Political Quotes

“10 years ago I attended the memorial service for CW2 Bryan J. Nichols. I vividly remember the outpouring of support from the Hays community as hundreds of people lined the streets with American flags to honor their hometown hero. On Friday, August 6, 2021, a memorilization ceremony was held in New Century, KS, by the Army Reserve Center and Aviation Support Center to once again honor the bravery and sacrifice of Chief Nichols. I have been told that Bryan knew his life's purpose was to become a soldier, a calling he pursued to defend our freedom. He took his oath of enlistment in 1996, swearing to protect our country from enemies foreign and domestic. After 9/11, he answered our country's call to defend our homeland, serving on multiple tours abroad, including in Iraq. As we approach the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the way Americans like Bryan dedicated themselves to their country following the attacks continues to move and inspire me. After graduating flight school in 2008, he was assigned as a pilot to the Army Reserve's 7th Battalion of the 158th Aviation Regiment in New Century, KS. He deployed in May 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a CH-47 Chinook pilot. On August 6, 2011, he gave his life for his country alongside 29 of his brothers in arms when his helicopter was shot down by enemy fire. It remains the single deadliest loss of U.S. forces during the war in Afghanistan.…”