I am SPC Frank Arguello and I had the pleasure of knowing Nick when we went to our Advanced Individual Training school for the United States Army. During our schooling I had failed and got “recycled” into a class below mine and that’s when I met Nick.

Out of all people in that class he immediately welcomed me and we developed a bond that was so strong. He was from NY, we were roughly around the same age group, we both had a little girl (Lilly) and a wife with a Hawaiian background (Jessica) , we both loved martial arts and video games. Our love for pizza was paralleled second to none. Not to mention every morning when we would do PT (Physical Training), we would have our secret competitions and he brought out the best in me. Naturally since he was a little younger he would leave me in the dust when we ran and I remember having our laugh about that. We were brothers.

When we both had our assignments given to us for our duty stations, I remember FaceTiming him to communicate with him as best as we could. Our job and distance was great but our brotherhood was as well. Even though I only met his daughter through FaceTime I immediately felt like an uncle to her. I felt like his family was now mine to protect. What can I say about Nick .. he lit up the room when he laughed, he was a friendly and loving kid, one of the smartest people I’ve ever met and definitely gone too soon.

Nick I miss you brother I love you