Nick signed up to be an 82nd Airborne Paratrooper. He did all of his training, basic, infantry and airborne, at Ft. Benning. His brother and I went down for graduation and watched him jump. His brother filmed it all and Nick knew what group he was and what number jumper he was. "That is me" he announced proudly.

He reported to Ft. Bragg in mid December, 2003. I went down and met him on the weekends because he did not know anyone. On Friday, 1/9/04, while his brother and I were driving down (about a 7 hour drive) Nick called and said his unit was deploying on Sunday 1/11. We spent the weekend together packing his belongings from the barracks.

When Sunday came we spent some time together. I was chatting aimlessly with him when he turned to me and said "Mom, it is time for you to go". Needless to say I lost it. I knew in my heart that I would never see him again. This was his first mission ever and I knew he would give his all. That is what he did.

On 2/14/04 at 11:15pm I saw headlights in front of my house. I walked outside to ask the occupants what they wanted. Just about that time they walked into the porch light and I saw their uniforms. I just walked into the house and shut the door. I knew my worst fear had come true, Nick was dead. Weeks after his death are a blur. This was a committed soldier struck down at the prime of his life. He loved the Army and had such high hopes for his future. He was only 8 months out of high school and his life was over.

Nick was a wonderful son and brother. We miss him terribly.

Submitted by Bev Fabri, Proud Mother of PFC Bryan "Nicholas" Spray