Army Private First Class Nick Madaras loved soccer and knew he could make a difference in the lives of a children.
‘The war itself at times confused Nick, the way is confuses many others. He believed in what he was doing, and truly wanted to help the people of Iraq. Nick particularly was fond of the Iraqi children. He would see them kicking bags of rocks around the streets trying to play soccer and realized these kids are no different than him. When he was home on leave in July 2006, he rounded up as many balls as he could to bring back to the children of Iraq. Nick figured if a war that had raged on for more than thirty years in the Ivory Coast could be stopped because of soccer, why couldn’t one be ended in Iraq?
Nick was killed in action by an IED on September 3rd of 2006 at the age of 19. The men in his unit and all of us back home were completely devastated and continue to mourn to this day. Our way to get back at the men who did this, however, won’t be a course of hatred and rage. Instead we are spreading Nick’s love of soccer and his dedication to the children of Iraq by sending to Iraq soccer balls to be distributed to the children of Iraq directly by our soldiers in the field. We are all fulfilling Nick’s dream by collecting and distributing these balls. Nick’s Comrades in Arms have told us that when the times get really rough over there and they’re searching for a reason for all of the madness, they can hand a ball to one of the children and look at their eyes glow with happiness, remember Nick, and realize that yes, it is worth it.’ Written by Tom Thresher
ESPN did a story on Nick, here is the video. http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?categoryId=null&brand=null&videoId=3218181&n8pe6c=2
For imformation on donations here is the link.
Now I’m crying. I watched the video on the website kickfornick.com. This is a wonderful, life-affirming memorial and a great idea for planting the seeds for peace. What I especially liked seeing was the video of the troops kicking the ball with the Iraqi children. Thanks for the heads-up on this one, Beth.
Rhonda you’re welcome. I cried buckets when the video first aired on ESPN. It’s a great story.
Such a painful story to read and see. Why it is those who care so much and do all they can to help aren’t known until they’re no longer able to do what they’ve always done. We should appreciate people like Nick while they’re alive and doing what they love. Thank you for sharing this Beth. It certainly puts things into perspective.
~Debbie
Debbie-
I love what you said, it’s so true. It was a hard story for me as well but one definitly worth telling.
I sent out a check yesterday.
Thank you Rhonda. I’m sure the kids will appreciate it.