Every two weeks, My Edmonds News will publish a portrait made by Edmonds artist Michael Reagan, through his Fallen Heroes project, to honor a fallen U.S. solider and the loved ones they have left behind. This week, we feature Army Corporal Nicholas R. Roush, who died August 16, 2009 of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during Operation Enduring Freedom outside of Herat, Afghanistan.

Twenty-two year old Nicholas Roush was from Middleville, Mich., about 125 miles from Detroit.  Known as “Nicky” to family and friends, he was a Thornapple-Kellogg High School graduate who wanted to serve his country and do something significant.

He was born a frail baby who began his life in a touch-and-go fight with a breathing problem that some family members thought might not allow him to survive. Twenty years later, Nicky’s fighting spirit showed him to be a disciplined, driven and fiercely loyal young man.  His lighter side showed when he was his prankster self.  He was also warrior and a person who put his trust and faith in God. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Middleville, Mich.

Nicky was born Jan. 19, 1987. He was very proud to serve his country and earned rank as Corporal serving in the U.S. Army. He is survived by parents, brothers, grandparents, and his soul mate.

You can make a donation to support Michael Reagan’s work (he receives no payment for these portraits and covers materials and shipping costs himself) here.