Nicholas A. Gummersall—January 2008 Shipment Honoree

Friends of Sgt. Gummersall Talk About His Life

Source: KPVI.com, August 9, 2007 (http://www.kpvi.com/Global/story.asp?s=6901057)

The Pocatello soldier who died in Iraq Monday when the building he entered exploded is being remembered.

Reports indicate that 23-year-old Sgt. Nick Gummersall and three other soldiers were killed outside of Baghdad. Gummersall was serving his third tour in Iraq and served another one in Afghanistan.

We received an e-mail from a fellow soldier who says Gummersall was one of the finest he served with. In his e-mail, Staff Sergeant Michael Bloom says, "He was one of the best soldiers you could serve with, and a good friend."

Others may remember him more from his days as a stand out athlete at Century High School, where he helped the football team to two consecutive state championships. While there, he was also an all-state wrestler and spent three years with the varsity baseball team.

Family and friends say although there is no memorial service planned yet, there is one way to honor the fallen soldier.

Lewis Jensen, family friend: "Do everything to the fullest, like he did. He lived life to the fullest and had a great time doing it. Everyone that knows him can think of a great story and all the fun times they had with him."

Gummersall's body will return to American soil within the next 24-48 hours. We're told he'll be taken to Dover Air Force Base in Maryland. He'll be there three to ten days before he comes back to Pocatello. Still no word on when a funeral will take place.

Nicholas Aaron Gummersall

Source: IdahoStateJournal.com

(http://www.legacy.com/IdahoStateJournal/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=92346403)

POCATELLO - Nicholas Aaron Gummersall, 23, was born in Pocatello, Idaho, on October 24, 1983, to Clay Gummersall and Carol Gummersall.

Nick was a graduate of Century High School, class of 2002, where he was active in football, where he brought home back-to-back state titles, baseball, wrestling and track. He was an amazing athlete. After high school he red-shirted for the Idaho State Bengals. His true passion was football.

Nick knew that he was meant to make a difference in many lives, so on September 30, 2003, he enlisted in the Army. He would later become an Airborne Ranger 2nd Battalion, "Ten feet tall and bullet proof," Nick Gummersall.

Nick was the second son of six kids. He is survived by his mom and dad, Carol and Clay; best friend and older brother, Casey, 24; his sister-in-law, Haley, 23; his baby sisters, Kristine, 21, Kamie, 18, Kadee, 13; and his mini-me, Derek, 15.

Nick was so full of life with never-ending dreams and goals. He had a personality no one could ignore, or help but love. Everyone who came into contact with him was forever touched and a friend.

He will be sorely missed, always treasured and forever loved. Nick will live forever in our memories and our hearts.

Funeral services for Sgt. Gummersall, fallen soldier in Iraq, will be 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 17 at the Century High School football field, 7801 Diamondback Dr., Pocatello. The family will receive friends Thursday, Aug. 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. Fourth Ave., Pocatello. The public also is invited to visit a memorial erected in his honor at Colonial Funeral Home.

Memorial Service For Sergeant Nick Gummersall Held

Source: by Genevieve Judge, Local 8 News

August 19, 2007

(http://www.localnews8.com/Global/story.asp?S=6947647)

In Pocatello Friday morning, a hometown hero was finally laid to rest.  Sergeant Nick Gummersall is being remembered as a friend, brother, son and hero.

Hundreds of friends and family arrived at Century High School Friday morning to pay their final respects to Sergeant Nick Gummersall.  "Proud of what he did but very sad for the family and his passing.  It's a hard thing to go through." Says Eldon and Gloria Peck, friends of the Gummersall family.

Sergeant Nick Gummersall's body was taken around the Century High School football field one final time before friends and family say goodbye.  Eye of the Tiger played as Sergeant Gummersall's body was brought out.

The memorial service was held at the football field where he played football as a diamondback for back-to-back state titles before graduating in 2002.  "Its a good send off to be on the field because that's where he loved to be is to play football." Says Cole Beebe, a friend of Sgt. Gummersall.

"Nick put his arm around our son and said this is my bud and it's an awesome experience and he was like that with everybody he never knew or met." Says Eldon and Gloria Peck.

Governor Otter along with the First Lady, Pocatello Mayor Roger Chase and Chubbuck Mayor Steve England in addition to many dignitaries from the military and close to a thousand family and friends celebrated the life of the Gate City hero.  Sharing personal stories, laughter and songs.

"He was an ugly baby to everyone except mom.  His bald, misshaped head was something only a mother could love." Says Casey Gummersall, Sgt. Gummersall's brother.

"He seemed to really like doing what he did.  Last time I talked to him, you could just tell he was proud of it.  We're going to just miss him and he was a good friend." Says Kevin Sutphin, friend of the Gummersall family.

Sergeant Gummersall is the second Century High School graduate and the second Pocatello solider to be killed fighting in the war in Iraq.

After the memorial service, a graveside service was held at Restlawn Memorial Park in Pocatello.

Other Links

http://www.arcent.army.mil/cflcc_today/200