mad at me cause he wanted
to be able to drink before we could get there. He was
so excited to introduce me to you and boots. He was
like oh they are so fun, he is like my best friend,
you will love them. That night I believe I became the
luckiest person in the world not only did me and dustin
turn our friendship into a relationship, I made such
wonderful friendships in you and Ash. Ashley is my best
friend and I would do anything for her. Then there was
the time we went to Mongolian Barbaque (however u spell
it) and I put all that hot sauce in Ash's food and you
ate it and then come to find out you locked your keys
in your car. It was freezing cold and then jeep wasnt
going to keep us warm. And my favorite of Ash was in
Vegas. She ran over to me and gave me a hug and we were
sooo excited to see you guys. I just had butterflies
but Ash she was going nuts. She was like I think I might
pee my pants and I responded, then go to the bathroom.
HAHA she said," I would still pee my pants."
She was so excited to see you, maybe that was y we didnt
see you much on that trip. Then at the steak dinner
when the "real story" came out. There is so
many wonderful memories we shared as couples and so
many more we planned on sharing. Nick... we miss you
so much.... but I am glad that you and Dustin have each
others comfort in Heaven. As me and Ash do here. Oh
by the way our surprise trip was a Cruise.... we thought
that would of been fun for us after Disney. Well buddy...
I will be here for Ash and I will take care of her like
she has me because through all of this I have made a
best friend, one that will never be forgotten. Your
memories will always be with us and we loved you both
very much.... maybe someday we will all four have the
weddings we were dreaming of.... love you always Kristin
5.17.05 Incomprehensible, the sacrifice you gave, for
that we will never forget, and for that I will never
be able to repay. Nick its funny the memories that came
back when I heard the awful news. I thought about the
TITANS and our embarrassingly funny loss to St. Gurts,
god that was awful, but you stepped up and QB’ed
all year long even though no one could block for you.
All the times we thought our dads rode us too hard on
the field; they were really just re-living their lives
through their most cherished boys. Nick thank you for
the great memories and the wonderful cheer you brought.
I wish we had remained close throughout high school
and beyond, for that I blame the crazy lives we live,
and I’m sorry.
Coach Bill & Mrs. Erdy, thank you for your amazing
gift, and thank you for the sacrifices nick made on
our behalf. While we all know there’s nothing
that could replace your son I hope you are comforted
by the thought of the amazing sacrifices and impacts
nick had on us all. Erin and Ashley stay strong and
may you all know you are in our prayers and nicks sacrifice
will never be forgotten.
-Ryan Druffel
5.17.05 From the many thoughts preceding mine, it has
become even more apparent how much your no nonsense
humor and life outlook has touched the lives of so many.
Your uniquness and desire for thrill is what I think
has attracted so many of us to you. In some way, whether
is be large or small, we have all had a moment with
you. And it is from these moments that we shall learn
and grow. It is without hesitation to say that you have
left your mark in this world. Ashley, Jeremy, Tony,
and family- I give you my best. Your support system
is endless- use it. Boots - remember when I walked out
of my room and found you and Nick having a "moment."
(for lack of a better word) You will live on in each
other. Hang in there girl. Nick, When I think of our
best moments I'll picture you on the trampoline and
haggleing Mr. V in gym class. Keep on keepin on dude.
You will be missed. ~Lauren
5.17.05 You were so full of life,
Always smiling and carefree.
Life loved you being a part of it,
And we loved you being a part of it.
You could make anyone laugh,
If they were having a bad day,
No matter how sad we were,
You could take the hurt away.
Nothing could ever stop you,
Or even make you fall,
You were ready to take on the world,
Ready to do it all,
But God decided he needed you,
So from this world you left,
But you took a piece of all of us,
Our hearts are what’s you kept.
Your seat is now empty,
And it's hard not to see your face.
But please always know this,
No one will ever take your place.
You left without a warning,
Not even saying good-bye,
And we can't seem to stop,
Asking the question why?
Nothing will ever be the same,
But I know you're up in heaven,
Watching over us and looking after.
And when you left this world,
A small part of me died.
Your smile could brighten anyone's day,
No matter what they were going through.
And I know everyday for the rest of our lives
We will be missing you.
Erdy Family and Ashley: All of you are in our prayers!
Keep strong and brave
Nick we will all miss you very much. In our eyes you
are and always will be a friend, a brave solider and
our Hero!!!
Love always,
Angela and Heather Umberg
class of '02 and '03
5.17.05 My prayers go out to the Erdy's and to Ashley
at this time. God and heaven have an amazing person
joining them. RIP Nick
5.17.05 Nick,
Thank you so much for the great sacrifice you made for
our country. Thank you also for the love and laughter
you brought to our apartment, and especially to Ash.
I know everyone has so many fun memories of you......the
mullet wig on Halloween, taco nights and your 21st birthday.
You will be greatly missed. Don't worry, we will take
good care of Ash. We miss you and love you.
Katie N.
5.17.05 Derga and Erdy were one of the first guys I
got to know when I joined the unit. They were all about
having fun and enjoying life. Even in Iraq they seemed
to make the worst situations turn into great ones. Their
character is what made our platoon what it "was",
we were full of jokes, laughter, and memorable experiences.
1st platoon will never be the same without them and
the others we lost, they were great guys and they will
be remembered in our hearts forever, they will never
be forgotten. - Martin
5.16.05 To the family of Nick,
We didn't know your son, but our son did. He is in the
1st platoon. Andrew called this afternoon from Iraq.
He said they had a memorial service there for your son,
and how the guys were trying to get through all the
pain. Andy called us at 4:30 a.m. that terrible Thursday.
First to tell us he was ok and then in a scream of tears
he told us how he had just lost his best friend - Erdy.
He cried and told us he was the greatest guy he had
ever met. We cried too. We are so sorry for your loss
and thank you for sharing your son with ours. God bless
you and know many are praying for you.
From the parents of a 1st platoon Marine--
Ron and Suzy Britten-Wisconsin
5.16.05 Hey Baby. wow. I still can't believe this is
happening. Just yesterday I got two letters from you
talking about how you can't wait to get home to me so
we can go to Disney, move in together, and start planning
our wedding and can finally start our family. It seems
like just yesterday we were running around in vegas
trying to win that new mustang and looking at house
plans. Everybody tells me how beautiful our children
would've been. Mrs. Scherer said how tall, blonde, blue
eyed, and athletic they would be. Jared said how crazy
they would be, but I told him between you and me we
would know every trick in the book, and all the best
places to search for liquor, like under a prom dress.
haha. i love you so much and i know how awesome of a
parent you would've been. i think i am gonna tell your
parents to adopt me, so my name can still be Ashley
Erdy. Then I can end up still getting to live in the
basement too. I love you so much, and I am glad you
can keep each other company. you mean the world to me
and I think about you every second of every day. I can
not wait until I get to see those beautiful blue eyes
again and I can finally tackle you like we planned.
All my love, always and forever....Ashley
5.16.05 Well this message is to Ashley. It was under
bad circumstances that I met you and worse at the time
I write this. I wish nothing but the best for you. You
are so strong and amazing. Your friendship with Kristin
is like none other. You two are able to hold each other
up in the darkest of times. I honestly don't know what
to say... I didn't know Nick at all, but I really wish
I did. Your stories about him are beyond hilarious.
I hope you hold those memories with you forever because
that is what ties you to him forever. I hope you come
up as often as you can and call me. I liked getting
to know you even though I wish it were for a different
reason.
To the Erdy family:
I am so sorry for what happened. I have spent the past
week with the Derga's, and I have an idea what you are
going through. With the support of your family and community
you will get through this. Best wishes.
Brittany
5.16.05 Nick-
All I can think about is the good old days at St. Louis.
You will be missed!!
Erin- Hang in there! Be strong!! I'm praying for you.
Jane and Bill- My prayers are with you too! Just remember
he's in a better place looking down on us all. I know
that words can't take away the pain but just remember
you have people who love and care about you guys!! Hold
on to the memories!
Jessica Whitecotton
5.16.05 Nick,
I just wanted to say, "Thank You" for your
service and bravery. I didn't get to meet you in this
flesh body, but I'm sure we'll meet someday soon. I
worked with Dustin at the fire department for a few
years, and it warms my heart to know that you two were
so close. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and
your family, Dustin and his family, and especially Ashley
and Kristin. God Bless all of you,
Kevin Strawser / BJFD / NTFD L-1723
5.16.05 Dear Nick,
Like everyone else I'm still in shock that you are gone.
I'm so thankful I got to know you. You are truly unique
and always made me laugh. Whenever you would stop by
the apartment to see Ashley, you always put a smile
on my face. I will forever remember the memories we
all made. I know Ash is going through a hard time, but
don't worry. Her family, your family and her friends
are here for her. Thank you for being so brave and protecting
our country. I will never forget you.
To Ash- i love you babe. You are one of my best friends
and my roomie so dont hesitate to ask for a shoulder
to lean on. I am here for you always! I love you.
To the Erdy family- I met some of the Erdy clan on SuperBowl
Sunday. I was in awe of how strong you all were while
Nick was away. The love and support and faith you showed
was inspiring. My thoughts and prayers are with you
all.
~Alexis Schrott
5.16.05 Nick, it is not fair that I am writing you
this note right now. This is not what was supposed to
happen. It seems like yesterday when me and you would
wrestle at your house and then get yelled at by your
parents to stop. I always won, i was bigger than you.
But then you got bigger than me and i decided not to
wrestle you anymore. You were supposed to come home
and live out the plans that you, ashley, Kristin, and
Dustin had made. If I ever become half of what you became,
I will be truely honored. I know your in a better place
now. Your with Dustin. I know both of you are watching
over the people you love. I just wish the four of you
could have accomplsihed your dreams first. Your supposed
to be 91 when you leave us, not 21. I miss you so much
and i will never forget any time we have ever spent
together, the time we were both on the football field,
or even the baseball diamond of your short career. Thank
You nick for everything you have given me and the impact
you have had on my life. I Love You
Jeremy Fisher
5.16.05 Dear Nick,
It is still so hard for me to grasp the reality of you
passing away. I know before you left we had our differences
and I was never able to tell you sorry for that one
night but I am sure that Ashley told you I was and that
I really do love you. Don't worry about Ashley I am
going to take care of her for you always. I was so glad
when you walked into her life because you brought so
much happiness to her. She was never upset when it came
to you. I will never forget all the fun times the three
of us had together...the bengals game, the first time
I hung out with you and you kept telling me over and
over to convince Ashley to be wtih YOU not ronnie..(and
look who she picked haha)...all the fun times hanging
out salem gardens, ..parts of my bday party.. and every
other great memory. I really am sorry for everything
and love you so much and I know that you know that.
You are a great brave man that will never be forgotten
and I will always keep you in my prayers and always
remember you. Rest in Peace Nick-
Love- Jessica W.
5.16.05 To the family of Nicholas: Our thoughts and
prayers are with you right now. We have never met any
of you or Nicholas, but we are the aunt and uncle of
Trevor Smith. We know Trevor is a close friend of Nick's
and is still over there in Iraq. We will be keeping
all of you in our prayers and of those soldiers still
fighting in Iraq. These are all such courageous and
incredible young men who are willing to fight for their
country. May God Bless All! Julia and Dan Smith
5.15.05 Nick - I still cant beleive that i will never
be able to see that goofy grin that fits you so well.
However, I am so deeply proud to say i knew you. Nick
you will never be forgotten becasue you live on through
your friends and family. Don't worry about Bellman i
am taking care of him the best i know how. Nick you
are a hero and i can never thank you enough for protecting
us and our future. Rest in Peace and please watch over
Bellman because you know he needs all the looking out
he can get. Ashley and the Erdy's you will be in my
prayers! Semper Fi Kristy
5.15.05 Nick's Family
I know what you are going through. I am Paige Ruffner.
My cousin michael Lake is in iraq to. Dustin Was his
best friend who also died. We will miss all of the loving
marines. I am praying for you to pull through.
~Paige~
5.15.05 you have touched the lives of many and memories
you have left will never be forgotten you truly were
the backbone of what it is to be a human being and your
deeds and life will always be honored from the halls
of mcnick to the battle field where you gave your life
for us to be free please rest in peace in our hearts
and prayers forever - jb
5.15.05 My Dearest Nick,
It is hard to believe that I will never again be able
to hear your funny laugh or see your smile. But those
are the loving memories you left your friends and family.
Your dedication and commitment to your country has inspired
us to do great things. You were a loyal friend, a good
listener, and (as it has been said before) the life
of the party. To the Erdy family and Ashley... my heart
reaches out to you, and my prayers are ceaseless. Nick
was a dedicated and loving person because of his influences
in life. Nick, your memory will outlast us all. Dear
God, welcome your servant into your hands. Amen. With
Love, Andrea Dennis
5.15.05 Dear Nick, It's hard to believe you are gone.
We are so thankful that you were in our lives--that
we were able to grow up with you during our four years
at McNick and in the years since. Your family was so
wonderful to welcome us into your home for cookouts
and swim parties...those are the memories that we will
keep with us forever. We will remember you as the life
of the party, and even more than that- you will be remembered
as a true friend to us all. We promise to keep your
memory alive in the months & years to come because
each and every one of us are honored to say that we
knew you. You represented our country, but you also
reprsented each one of us. For that, we remain forever
grateful. Thank you for the good times...thank you for
your bravery.
Erdy's & Ashley- we are thinking about you everyday.
-The Class of 2002
5.15.05 nick, you truly have been an inspiration in
my life and i looked forward to having you as my brother
in law, but no matter what you will always be my brother
man...i look up to you and love you man...i look at
the sky and know that you are watching over me nick...just
keep giving me that inspiration and drive that you have...what
you have done to protect this country is incredible...you
are my hero man!!!! love, mike
5.15.05 I wish I could remember the last thing I said
to you nick.....you were such a good friend of mine
and one of my overall favorites of all time....I haven't
been able to fully dry the tears from my eyes since
I heard the news, and your bravery and dedications truely
floors me. You are a part of so many memories I have,
and it's hard to think of any high school memory without
you in it. My heart goes out to your mom, dad, and sister,
as well as your entire family....you came from wonderful
people, and turned out to be one of the most honorable
men I have ever known. My heart also goes out to Ashley,
and I hope you give her the strength she needs to overcome
her grief during this time. I am so glad that I had
the chance to become great friends with you in my life,
and regret not writing you more often than I did. It
makes me sick to think of the time I took for granted,
and always saying I'd talk to you when you got back.
Jacob is missing you, and is having a hard time understanding
that his best friend isn't coming home. He loves you
with all of his heart. We all love you more than words
can say, and am so happy that you were a part of my
life. I love you, Nick. Rest in Peace.
Starr
5.15.05 Dear Nick, I know that God is with you and
is holding you in the palm of his hand. You have given
the ultimate sacrifice so that we and the people of
Iraq will be free. You truly are a hero and for your
service to your country we will be forever grateful.
May God continue to keep you and bless you. May He bless
your family and friends with the strength that only
He can give. We love you and will miss you. Jim, Kathy,
Matt, Luke, Jake and Jon Cummings
5.15.05 Hey Erdy... So Ash and I just looked at the
site. Nick sure is doing good with these. Ash is holding
up well, she has her moments but I am here for her.
She is my best friend and no matter what i will always
take care of her for you. I just wish we had the opportunity
to go to Disney and for you two to move to Columbus
to be with Dustin and I and then pick up and move again
to Florida. Cause u know Dustin had your life all planned
out for you... and us... Well buddy... not one day will
go by that i will not think about you and the sacrafice
you made for your friends family and the USA. May God
watch over you two, so you dont drink to much!!! You
two take care of each other as me and ash will here....
WE LOVE YOU!!! AND YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.... SEMPER
FI.... Kristin
5.15.05 Erdy: (sorry, but that's all i ever heard my
daughter kristin & your ashley call you!)....tho
we never had the opportunity to meet, we certainly heard
a lot about you from the two of them. They're together
this morning, as we prepare to say goodbye to Dustin.
It's unfortunate that their bond has been further strengthened
thru such sad a event instead of thru the happy futures
for the four of you that they talked about & Dustin
wrote in his letters. Through their pain & sadness,
the two of them are being strong for each other...a
strength that comes from the love and pride that they
have for their Marines. Semper Fi - terry earhart
5.15.05 You will be greatly missed by all of us who
loved you and honored by the rest of the world for your
bravery. -Mark Jones
5.15.05 DEAR NICK - YOU WILL NEVER KNOW THE LOVE OF
A GRANDPARENT FOR A GRANDCHILD AS THAT OPPORTUNITY HAS
BEEN TAKEN FROM YOU, BUT IT IS SO VERY SPECIAL -- AS
YOU ALWAYS HAVE BEEN TO ME. I RECEIVED YOUR LETTER AND
LOVED HEARING FROM YOU. BY THE WAY, ACCORDING TO THE
NEWS, MATADOR WAS A HUGE SUCCESS - AT LEAST IN THE WORLD
OF IRAQ-- BUT IT CERTAINLY CRUMBLED OUR WORLD! I MISS
YOU TERRIBLY AND YOU WILL FOREVER BE IN MY HEART - THOUGH
RIGHT NOW IT IS A BIT WOUNDED. I WISH YOU GODSPEED,
DARLIN', AND WILL ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL FOR THE SPECIAL
TIES WE HAD DURING YOUR SHORT LIFETIME. LOVE YOU, FOREVER
-- G-MA-J GRANDMA JO.
5.13.05 RIP Nick Erdy. We'll never forget your service
to our country.