Embraced in the arms of God and countless angels, Marine Lance Corporal Nicholas Samuel Valdez Perez died on Friday, September 3, 2004.Lance Corporal Perez was killed in action while conducting a military maneuver in Iraq?s Al Anbar Province, an extremely hostile combat zone. Nicholas was born to Yolanda Valdez and Samuel Perez on July 6, 1985. Nicholas was an extremely happy child known to all by his big grin and trusting demeanor. From a very young age, the saying ?He knew no strangers? was an apt description for this young toddler. Nicholas was born and reared in Austin, Texas. As he grew into school age, Nicholas attended Sanchez Elementary School, and Kealing Middle School. His educational progress took him to LBJ High School and later, Travis High School. He achieved graduation honors from Travis High School in May 2003. Nicholas?s fierce wish was to have a career in the military and to serve his country. Since the age of nine, he verbalized his strong desire to have a life in the United States Marine Corp. Upon identifying that goal, Nicholas actively began seeking and receiving any training that was related to the military. Nicholas began his pursuit by becoming a Boy Scout, culminating in the honor of receiving The Merit Life Badge. Nicholas?s decision to transfer from one high school to another was based on his desire to enroll in the ROTC program. Nicholas was firm in his belief of his life?s calling and never wavered. Nicholas was active in the community and in school. Some of the activities that he treasured most were his service as an altar boy, his active volunteerism for Clean-up Austin, his repeated participation in the Texas Beach Coast Clean-up, and his participation as a host for the Dennis Quaid Celebrity Golf Tournament. Nicholas was a gifted athlete and participated in various sports. From the age of four, Nicholas developed a love for baseball when he began playing in the Pee Wee League. His affinity for this sport continued as he participated in Little League Baseball. He played on organized teams at LBJ High School and at Travis High School. During his senior year at Travis, Nicholas had the pleasure of being on the winning team that earned them the Second Place District Title in 2003. That competition ended with Nicholas and his teammates as the proud participants in the Bi-District Play-offs. All knew Nicholas as an experienced outfielder with valued competency at any position. Nicholas?s second love was golf. As a freshman at LBJ High School, he earned a spot on the varsity team. Upon transfer to Travis High School, he easily earned a spot on their golf team. Nicholas showed such prowess that he was encouraged to seek the game professionally. Nicholas enjoyed football and found a home on various Flag Football teams. He played organized football at Kealing Middle School. Nicholas was also well respected in the arena of Intra-Mural Basketball. Nicholas was an avid competitor in PlayStation 2 games. Some of Nicholas?s other hobbies included fishing, water skiing, snow skiing, dancing, visiting with friends at the mall and arcade, experiencing new foods and restaurants, and going to the movies. He loved to travel and especially enjoyed the family vacations. Most of all, he enjoyed visiting with and doing all he could for his Mother and Grandmothers. However, the majority of his free time was spent with his best friend, who is also his sister. Nicholas joined the Marine Corp in July 2003. Although his tenure was young, he excelled in his performance and commitment to his career. He earned an Expert Rifleman Badge. Nicholas was an honored recipient of The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, The National Defense Service Medal, and The Purple Heart. Nicholas was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal while on tour in Iraq. Nicholas?s faith developed since infancy and continued growing stronger as he transitioned into adulthood. He never complained or allowed a situation to discourage him. Nicholas?s unwavering faith, eternal optimism, and humble nature touched countless lives. Always offering a smile that could brighten a sun-filled room, Nicholas?s life was fueled by a genuine interest in people, putting his family and many friends first. The twinkle in his eye and his smile warmed the hearts of many and ignited all those who he touched. Nicholas?s legacy is the myriad of lives that he touched through his leadership, his exceptional character, his committed relationships, his honor and pride at being a Marine, and the exemplary way in which he led his life. Those who will cherish Nicholas?s memory include: Mother, Yolanda Valdez; Father, Samuel Perez; sister, United States Marine Lance Corporal Briana Y. Perez; and paternal grandmother, Amelia Vallejo Perez; aunts, uncles, cousins, a host of great aunts and great uncles, and countless friends and extended family members. Nicholas was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Blanca G. Valdez; his maternal grandfather, Cipriano D. Valdez; and his paternal grandfather, Isabel M. Perez. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions in Nicholas?s honor to the Marine Corp Scholarship Foundation, 121 S. Saint Asaph Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3119, (703) 549-0060. Please send acknowledgements to: C/O Anna Valdez, P.O. Box 141445, Austin, Texas 78714-1445. Serving as pallbearers will be Victor Perez, Christopher Hartnett, Robert Anderson, Ian McGarrahan, Steve Casarez, Jr., and Amador Saucedo. Honorary Pallbearers are Joe Perez, Jesse Valdez, Orlando Torres, Michael Valdez, and Johnny Hernandez, Jr. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 12, 2004, at Mission Funeral Home ? Serenity Chapel, at 6204 South 1st Street. Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 13, 2004, at San Jose Catholic Church, at 2435 Oak Crest Avenue. Committal Services with the United States Marine Corp will render full military funeral honors at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, at 2800 Hancock Drive. Special thanks to SSGT. Michael Fore, USMC and to the many friends and family for their love, kindness and support given to our family during this most difficult time.