Army Staff Sgt. Nicholas P. Bellard, 26, of El Paso, Texas
SSgt Bellard was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died June 13, 2011 of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device in Wasit province, Iraq. Also killed was Army Sgt. Glenn M. Sewell.
ACADIA PARISH – On the same day that scores of Iota residents lined the streets to honor Marine Cpl. Matt Richard as his body returned home, area residents received the tragic news that another soldier who was a former resident of Acadia Parish, Staff Sergeant Nicholas Bellard, 26, was killed in Iraq.
Bellard lived in Crowley until he was 13 when he moved to El Paso, Texas where he graduated from high school. He attended South Crowley Elementary School as a child.
“Nick was a humble man...a man of few words,” said his aunt, Susan Ohlenforst, of Rayne. “Like my brother always said he was a thinker. He loved his family with all his heart.”
Bellard was buried in San Antonio at Ft.Sam Houston.
He leaves behind his wife, Veronica, and a two-year-old daughter, Eva.
According to Ohlenforst, Bellard joined the Army to help put his wife through school. She recently graduated and is presently working as a teacher.
“In December 2009, we threw him a surprise welcome home party after his first tour in Iraq,” said Ohlenforst. “Then he decided to reenlist. I guess it was God’s turn to welcome him home.”
“What can I say,” she added. “He is just like any other soldier who fought and died for our country in support of our freedom.”
Bellard joined the military in October 2003 as a cavalry scout was assigned to 6th Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, since August 2008.
Bellard deployed in support of Operation New Dawn from January 2011 to June 2011 and Operation Iraqi Freedom from January 2009 to November 2009.
Bellard's awards and decorations include:
(2) Army Commendation Medals
(5) Army Achievement Medals
Meritorious Unit Commendation
(2) Army Good Conduct Medals
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Defense Service Medal
Iraqi Campaign Medal with two combat service stars
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon.
Army Staff Sgt. Nicholas P. Bellard was killed in action on 6/13/11.
1 comment:
I miss you every single day son,I will do my best to watch over your family. You have all my respect and I love you. Dad
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