Spc. Nickolas S. Welch, 26, of Mill City, Ore., died Aug. 6, in Bethesda, Md., of injuries sustained July 23, when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device in Soltan Kheyl, Wardak Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. He was on his 1st deployment and joined the Army in August 2010. He arrived at his unit, the 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, in December of 2010. It is based at Fort Stewart, Ga. He was a fire support specialist. Among his awards include the Purple Heart.
March 16, 1987 -- August 6, 2013
Our beautiful, loving, heroic son finished his battle here on Earth and has ventured on to a new journey. Words can never describe this young man and the person he is. He is loved by so many people and missed beyond the imaginable. To anyone who had the privilege to know him, their lives are forever touched. Heaven gained, we lost, but his memories will last forever. It doesn't end here, we will all meet again one day. Nick's accomplishments in his short life are many. His loyalty to all he knew is incomparable. We love you Nicky! Nick attended school in Mill City, Ore., and graduated from Santiam High School in 2005. He attended College of the Siskiyou's, graduating in 2009 with an associate degree in business management. He received many academic and athletic awards throughout his years of schooling. Some of these include a Certificate of Mastery, Scholar Athlete Award from both high school and college. He lettered in football, basketball and track. He took great pride in wearing his #80 at both high school and college. Nick was very humble about his achievements and was a "silent tough," enduring broken bones while playing to help the team and never complained. While working toward a bachelor's degree in accounting, Nick joined the U.S. Army in 2010. He served his country well as a forward observer, with additional training as a Joint Forces operator, 4th battalion, 3rd Infantry Division Regiment 3-15, Charlie Company. Nick had re-enlisted and after his deployment in Afghanistan he was looking forward to serving at Fort Lewis, Wash. Visitation will be from noon-5 p.m. Saturday Aug. 17, at Weddle Funeral Services, 1777 N. 3rd Ave., Stayton, Ore. Graveside service with full military honors will be at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, at Willamette National Cemetery. A private celebration of life will be held on Aug. 25 at Weddle Funeral Chapel. Memorials have been suggested to the Soldier and Family Assistance Center, 9059 Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98433. Obituary information provided by Weddle Funeral Services. Published in Coastal Courier from August 14 to August 21, 2013.