Thursday, September 15, 2005. I was sitting in a class during my freshman year at college at St. John’s University. It had been over 4 years since the events of 9/11. The war in Iraq was approaching its 3rd year and President Bush had his approval rating drop to 41%, the lowest of his presidency at the time.
Staff Sergeant Regilio E. Nelom of Queens, New York was in Asad, Iraq at the time. Little did he know when he came to the United States from Suriname in the 1980’s he would be there. He would flip burgers, and deliver newspapers, doing odd jobs in order to get by.
He never seemed to be happy with that life and in 1994 he enlisted in the United States Army. He had served in the Army in Suriname beforehand and was trying for years to enlist here. His enlistment in the Army brought him to Iraq in 2005.
He was on an escort mission in a HMMWV or a Humvee as most people know it, when an improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated.
The HMMWV did not hold up very well, especially considering the fact that it was never designed to withstand an attack of that magnitude. It was built to transport soldiers on and around the battle field.
Staff Sgt. Regilio E. Nelom, 45 years old was taken from us that day.
A man who was not born in this country, who was a first generation immigrant to this nation, died serving to protect us. You probably did not know him, you’ll never read about him in a history book and he’ll most likely never have a memorial in D.C. However his sacrifice is the same sacrifice made by millions of other men and women whether in 1775, 1945, or 2008 all of which fought to defend the freedoms we were promised.
This July 4th, take some time out of your day simply to remember everyone who has lost their lives fighting for our freedom and our way of life. Visit a VFW center, talk to a veteran, send a care package. Take your children to a memorial. Enjoy the life which many of us, including myself at times have taken for granted.
St. John's College Democrats 
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