Nicholas Rogers laid to rest

DELTONA -- A few days before Army Spc. Nicholas Rogers was killed in Iraq by small-arms fire, the medic helped set the broken arm of a 7-year-old Iraqi boy.

"Nick's life was a special one. He was happiest when taking care of people or his family," family friend Pete Behnke said at his funeral Thursday. "Even when collecting food for others as a Boy Scout to the Iraqi boy a world away, Nick was always serving and taking care of others."

Rogers' dedication to family and others was highlighted Thursday as hundreds united to celebrate his life, mourn his death and lay him to eternal rest.

A lifelong Deltona resident, Rogers, 27, was killed Oct. 22 after two months in Iraq while on foot patrol with his 10th Mountain Division unit in Baghdad.

More than 600 relatives and friends, along with members of his extended military and fire/medic rescue families, attended a funeral service at Deltona Alliance Church.

Attentive soldiers flanked his flag-draped casket. A collage of photos highlighted happier times. One picture showed him at 6 months old; others at youth soccer, with the high school band, at prom, his wedding to his wife, Kelly; in his Army uniform and building snowmen with daughter Jocelyn.

Military family members wore Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine uniforms and many didn't know Rogers. About 75 veterans from the Patriot Guard Riders held large American flags and lined the church parking lot and burial site at Deltona Memorial Gardens.

"He was one of my soldiers. An exceptional soldier and a loving family man," said a crying Sgt. Frank Keesler, Rogers' platoon leader while he was stationed in Fort Drum, N.Y. "He was a great medic and cared for everyone."

Rogers graduated from Deltona High School in 1997 and followed his dad's career in public service. Bob Rogers has been with the Deltona Fire Department for 27 years and is the city's deputy fire chief.

Nick Rogers earned an emergency medical technician certificate from Daytona Beach Community College. He joined the military to gain experience before pursuing his dream of becoming an emergency room nurse.

"He was raised in a home with caring and compassionate parents," Fire Department Chaplain Donald Williams said. "He gave his life in obedience to the call of his country and service to others."

Longtime friend Jeff Payne recalled, "If I had a problem, he was always right there by my side. You couldn't ask anything more than that. Nick was there when I needed him."

Family members said they were amazed at the number of community members who attended, including dozens of Fire Department officers, firefighters, city employees and elected officials.

Tears mixed with laughs as friends recalled how Rogers loved video games and listening to Snoop Dogg while playing. He collected "Star Wars" figures and G.I. Joes that his mom Penny would bring home from her job at a toy store.

Another friend remembered Rogers' famous iced tea and how he opened his home to his close friends.

He loved to fish and was known as a slick salesman who bought whole pizzas and sold the slices at a "considerable" profit, Chaplain Williams said.


At Thursday's burial, Kelly, Rogers' high school sweetheart and wife of five years, was presented with his Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Global War on Terrorism medals. Rogers' mom Penny was presented with the same medals while daughter Jocelyn, 3, sat in her grandfather's lap.

U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park, presented the family with flags that have flown over the U.S. Capitol. Patriot Guard Riders presented a plaque and a "Mission Accomplished" pin.

In a dramatic moment, members of the 3rd Infantry Division fired off a 21-gun salute and played taps before folding the flag that draped the casket and presenting it to Kelly, who is six months' pregnant with a girl.

"Ma'am, this flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation and United States Army as a token of appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service," Major General Eric Schoomaker said. .

From the News Journal

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