Jason Nicely

When Staff Sergeant Jason Nicely enlisted in the Army 18 years ago, his grandmother gave him a piece of advice that would guide him throughout his military career: “Whatever you do, finish it out.” This advice proved to be a cornerstone for his time in the Army and Army Reserves, where he served with bravery and distinction. Jason Nicely’s service culminated in his receiving the prestigious Purple Heart after being injured in the line of duty.

Deployment and Heroic Action in Iraq

Nicely was stationed at multiple bases across the United States before his deployment to Iraq in 2005. On Mother’s Day of that year, he joined a military transition team tasked with training Iraqi soldiers in military tactics. The goal was clear: to help the Iraqi forces reclaim their country. His mission, however, took a harrowing turn during a deadly ambush in October 2005.

Surviving the Attack and Earning the Purple Heart

On October 14, 2005, after a fierce firefight, Jason Nicely and his team set out at daybreak to assess the damage. They drove along a narrow supply route, unknowingly driving over enemy-planted antitank mines. When the mine detonated, it caused catastrophic damage, blowing the back end off the truck. Nicely’s gunner was ejected from the hatch and ended up on the hood, while Nicely himself suffered a concussion, a broken back, a dislocated ankle, and shrapnel in his arm. Miraculously, the entire crew survived. “If it had detonated just a little earlier, I wouldn’t be here telling this story,” said Nicely.

For his injuries sustained in this attack, Jason Nicely was awarded the Purple Heart. However, his pride lies not in the recognition but in fighting for those who couldn’t. “I’ve got so much from the Army and Army Reserves. I got to go to many places and learned skills like welding and marksmanship. Now I have thousands of brothers and sisters across the world,” he shared.

Honoring Jason Nicely’s Legacy

To commemorate the 11th anniversary of his survival from the antitank mine explosion, we are proud to present Staff Sergeant Jason Nicely with the Hometown Heroes Award. His story of courage, sacrifice, and resilience continues to inspire those who hear it.