Freedom Isn't Free

Lance Corporal Nicholas Erdy was honored and proud to serve in the United States Marine Corps.  He had dreamed of being in the military all his life and wanted nothing more than to be in Iraq where he could  help his Marine brothers. 

On May 11, 2005, Nick gave the greatest sacrifice of all -  he gave his life.  During Operation Matador, Nick was on a mission in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq when his  Armored Assault Vehicle was hit by an I.E.D.  He was only 21 years old on the day that he and five other Marines were killed in that attack. 

In Nick’s memory, his family has created the Nick Erdy Foundation, a 501(C)(3) organization dedicated to benefit several non-for-profit groups.  To date, The Foundation has contributed more than $100,000 to the following:

• St. Louis School
• Archbishop McNicholas High School
• Clermont Northeastern Schools
• The Three-Deuce-Five Marine Foundation
• The Mid-Ohio Marine Foundation
• Operation Second Chance
• The Lima Company Memorial
• Folds of Honor
• Various Other Military & Support Groups

These scholarship monies have been established at the schools where Nick attended and also in the community where he grew up.

The military contributions support organizations that provide much needed  aid for our returning injured Marines and their families.   We are also proud contributors to the Lima Company Memorial which was created to honor the 23 fallen,  Ohio-based Lima Company Marines with whom Nick so proudly served.  

It is the goal of this foundation to continue these works for many years to come.  Through the generosity of so many wonderful people, both here at home, and all over the United States, we can continue to help others while keeping Nick’s memory alive.