SPC Rob L. Nichols, 24, U.S. Army, born in South Dakota December 29, 1988, was
killed in action on July 23, 2013. Nichols served as an Infantryman with 3rd
Infantry Division and deployed to the Middle East twice in support of Operations
Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. While conducting a patrol in Wardak
Province, a donkey approached his unit, and a hidden IED strapped to the animal
detonated. Nichols and three brothers-in-arms perished in the blast. For his
service, he earned a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. Rest easy, Soldier! Til
Valhalla, Brother!