This website is a memorial to the life of US Army Pvt. Bryan Nicholas Spry
19, of Chestertown, Maryland.
Nicholas was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 504th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. and was killed February 14th, 2004 when his vehicle rolled into a water-filled ditch in Baghdad.
“I don’t know how to feel and I don’t know what to say. I am going to war. What do you tell people, above all Mom, Dad and Mike. I’m coming home, I’ll be all right. They know that but still there’s that fear and the pain in the pit of your stomach of their son not making it home. I can’t tell them I am not going to see danger. I am in the infantry. That’s all we do is see danger...
There are so many questions going through my mind. I am not going to be there. I am going to be at war with the enemy who is not afraid to kill themselves but afraid to fight face to face. I know all of my family is strong and they can close up that holes that I once filled. I just hope no one forgets about me, but here I go face first into the Army war and everything I ever wanted. Do I have what it takes to survive and bring all our boys home? How will I feel when I get home knowing I killed and have seen war? How will I fit in with the rest of the world when I have done things they could never even imagine?
I will pray and hope that God will take care of my family and friends when I am gone. Who will be my friends when I get home? What will they see in my eyes when I’m sitting back drinking a beer with them? How will I react when they complain about life in the USA? But for now I lay down and get some of my last hours of sleep and will hold Lee tight and my strength will ensure her how much I care. But now the boots are on and they won’t stop until I’m in Hell... Baghdad. God take care of me and my boys and above most, my family. I love you all.
MAY GOD PROTECT US ALL AS WE GO INTO THE FACE OF DANGER TO GIVE PEACE. WATCH OVER US. TAKE CARE OF OUR FAMILIES AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH BRING US ALL HOME... AMEN"
- Nicholas, January 3rd, 2004 (taken from Nick's journal)
The 82nd Airborne Division - America's Guard of Honor....
"The 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..."
- Bev Fabri, Nicholas' mom
"Show me a hero and I will write you a tragedy..." - F. Scott Fitzgerald, author of "The Great Gatsby"
"Bavarian alps that lay all around, they seem to stare from below... The enemy lines a long time passed, are lying deep in the snow...
Into the night they fall through the sky... No one should fly where eagles dare..." - Steve Harris, 1983
A mass-tactical airborne training operation - Sicily Drop Zone at Fort Bragg, NC
Click here to watch the Airborne operation video - TURN YOUR SPEAKERS ON!
"You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man's freedom. You can only be free if I am free..." - Clarence Darrow
"The patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree..." - Thomas Campbell
"On Friday, Janurary 9th, 2004, while his brother (Michael) and I were driving down (about a 7 hour drive) Nick called and said his unit was deploying on Sunday (January 11th). 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 my 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 February 14th, 2004 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..." - Bev Fabri, Nicholas' mom
Nicholas (left), Mom (center), and Michael (right)
"When he came home he announced that he would be a Paratrooper in 82nd Airborne. I was shocked! He was never one
to try anything new..." - Bev Fabri, Nicholas' mom
“Getting ready for a mission. It’s an important one. It’s said to be a raid. We are going after some key people we’ve been looking for. I wanna call home but I know it will make it harder. It’s 19:00, we just got briefed on our mission. My God this mission is a big one. I’m nervous - but ready. It starts at 04:30 and I know I won’t sleep any before then...
I keep seeing family and Lee flash before my eyes. I pray I’m coming home but nights like this you find yourself doubtful. I can’t write about the mission due to classification in case this book falls somewhere where it shouldn’t. I feel like a little baby here. New and confident, everyone else but some have all seen combat. But still they respect me for what I’ve done and seen. I wish I was there to help my family and be there but I am 1 day closer to being home. I love Lee. I've got to make it..."
- Nicholas, January 20th, 2004 (taken from Nick's journal)
The 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) was initially Constituted on February 24, 1942 in the Army of the United States as the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment. It was activated on May 1, 1942 at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was assigned to the US Army Airborne Command. Having completed its Regimental training, it was assigned August 15, 1942 to the 82nd Airborne Division.
The 504th PIR crest (worn on maroon beret)
1st Battalion / 504th PIR Insignia Background
2nd Battalion / 504th PIR Insignia Background
3rd Battalion / 504th PIR Insignia Background
Thank you for visiting the Pvt. Bryan Nicholas Spry Tribute Site
God Bless You
Military Heroes 2008 Ministry
Hearts of America, Care Packages for Military
Gold Star Family Support Group
Moms of Military - Prayer and Support Group
The Fallen Heroes Memorial website
The Military Times "Faces of Valor" website (List of US Casualties)
Patriot Guard Riders website
CNN iwatch - Support to Troops
Operation Iraqi Freedom
War in Afghanistan 2001 - Present