Gold Star Families

Marine Private First-Class Nick Skinner was a 2003 North Scott High School Graduate. A fellow service member noted Nick was a Marine's Marine. He was a fighter, an outstanding grappler, and an experienced hunter and fisherman.

Nick was killed in action in 2004 at the age of 20 while fighting off the Mahdi militia in Iraq. He was one of two Marines from Company A, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), to fall during that month- long battle where the MEU and Iraqi Security Forces fought against Muqtada al-Sadr and his rag-tag militia.

Nick was born April 27, 1984, in Davenport, to Randy and Laura Skinner. While he graduated from North Scott High School, Eldridge, Iowa, he also attended West High School, Davenport.

Nick was a boy you could never say no to. He loved hunting, fishing and camping, regardless of the weather. He was a true outdoorsman who always loved a challenge.

Army Specialist Joshua Lee Omvig, born November of 1983, in Gillette, Wyoming, beloved son of Randy and Ellen Omvig; beloved brother of Rachel (deceased 2016).

SPC Omvig served an eleven-month tour of duty in northern Iraq with the 339th Military Police Company in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Omvig would return from Iraq in November 2004, less than one week before Thanksgiving. While his family celebrated the holiday, Josh, as he was known, kept his thoughts on his experience overseas to himself. He soon began to show signs of depression, suffering from nightmares and flashbacks, and he ultimately confided in his family he believed he had post-traumatic stress disorder. While his family encouraged him to seek help, Josh never sought professional help or counseling because he worried in doing so it would damage his military career.

SPC Joshua Lee Omvig lost his battle with PTSD, December 22, 2005, at his home in Iowa. He was 22 years old.

Although Specialist Joshua Omvig is only one of many veterans who have experienced post-traumatic stress and mental health issues from their time spent in a combat zone, Josh would become the face behind a legislative attempt to address the growing epidemic of suicide among veterans.

On November 6, 2007, President Bush signed the 'Joshua Omvig Suicide Prevention Act' into law. This law was to provide improved screening and treatment for at-risk veterans. The bill required mental health training for Veterans Administration staff, screen suicide risk factors for veterans who receive VA care, refer at-risk veterans for counseling and designate a suicide prevention counselor at each VA medical facility.

Brandon, son of the late William Ketchum and Beverly Ertz was born Oct. 18, 1982, at Darnell Army Community Hospital in Killeen, Texas. He was a graduate of Wisconsin Dells High School, Class of 2001.

At the age of 21 Brandon enlisted in the United State Marine Corps and proudly served from 2004-2008 as a combat engineer, serving two tours in Iraq. In July of 2008 he joined the Army as a combat engineer and in 2010 he was deployed to Afghanistan with the Iowa National Guard.

After being injured in the line of duty and enduring multiple surgeries he was honorably discharged. He had great enthusiasm for the armed forces and was known for being a man that would drop everything to support his fellow brothers and sisters or anyone in need.

His true loves of his life were his daughter, Layla and soulmate, Kristine. Brandon and Layla had a special bond that will be remembered. After his time in the military Brandon took up the hobby of woodworking and excelled in his craft by making beautiful butcher blocks, cutting boards and shadow boxes for fellow military friends and family. He was proud of his skill and took great time to master the art. Family and friends will forever remember Brandon's unique sense of humor and ability to bring laughter and happiness to anyone he came in contact with. He was a likable person that was able to make friends wherever he went.

Sgt Brandon Michael Ketchum lost his battle with PTSD on July 8, 2016, after being turned away from the VA and denied medical treatment. He was 33 years old.