Moses Lake veteran demonstrates courage in action

To some, Memorial Day means a nice long weekend at the end of May. The weather is typically lovely this time of year and the extra day gives people bonus time to spend with family and friends. Sure, there’s a Memorial Day parade found here and there, but it’s easy to get distracted about the true meaning of the holiday.

There’s an opportunity to honor our veterans past and present during the Grand Moonlight Parade & Pre-Show starting at 8:15 p.m. Saturday as part of the Moses Lake Spring Festival. As grand marshal, Marine Sgt. Nick Kimmel will ride through the streets of Moses Lake with his dad, Rick Kimmel.

Nick Kimmel is a true example of courage in action. The Moses Lake High School graduate lost both legs and his arm during his second tour in Afghanistan in 2011. He was helping build a guard post when he stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device, according to a 2013 Columbia Basin Herald article. With grit, razor-sharp focus and determination, he’s made an amazing recovery. Nick Kimmel has since visited Moses Lake High School and shared with students how he can weld, drive a car and snowboard. He was awarded many honors, including a Purple Heart, a Combat Action Ribbon and a Navy Achievement Award.

Although modern medicine helped made his progress possible, it is abundantly clear that Nick Kimmel chose to live and shows a strength of character. Credit should also be given to his family, friends and the community members who stepped up during the past few years to give their support.

Help was also found in an unlikely place for a Moses Lake graduate far from home. Movie star Gary Sinise (of Forest Gump fame) assisted Nick Kimmel by providing funds to build him a “smart home” in Fallbrook, Calif. through his Gary Sinise Foundation. The project was also made possible by eHome Lifestyles and Core Brands. The home is modern and allows Nick to live independently with a wide-open floor plan, leaving plenty of room for a wheelchair. He can control the home’s thermostat, shades, lighting and entertainment features with touch panels, remote control or through an iPhone or iPad app. To see photos of the home, visit www.cepro.com/photo/look_inside_marine_corps_veterans_integrated_smart_home/7/.

We mention the beautiful home because blessings can be found in difficult situations.

Nick Kimmel has maintained a low profile since his life-altering injuries. We can respect and appreciate that because no one wants to live in a fishbowl.

In the next few days, we think it’s fitting to set some time aside to honor Nick and veterans in our community. We’ll leave the method of thanks up to you.

Memorial Day was created to honor servicemen and women who died while serving in the armed forces. Help honor our service members by attending Saturday’s Grand Moonlight Parade. Be sure to thank Nick Kimmel, his family, and other veterans you may see.

— Editorial Board

Correction (and a bit of good news)

In Thursday’s editorial titled “Moses Lake veteran demonstrates courage in action,” Nick Kimmel’s updated rank wasn’t included in the article. He has since been promoted to sergeant, according to his mother, Julie Kimmel.