Nicholas Bernier
DOD // 06.25.2011
HOMETOWN // E Kingston, NH
DOB // 08.20.1989
Spc. Nicholas P. Bernier, of East Kingston, N.H., died June 25, 2011, at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, of injuries sustained from a small arms fire attack on his unit in Kherwar, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, La. Bernier was awarded The Purple Heart, The Bronze Star, and The Combat Medical Medal along with several other medals and military distinctions. He was 21 years old when he was killed. Bernier was survived by his father, Paul Bernier, his mother, Tina Wilcox, stepfather, Jeffrey Clements, and siblings, Bradley, Christopher, and Brittany. Bernier participated in swimming and wrestling in high school, and was also a member of the National Emergency Medical Technician Association. He joined the U.S. Army in March of 2008.
“We, and all of New Hampshire, are saddened by the loss of Spc. Nicholas Bernier. His sacrifice, and the sacrifice of his family, was his service to all of us. Spc. Bernier gave his life serving our nation and protecting the freedoms we hold dear. He was a hero, and we are all grateful for his service.” –Gov. John Lynch
The Travis Manion Foundation honored Spc. Bernier and five more local Fallen Heroes through the Character Does Matter program in February 2012.  During the presentation, their stories inspired 600 sixth grade students from Cooperative Middle School in Stratham, NH, to honor the legacies of their Fallen Heroes. These students completed 2,294 hours of service, and held a Memorial Day ceremony for veterans and families of the fallen.
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