SFC Henry Escobedo takes on the Warrior Games! We want to extend a huge congratulations to Sgt. 1st Class Henry Escobedo. He was selected to join Team Army for the 2024 Warrior Games! SFC Escobedo is one of just 40 athletes on Team Army. He will compete, with other members of Team Army, in Orlando, […]
Cpl. Todd Nicely
St. Louis
Arnold, Missouri native Todd A. Nicely was 26 years old when his life changed forever on March 26, 2010 while participating in combat operations against Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan. This young man was a Corporal in the Marine Corps, leading a squad of 12 infantry Marines with 1st Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. As a Corporal, a non-commissioned officer of Marines, he was responsible for the training, welfare, deployment, and every aspect of the lives of his Marines, 1st Squad. At 26, he was called the “old man” of the squad because in addition to being the Squad Leader, he was also much older than the majority of young men in his squad, most were on their first combat tour (Nicely already had done a combat tour in Iraq back in 2008) and were 6-8 years younger.
While returning from a routine “security patrol” in the Taliban infested area of Afghanistan that his battalion found themselves stationed, the Squad was preparing to cross a bridge. Like the good Marine leader he is, Corporal Nicely, was “leading from the front” not just figuratively, but literally, he was walking point (he was at the very front of the squad). As he began to cross the bridge, he stepped on a pressure plate mine. The massive blast from the explosives blew him into the air. Nicely does not recall hearing any sound but does recall hitting the ground after the explosion. His first thought was “Aw God, What Happened?” As the realization of the enormous blast that he just endured and the massive injuries he suffered began to sink in, he had two thoughts. One was “just keep breathing so you can get back to your wife.” The second was, after letting out a few blood-curdling screams, he became concerned about the effect that his screaming might have on the Marines of his squad and so according to Todd he decided to just “shut up” and “stay strong.” Think about that and let it sink in for a minute. He had just endured an incredible explosive blast, suffered massive injuries and his two thoughts were about getting back to his wife and not frightening the Marines that he was responsible for by his screams. If that is not a hero, the word has no meaning.
Todd immediately had a realization that he had been blown up “pretty good” (his words), but he certainly did not realize that the blast had blown off all four of his limbs. On that fateful day in March, 2010, Corporal Todd A. Nicely, United States Marine Corps, became one of only 2 other modern day veterans that have endured battlefield injuries resulting in the loss of all 4 limbs (both legs and both arms) and survived. But when you meet this incredible young man, you will quickly understand why he had the ability to survive such an incredible challenge-he has an indomitable spirit, infectious enthusiasm, positive outlook, and a strength of mind and character that is second to none.
After being medivaced and returned to the United States, Nicely began his surgeries and treatments at Bethesda Naval Hospital near Washington DC. Since then he has been transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center where he continues treatment, therapy, surgeries, and learns to use his prosthetic legs and arms. His mother Julie Stanbrough is with him constantly. And the Joshua Chamberlain Society could not be more proud to announce that JCS will be with Corporal Nicely and his family from now on as well. Todd Nicely is our third JCS Hero and we are absolutely thrilled that he has agreed to become part of our JCS family.
Keep up with Todd
Joshua Chamberlain Society, its volunteers, and especially the JCS Houston heroes want to extend a heartfelt thanks to Big Star Ford in Pearland, TX for all the vehicle improvements extended to the Escobedo family. Both, Rick Law, the general manager, and Jeff Kuithe, service manager, went beyond the call of duty in […]
Not many 13 year olds can say they have spoken at the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. In 2003, after the war in Iraq and Afghanistan began, Congress passed a law stating that nothing else could go in the National Mall. This site is home to iconic monuments including the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. […]
Schaefer Autobody recently donated 4 vehicles to our JCS Heroes. This is the third year that Schaefer Autobody has worked with Travelers Insurance to provide much needed vehicles to our JCS Heroes. Please click on the link to learn more: Schaefer Autobody
Taylor graduated from The University of Missouri with her Education Degree and is pursuing her Masters Degree from Lindenwood University. Taylor teaches the Fifth Grade at New Haven Elementary School. She currently lives in Washington, Mo where she remodeled her entire home. JCS was able to establish connections to contractors to help Taylor make the […]
The JCS family just keeps growing! Please welcome Elijah Nicely. Dad, CPL. Todd Nicely, and mom, Michele, are all doing well and settling into this new crazy life! Congratulations! Elijah Nicholas – October 20, 2020 – 7 pounds 10 ounces – 20 inches long
Congratulations to Hero CPL. Tyler Huffman and his bride Amanda on their wedding! We are so excited for the both of you.
Congratulations to the Vermillion Family on your new ride! Thank you to the largest contributors like NABC Recycled Rides, Travelers Insurance, Schaefer Autobody, and Scott Schaefer, Alex Alyatim, Colleen Lawler, Jack Lawler, Matt Koke, Gail Schroeder, Danielle Horton, Tommy Tedesco, Cottrell Fox, James Forshey. See the video of our day here: https://www.facebook.com/JCSociety/videos/432819764747131.
Read Don’s final blog post here: “My adventure has come to a close. I am home and just want to wrap up a few thoughts. Many of you know about my trials and attempts at crossing the US. Those times while disappointing to me taught me a lot about things. I love to ride my […]
JCS is working to evaluate further precautions we will take to ensure the safety of our guests, Heroes, and staff for upcoming events. For the Price of Freedom Gala, foremost, safety precautions will include providing face masks to all guests and hand sanitizer will be readily available. As we are sure has been common in other areas of […]