First Lt. Nick A. Dewhirst, 25, of Onalaska, Wisconsin. An Eagle Scout, Nick was a 2001 graduate of Onalaska High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council. After a year at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, Nick received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he was admired and trusted greatly by his fellow classmates. He graduated in 2006 with a degree in mechanical engineering, joined the Army in May 2006 and then completed the elite Army Ranger Course, the Airborne, Air Assault and Officer Leadership courses and at Fort Benning, Georgia. He arrived at Fort Campbell Kentucky in June 2007 as an infantry officer assigned to D Co., 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team. Nick had a passion for adventure and leadership, which led him to join the military. While attending West Point, he joined the West Point Parachute Team where he was the cadet in charge during his first year. Nick also completed Special Forces Combat Diver Qualification at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School in Key West, Florida. In addition he enjoyed recreational rock climbing, scuba diving and base parachute jumping. Deployed to Afghanistan in March 2008, he was killed July 20, 2008, when his Army convoy came under small arms and RPG fire in the Khost Province of Afghanistan. His awards and decorations include: Army Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Air Assault Badge; Parachutist Badge; Ranger Tab; Special Operations Diver Badge; and Weapons Qualification, M4, expert. Nick is survived by his parents, Randy and Susie Dewhirst of Onalaska; brothers, Chad (wife, Heather and son Evan) of Rochester, Wisconsin, and Chase Dewhirst of Duluth, Minnesota; grandparents, Ray and Mary Dewhirst of Springfield, and Mary June Weiser of Taylorville; and many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.



Nick has a memorial bench (one of several dozen memorial benches) that are part of the Onalaska City Cemetery's Veteran's Memorial installation honoring veteran's everywhere. A photo of the bench also appears in the photo section of this memorial.