Location: 56
Date: 7/7/2011
Rank: Specialist
Branch: U.S. Army
Operation: Operation New Dawn
SPC. Nicholas “Nick” W. Newby of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho was killed in action in Baghdad, Iraq on July 7, 2011. He was 20 years old. He was born in Anchorage, Alaska on August 25, 1990 and moved to Coeur d’Alene with his family when he was 5 years old. He graduated from The Bridge Academy in 2008 and entered military service at that same time. Nick was assigned to the Bravo Company, 145th BSB as a Mechanic and later deployed in September 2010 as a Rhino Platoon member in support of Operation New Dawn. His awards include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with Combat Star,
Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, Idaho National Guard State Service Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge. While in Iraq, Nick was completing college courses via the internet. He had plans to complete his Associates Degree at North Idaho College before attending Boise State University. He was an avid reader, always seeking knowledge and truth.
Nick’s family shares that Nick radiated positive energy and the smile never left his face. His favorite saying was “Quit whining” or “Quit yer bit—-.” His laugh was both ridiculous and infectious. Nick had a profound impact on everyone in his life and this community will forever be changed by his death.
Nick is survived by his mother Theresa Hart, his father Wayne Newby, stepfather James Hart, stepmother Brigette Newby, brother Nathan Newby, half-brother Ryder Newby, maternal grandparents Roy and Pat Powers, paternal great-grandmother Blanche Donahue, his life-long friend Halei Schreiber and numerous step siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and his doggie dog, Jax. He is predeceased by his paternal grandparents.