Thanks Scott; Berg near the Washington DC Beltway
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You may contact us at (814) 777 5673 (Luke Lorenz).
Please send your stories or comments about our friend Nick Berg to stories@nickberg.org
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Thanks Scott; Berg near the Washington DC Beltway
A taste of Nick Berg's business - Prometheus
Towers A taste of Nick's adventures
Prometheus Towers in Africa Prometheus Towers in the Middle East Prometheus Towers in Iraq
Email from Nick Berg
Email from Nick Berg
Email from Nick Berg
Email from Nick Berg
Nick Berg Memorial Fund
c/o of First National Bank of Chester County P.O. Box 514 West Chester, PA 19381
The indelible spirit of "Berg" will live on through this extraordinary fund
dedicated to the interests Nick Berg found worthwhile.
We have a big vision, as Berg did. Any gift will make a difference. Thank you. |
Anecdotes
Nick and I knew each other from the Summer Science program,
and we touched base when we were both at Cornell--he as a
incoming student and I as a graduate student. We kept in
contact over the year, and at one point I gave him a ride back
up to upstate New York from Pennsylvania. The thing is, Nick
couldn't just take a ride from me--he had to bike the
first 10-20 miles. That was the sort of person Nick was,
though, always willing to take on challenges--ones that he
didn't need to.
Ian Rhile
Nick was the type of person who could leave you in awe
for having such seemingly unreachable intelligence, but
at the same time being a class prankster. Such was Nick,
an anathema. Having never felt that I quite fit in at
Henderson, my new school, I recall the sense of importance
I felt when Nick said hi to me and called me by name - me,
an underclassmen. Nick just had a way of making each person
feel like they were the most important person alive. Perhaps
that is how we should all be.
Chris (Hyder) Zink
Nick and I met during his freshman year at Cornell while
living in the same dorm, Cascadilla. He was a very memorable
person, always walking around with his shirt off, usually with
a big stick in his hands, and loved to just live in the raw.
I remember the stereo speakers he built - big triangular things.
He was proud to show me photos of his family. He also mentioned
several times about building his own place out in the woods. He
was a very happy, lively person, who made friends that were
quite varied, from all walks of life. Later in college, after his trip to Africa, Nick would join me and another friend, Andy O'Meara for church every once in a while,
even though he was Jewish. One of my fondest memories
is when Nick went on a bike ride from his home in PA to
Cornell in Ithaca, NY. He called me and mentioned that he had
wrecked his bike, couldn't ride anymore and asked if I could pick
him and his bike up. When I got there, Nick was pretty battered
and bruised, but well enough. He was very thankful that I drove
quite a ways to come get him, and he gave me a railroad spike that
he had found on his trip. A railroad spike doesn't seem like much
to most people, but if you ever knew Nick, you would know that
sometimes the simplest things - like a cool stick - were some of
the most valuable treasures in the world. I knew that spike was
more than worth it's weight in gold to Nick. I kept it on my desk,
still have it to this day, and always will. Nick, though you lived
like one of the simplest people in the world, you were one of the
greatest treasures of my life.
Thank you for the memories.
Trey Schambach
I knew Nick in high school; we were in the marching band together. I did not know him very well but I have one memory of one of Nick’s contraptions I thought it might be nice to share with his family. One afternoon at band camp (a true band member never forgets Camp Saginaw ), his cabin-mates and he were working on a “surprise” for whoever thought to sneak into their cabin.
Well I happen to be walking by as they finished their masterpiece. They called me over and asked me to open the door to test out their “alarm” as they put it to me. There was a screen over the top half of the door so I couldn’t see inside very clearly, and even though I knew I would probably regret doing so, I opened the door.
I open the door and nothing happens but not two seconds later a mattress came flying at me from some kind of ceiling rig and launches me a good 5 or 6 feet outside the cabin flat on my back. They all come rushing out the door to make sure I’m ok, though I’m a little short of breath I couldn’t help but laugh. Anyhow, once Nick and all of them saw that I was alright and perfectly fine,
they were so delighted that their “alarm” worked. It’s something I’ll never forget. I guess what I’m trying to convey, is that Nick inspired people to be creative and take initiative and that is something I will always remember him for. I see this wonderful website dedicated to him and it makes me smile how many lives he touched, no matter how briefly someone may have known him. He will always be remembered.
My sympathy and condolences;
Jessica Nichols
Henderson Class of 1998
I knew Nick Berg for a brief time while we both lived in the same dorm
at college. But it only took a brief time for Nick to make a lasting
impression on someone. We all liked, respected, and most of all,
admired Nick. He was one of the very precious few who act upon their
high ideals and compassion.
My most prominent memory about Nick is how he returned emaciated from
Ghana. Despite his appearance his accounts were always of an immensely
rewarding experience. I found out from
statements in the media by family members that the reason Nick was so
lean was that he would give his food away. He never mentioned that. I
guess he wasn't someone to glorify his many sacrifices.
It was an honour to have known you Nick,
Mohan Sarovar
St Lucia, QLD
Nick Berg was my friend. The past week has been especially difficult for all of those who were fortunate enough to meet Nick during a life that ended far too prematurely. The world stood transfixed on the media coverage surrounding his grisly execution, searching for answers. A maelstrom of emotions has made this a miserable week for those who knew Nick and refuse to accept the short-sighted portrayal that he was a victim of tragic naivety. The truth is that for Nick to have avoided Iraq would have been to betray everything that made Nick such a great man.
Joe Blechman
Read Joe's Tribute
New York, NY
I doubt there is much I can say that already hasn't been said about
Nick. He and I (and one other person) lived in a dorm room together in
Cascadilla Hall at Cornell during the spring semester of 1997. Though
we did not see eye-to-eye on many things, I was always impressed with
how Nick carried himself, marching to the tune of his own drum. We were
both majoring in engineering (he a freshman in civil engineering and me
a junior in applied physics), and I was thoroughly impressed by his
command of a wide array of subjects, but I did think he was too
idealistic and he likely thought I was not idealistic enough. His
idealism though would manifest itself in impressive ways as we all know
from his accomplishments. Now I realize that I was at fault for not
realizing during the short time I lived with him the importance of his
passion. Though he may have been overly eager to have gone to Iraq when
he did, it is the few people like Nick who are able to make the world a
better place, who sacrifice entirely of themselves to help others. It
is difficult to think of anyone else who has his drive to build and
improve society. This trait of Nick has inspired many, and though he is
no longer with us, his spirit will be carried by the many people all
over the world he touched. I express my condolences to Nick's family
and friends. God bless Nick Berg
Mark Zwald
Mountain View, CA
There are so many stories about Nick that I hardly
know where to start. My high school friends have told
many, and they illustrate the kind of person Nick was.
Hugely confident, never afraid -- that was Nick. I
knew him for ten years, and I can honestly say I have
never known anyone like him.
I could talk about his yeast colony in middle school
and how he named it. I could talk about musicals,
crazy times and wild ideas. I could talk about Mr.
Walker's calc class, our physics labs or watching him
drive various and sundry English teachers crazy with
all kinds of wayward, yet brilliant, thoughts.
But the Nick I knew was the one with eyes so blue it
seemed they could see forever. He had infinite
tenderness and compassion, and it was one of the great
honors of my life to know him. He was the first boy
to ever bring me flowers (before opening night of
Oliver at Pierce, for those of you who remember).
They were three white roses, wrapped in a paper towel
dripping with water...and they were the best flowers I
ever got.
I would urge everyone to remeber his ready humor, his
unfailing smile, his sheer brilliance. And much like
John, I would say that when the media coverage ends,
all we will be left with are our memories.
And for those who knew him, what rich memories they
are.
Liz Johnson
Nick Berg was a great friend from high school days in West Chester, Pa.
Nick and I were very different people, but science was our common bond.
Through our activities with the Science Olympiad team at Henderson High
School and with the Summer Science program we connected and shared many
laughs. Nick always impressed me with his optimism and his kindness - he
was someone who was fair and decent to all, regardless of social politics
or the concern for issues of "popularity" that consumed so many people
during high school. At Summer Science Nick's classroom - aptly (and
simply) called "Bergology" - was always a source of wonder for campers and
staff alike. His inventiveness - computers made from cardboard and duct
tape?!?! - wowed you if you were 6 or 16 or 60. Nick was also the
person who engineered the blasting of loud rock music via the PA system
at various Science Olympiad competitions! The last time I saw Nick
he had just returned from Africa and he was profoundly affected by what he
had experienced there. I could see his humanity then looking for a new
direction in which to give aid.
Having read the 5/26/04 article in the NY Times, and the message posted
on this site by my old friend John Charles, I hope very much, like John,
that Nick is remembered as he should be - as a fundamentally good person
who would help anyone, and who had a delicious sense of humor and a flair
for the dramatic. I will remember him fondly always.
Jeffrey Becker
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
Those of you who know me know that I would never miss curfew while in high
school. Well, the first and only guy who I ever missed curfew for was Nick
Berg. He took me on one of his many adventures, and to this day it is
probably the most fun I have ever had! Nick was able to convince me, and
others, to hike down a ravine and walk along the not yet opened Rt. 30
Bypass. Getting down there was the tough part, so by the time we reached
the road, we didn’t feel much like walking. After much discussion, it was
decided that two people from our group would pick us up in their car. Just
imagine the shadow of a mini-van cruising at top speed along the unopened
bypass with no headlights! The headlights weren’t lit for fear of being
seen by the police, but it did make it much more difficult to spot us. Nick
had to all but jump in front of the mini-van to get their attention! Nick
will always have a place in my heart…
Claire Bracher
Downingtown, PA
I was not aware until Nick's death, that
my son Ryan, knew Nick from their high school's marching band. After
Nick's graduation, Ryan took over many of Nick's responsibilities with the
marching band's logistics. Ryan was shocked and saddened at the horrific
murder of Nick. His comments to me were that he was one of the nicest guys
that he met in high school. Even after Nick graduated, he came back to
help Ryan and the marching band. Not only am I saddened to hear of Nick's
death, I am also saddened that I never got to know him while he was alive.
Nick, thank you for being such a wonderful role model for my son to
emulate!! My condolences to the whole Berg family
Madonna
I met Nick Berg for the first time during summer theatre, probably in
1994 or 1995. I was in a show called Krazy Kamp, and was surrounded by
people that Nick called his friends. I have a great picture of him
looking very intently into my camera backstage at West Chester East
High School's theatre. He made all of us laugh and I followed him and
John Charles around like a small puppy.
Several years later, I ran into him very randomly in King of Prussia.
We chatted for a couple of minutes, and my greatest regret now is that
I didn't do more to reconnect with him after that encounter.
What I remember most about Nick was that he never needed to be the
center of attention. He worked backstage. He supported others. And it
seems he did that right up until his last moments. Losing Nick is like
having a candle be snuffed out suddenly and without warning. It's only
then that you really realize how much light it brought to your life.
Maggie Caracappa
Norristown, PA
I must have met Nick almost 10 years ago through Summer Science. I absolutely worshipped him...along with all of the other kids. Every year I looked forward to going back and doing Bergology. Nick always talked to all of the kids like we were his friends...not like he was a counselor just doing his job. His love for everything really shone through and it was most definitely contagious. Last year I took physics in school, and I absolutely loved the circuitry unit...I realized halfway through it was because Nick had made it so much fun back when I was in elementary school.
I just wanted to tell you what an outstanding impression Nick made on my life...and the lives of hundreds of other kids that went through the Summer Science program. He was an incredible person, and it breaks my heart that anything like this could ever happen. I only wish that there were more people in this world like Nick...because it would definitely be a better place.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Katie Werner
West Chester, PA
I knew Nick Berg for a brief time while we both lived in the same dorm
at college. But it only took a brief time for Nick to make a lasting
impression on someone. We all liked, respected, and most of all,
admired Nick. He was one of the very precious few who act upon their
high ideals and compassion.
My most prominent memory about Nick is how he returned emaciated from
Ghana. Despite his appearance his accounts were always of an immensely
rewarding experience. It was only a day ago that I found out from
statements in the media by family members that the reason Nick was so
lean was that he would give his food away. He never mentioned that. I
guess he wasn't someone to glorify his many sacrifices.
It was an honor to have known you Nick,
Mohan Sarovar
St. Lucia, QLD
There's one thing about Nick that I will always remember and that I've
heard so much about since his passing and that's his wonderful sense of
humor. Nick was two years younger than me at Henderson HS. We both
participated in Marching and Concert Band as well as in the school
musicals. He always knew how to make you laugh, especially during those
hot 100 degree days at band camp when you thought you were going to pass
out from heat exhaustion, he always knew how to make the time go a little
faster. Nick will always be remembered, as he should be, as one of the
finniest, nicest, most honest people you will ever know. In my mind he
will be remembered as a hero.
Ben Armstrong
Philadelphia, Pa
Nick was a classmate of mine. His notebooks and philosophies speckle my high school memories; sitting in English class and discussions about god, watching him as he fumbled through belongings for just the right scrap of paper. I remember his hair and his smile, his boots and the way he would press his head back and close his eyes when he thought I was not listening clearly.
I remember wanting to borrow his notebooks just to pour over his philosophies, but knowing full well that this was only a dream - mostly due to the fact that I could never decipher his hand writing. We used to compare his notebooks to Da Vinci; full of brilliance, but not meant for the average eyes.
We discussed beauty. Beauty was a topic close to my heart in that I came from a family of artists. Nick made me understand beauty - beauty is goodness and the pursuit of perfection. Nick was a beautiful person.
sheila
I grew up with Nick -- he lived only 8 or 9 houses down from me. When we were little, we used to play together. His mom used to make me dresses for my dolls. We had chicken pox together in kindergarten. He's the kid who ran over my Cabbage Patch kid in first grade with his bike. When we were playing one time, he fell down and skinned his knee, then ran home because he was so embarrassed that he had cried. He got angry and stormed off the school bus one time when the bus driver called him "Nicky." Little memories like these make me smile during this devastating time. We went from kindergarten through graduation together, and to think that he is gone is at some moments unbearable. He was one of those people that you feel lucky for even knowing.
Sharon Galick
Nick was on my floor freshman year at Cornell - that
was the 6th floor of Cascadilla dorm. His room, I
believe 6109, was right around the corner from mine.
I knew him only as an adventuresome, kind, and
singularly philosophical man. One of the first people
I met at Cornell, I met him when he came to my 19th
birthday party on the floor. The world is not quite
the place it was since he is gone.
my sincerest condolences,
Drew
Last week, while waiting for a fundraising meeting at which I was the featured speaker to begin, I received a phone call from a close friend who I assumed was simply returning a call I had made a few days before. As I answered the phone, I realized from the sound of his voice that something was wrong. He had called to inform me that the Nick Berg whose heinous execution had been shown over and over again on CNN all day was, in fact, the same Nick Berg who had been among his closest childhood friends. I had met Nick once, at this same friend's wedding. The Horah (a traditional Jewish circular dance, which at weddings can last over one hour) been going for some time when a muscular man, emerged from somewhere in the center. He had come in search of some water, but upon seeing me he stopped and asked if I wanted to join the dancing. I was a bit apprehensive, but he insisted and I spent much of the night on his shoulders dancing, thus allowing me to fulfill the mitzvah (commandment) of entertaining the Chatan (Groom) and Kallah (Bride).
Nick was a Mench (Yiddish word that is difficult to translate) in every sense of the word, a man of action who lived by a credo which emphasized kindness and helping others.
Jason Lieberman
New York
Nick wore his humor and his heart like his favorite t-shirt. The world was a better place with him for he had the highest hopes and ambitions as a person. It will truly be a different place
Tory Griffing
Remember Nick never wore a coat at
band practice even though it was cold and windy? As long as he could put his
hands in his pockets he was ok. He said that it built character. Actually,
he said that about a lot of things.
Clara Thorne
West Chester, PA
I am writing on behalf of the Maasai people in Kenya and on my own behalf to send you our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your son and our friend Nick Berg. From the remotest part of the world, Nick’s friends send their prayers and well wishes.
I met Nick almost two years ago through American Jewish World Service at the time when my organization was drilling water for the impoverished indigenous Maasai people in Amboseli/Mt Kilimanjaro region in Kenya. Nick was so moved by [the] project, he volunteered to travel to Kenya in 2003 to help with the drilling and casing of the water well.
In march 2003, he went to Kenya and spent about two weeks with the field staff of the Maasai Environmental Resource Coalition working on the project. Throughout this period, he lived among the Maasai. Nick made friends with the entire community in the area, and was even able to learn and speak some Maasai within a week.
I just wanted [to] encourage you and to let you know that Nick had many friends, even in the remotest, least civilized parts of the world, and that you are not alone in your grieving.
We will pray for you all during this very difficult time! Now that Nick is no more, please consider us your friends.
God Bless you and your family so much! And God Bless your country!
Read the whole letter.
Meitamei Ole Dapash
Kenya
One memory I have of Nick was at band camp. One morning, one of the girls in my cabin was putting her contacts in, and accidentally dropped one down the sink. She hadn't brought any extra contacts with her, so she was in big trouble. We realized if there was anyone that could solve the problem, it would be Nick. He came in with his toolbox, which he seemed to have with him everywhere he went. Nick proceeded to take the entire sink apart, including all the piping, and found the contact. And then he put everything back together. The whole process took him about 5 minutes. He was our hero that day - but for him, it was nothing, he just liked helping people.
I'll always remember Nick for his funny little way he said things, and the philosophical statements which always made me think, and all the inventions he used to bring in and show me in class. He sat behind me in calculus, and would distract me every day to show me his latest invention - which to me looked like some wires and duct tape on a piece of cardboard, but they were his newest electronic device that I don't think I ever really knew what it did. I would usually miss something our teacher said and get lost, so Nick would explain to me in about 5 seconds what it took our calculus teacher all class to explain. Nick was one of the brightest people I've ever met. Mostly I'll remember him for being a great friend, and even though we had lost touch over the past couple years, I'll miss him greatly.
Kari Colflesh Mahan
I remember Nick quite well. The first thing that always pops into my mind was his wacky hair style. None of the pictures posted online or in the media shows that hair style, but those of us who were in marching band, choir, or drama probably remember it. Nick had most of his hair very short with the exception of the part of his hair right above his forehead. It was blond, a little longer, and very curly! It always made me chuckle.
I had the opportunity of acting with Nick in our high school play ""Into the Woods"". I was Cinderella's ""wicked stepmother"" and Nick played the part of Cinderella's father - my husband. The funny thing was... there was thing little dance we had to do together. Well, Nick was about a foot shorter than me, and my dancing skills certainly needed work. Poor Nick... I just kept stepping on his feet. He was so good natured. I never heard a complaint from him. I wish I had kept in touch with him after high school, but as we have all learned... life sometimes takes us in vastly different directions. However, sometimes people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same. I can safely say for many of us... that we will never be the same after having the gift of knowing Nick Berg.
Cari Shillingford
West Chester, PA
The last time I caught up with Nick was last summer, just after his
most recent trip to Africa. He dropped by Steve Whittam's house to
check out the old Whittam HAM tower (probably the shortest tower he'd
climbed in ages, but he still pulled out all of the safety equipment),
and it rapidly turned into a fun dinner and one of those Adventures.
Nick was telling us about what he'd seen in Africa, and for the first
time I heard about his post-tension brick ideas for building
communication towers, houses, and the like. Somehow I'd missed out on
the famous bricks before, and it was pretty amazing stuff.
After dinner he somehow convinced Steve and I to head down to the
Chester waterfront and check out the sites. If you don't know me, I'm
about the last person to happily go driving into that part of Chester
after dark, but somehow Nick talked us into it and all three of us
piled into my car and off we went. We spent several hours meandering
around the sprawling chemical plants and shipyards, talking about old
friends, school, Africa, technology-anything that came to mind. At one
point we stopped off in a small park at the waterfront and spent some
time trying to figure out how some of the nearby freighters were
unloaded. One large freighter nearby had a series of large pipes
running onto the dock, and we were wondering what was being unloaded.
Nick, curious as ever, wanted to get a closer look, but Steve and I
talked him out of it-somehow we didn't think security would quite share
our curiosity.
People like Nick are so rare you really take notice when you meet them.
He always was quick with a joke and smile, and he was one of those
friends who somehow knew how to connect with you in an instant. For
all his talents and gifts, he was one of the most humble people I've
ever known-it just wasn't in his nature to be otherwise. Truly an
amazing person, and I feel thankful to call him a friend.
Matt Keller
Nick was a
member of my wedding party in 2002, and he managed the
music for the reception using a pair of giant speakers that he had
constructed from scratch. I later discovered that in addition to the
CDs I had given Nick to play at the reception, he had brought along
some country music favorites. Nick liked country music, and so does
my wife Emily. I do not(as Nick was aware).
Unbeknownst to me, Nick told Emily that if at any point during the
reception she made a secret sign (placing her arms in the shape of a
letter C), he would start blasting the country music.
Emily never gave Nick the sign, so we'll never know if he would have
played that country music or not. I tend to think he wouldn't have--
but Emily is pretty sure he would.
Jake Vaccaro
Chapel Hill, NC
Nick was 2 years ahead of me at Henderson and I never had the privilege of knowing him on a personal level. Despite our lack of a personal relationship, I have two memories. The first is Nick running through the sophomore hallway with his shaved head and tuft of curly blond hair in the middle of his forehead. The other memory I have is of the shock and laughter in my homeroom after every one of his Tick and Jim cartoons on the morning announcements. My deepest sympathy to the Berg family and all of Nick's friends
Dan Feinberg
Billings, MT
Reading these other anecdotes about Nick, I really wish I had taken more
of an initiative to stay in contact with him after high school. I have
such fond and genuine memories of him that remain vivid to me even 10
years after they occurred. I remember the 'dirt van' on the Science
Olympiad trip to Georgia and stuffing Skittles in the ventilation system
(it seemed reasonable at the time). I remember when we would go to fast
food places and Azim would pretend not to speak English while Nick would
act as his translator. They had the McDonalds employee jumping up to
point at the overhead pictures of food, explaining that you weren't
supposed to rip open the tea bag and dump it in the water, and that $1 was
not enough for a $5 meal. I remember working really late the night
before the competitions on the Mission Possible devices that were
endlessly frustrating but made fun by Nick's antics. I remember hiking
with Nick in the Great Smoky Mountains and hearing his social and
political theories that I thought were nuts and impossible to implement.
In light of what I have learned about Nick from the recent tragedy, I
realize that I should take my head out of the clouds and strive to not
just make a difference in society, but make a tangible difference to those
people who need it most. Even if I start now, though, I doubt that I'll
catch up to Nick.
Dan Stick
Ann Arbor, MI
Nick was a great friend. There are very few people in the world you can find no bad words for, and Nick was one. My favorite story about Nick relates to his relationship not only with me, but with my Father and Grandfather and their business. Nick and I have been friends since middle school, and at one point when I was in 8th grade and he was in 7th, Nick and I were at my family's gas station, and Nick was, as usual, informing my Dad and Granddad of all of the ways they could be better running this business which had been around since before his birth. He was full of bizarre ways to boost business, and our family favorite was his idea to hoist a broken down car onto the roof and leave it there for a month. After the month, it would be taken down and replaced with the same make and model, only in pristine condition. He was so worked up about this idea that he and my grandfather spoke at length about the logistics of such a promotion. By the time they were done, Nick and my Grandfather had hatched not only a very intricate plan, but a strong friendship. My whole family adored Nick and loved him dearly. Personally, he was always one of those guys I could lose touch with for long stretches, and pick up right where we left off when the time came. He was impressive on so many levels it would be ridiculous to try to name them. My greatest fear is that the circumstances that surrounded his death will allow this amazing person to be remembered in the wrong way. He was the most human person I've ever known. Nick Berg was a great person who leaves behind a legacy of love and caring and positivist....a thing so often lacking in so many of our lives. Nick Berg was a person...not an idea. It's of the utmost importance that we remember that when the media circus has ended.
Oh yeah...the kicker to that other story is that my Father and Grandfather own a service station and garage...They never had the heart to tell Nick that we didn't do body work, so the car on the roof didn't make any sense. He and I discussed that the last time I saw him and had a great laugh....I'm so thankful for that.
John Charles
Kimmel Center for the
Performing Arts
Philadelphia, PA
He returned to Philadelphia in late January to catch up on
some domestic business -- then in early February, tackled an antenna
replacement job at our aux site, which he had quoted last summer. This
proved to be more complicated than either of us had first assumed (a
three-bay DA with two vertical and four horizontal parasites per bay) but he
honored his original quote. The work took place in sub-zero windchills... my
feet were getting plenty cold just standing out in the cornfield as we
aligned the azimuth, it must have been brutal up on the tower, but he took
it in stride.
See the great article from North East Radio Watch
Scott Fybush
Fybush.com
Where to start with our many unusual adventures… Usually
they would begin with a call from Nick, frantically explaining that I
absolutely had to do whatever we were about to get ourselves into. More
often than not the adventures involved running through the woods late at
night… without flashlights… nick didn't believe in flashlights for some
reason. One such night our 'mission' was to find a bowling ball that he had
hidden earlier that day.
More
Justin 'jut' Olexy
State College, PA
One thing I've always remembered about Nick is the time he
and a couple friends jokingly came up with this ridiculous idea to open a
restaurant that only sold ice water. But the catch was, with every glass of
ice water BAM free pretzel. I really have no idea where they came up with
this, but oddly enough, to this day I still find myself thinking BAM free
pretzel when I get a drink of water, and it always makes me laugh inside. I
never really knew the Nick that went to Africa or that went to Iraq, but
even the Nick I knew back in high school was always full of ideas. Funny
ones, brilliant ones, and some a little of both. I'm glad I'll always have
those memories to keep me thinking and keep me smiling.
Dan Hubbard
I remember his kindness – his openness – and his profound
sense of self. Some people spend their entire lives seeking out the meaning
of what it is like to be “Normal” – but you could tell after spending a few
minutes with him, that being “Normal” wasn’t on the list of things that he
worried about. For the 10 days that I knew him during 1996 Nick was – in the
only word that I can use to describe him – Nick. On the last day of the bike
trip, our trip met up with the other 12 or so biking / hiking / canoeing
trips that made up Wilderness Reflections that year at an old Boy Scout camp
on the shores of Lake Cayuga. Most of us spent that night meeting people
from other trips – but Nick choose not to. It wasn’t because he wasn’t
social, or because he didn’t want to meet other people… but because earlier
in the day, we had explored the Boy Scout camp and Nick had found two empty
55 gallon plastic barrels and some nylon rope, and decided that he wanted to
“sail” them the following day on Lake Cayuga. My second to last memory of
Nick is of going down to the dock before breakfast the next morning – and
watching him wade into Lake Cayuga to set sail on the USS B.L.O
more
Brice Wu
Pleasanton, CA
"I will never forget my first time rock climbing. We were so excited when Nick was coming to visit my friend, Luke Lorenz, in Boalsburg. (We had been talking about it for weeks prior.) I was encouraging myself daily because I am afraid of heights. Well, when Nick came I was immediately swept away to go climb (despite the rising doubts and fear.) Nick and Luke both said, "You don't really have to climb when you get there." Of course, I believed them! (sure! Truth is, it sounded exciting.) Well, Nick rigged up the perfect secure climbing and guiding ropes. Then he and Luke volunteered me to go first! Great! (I was thinking...just great! How am I going to weasel myself out now that he has gone through all the trouble of laying out and securing all the ropes, on top of the fact that he was just so enthusiastic and positive!) Well, I got into the harness and started climbing. (It was fun! Really FUN!) But I got to the point of no return, where you have to decide if you will keep on climbing and not stop until you reach the top or turn back. I remember stopping...my legs were shaking, my arms were shaking and I wasn't sure if I could go any further. In fact, I couldn't even see where to make the next step. Inside I had given up and was ready to go back down. Before I could look back for help and consolations like "Nice try! You'll get it next time!" Nick had scaled the wall so deftly and quickly to help show me where to set my feet and hands. He stayed with me until I was back on the ground. (Later on, I thought "There aren't many people who would do that. Most of us cheerlead and encourage from the ground." What an amazing lesson!) Nick believed in people, that anyone could accomplish anything. I believe Nick had a vision large enough and expectations high enough, that he never took notice of the obstacles, situations or people who suggested he or others might fail. Nick, thank you, for your legacy! I know there are many ways in which we can help your legacy live on, as Luke suggested, "Teach a child how something works. And if you don't know, find out! That's what Berg would do." :)"
Lisa Brown
Boalsburg, PA
When you teach music you see a lot of kids, I think I've
easily taught a few thousand. I've had to learn all their names too. Some
are more memorable than others. I've got a story here about perhaps my first
memorable one. When I student taught, it was in January through March 1992
at Peirce Middle School in West Chester PA. It was a really tough gig for
me, because not only was I student teaching band for sixth to eighth graders
from 7:30 to 3:30 but after I was done I had to go the UPS center in West
Chester and unload trucks until about 10 pm. It was rough, and being new to
the world of teaching I learned a few things the hard way. Sometimes you
learn from your students: I remember this one kid curly headed kid with
glasses an eighth grader (13), on my first day he noticed that I was wearing
a "shark" watch that I had gotten for Christmas. He told me that if I
pressed all four buttons, I would see a shark swim across the face. I
immediately did this and the watch deprogrammed itself. Hilarious, right?
You think I would have learned my lesson, but no - this kid was going to
torment the new student teacher in many ingenious ways over the next two
months. He then advised me sometime later that the kids would respond to me
better if I "yelled at them". Why I listened to this kid I'll never know,
but to make a long story short I learned pretty quick that that method does
not work. To this day I don't raise my voice....I owe it all to this wise
guy 13 year old. The kid played alto sax - and he was pretty good.
Eventually the day I left he shook my hand and told me that "I was pretty
cool after all." Funny thing, I was being evaluated by all these people with
doctorates and masters degrees yet this kids evaluation made me feel all
warm and fuzzy.
Walt Hetfield
It is my understanding, that Nick Berg owned his own contracting company, and was volunteering his time and talent to do something to help the people of Iraq out of his own heart, in a way he knew he could. That certainly sounds like the Nick I knew. It is in my humble opinion, that this is why he was detained by both sides of the conflict for a period of time, out of suspicion of his intent. Nick was an amazing guy. He was two years younger than me, and we were both highly involved in music together. He played a kick-ass saxophone, and he played it from his heart, no matter how many wrong notes he hit. I remember his love and enthusiasm of electronics and engineering. A man of remarkable intelligence, and if something was broken, Nick could fix it. He was always available to his friends in need. He had no care about what people thought of him, his eccentricities, his intelligence, his sense of humor... He believed in people, despite our many disagreements in that opinion, as that was a time for me when cynicism was my prevailing attitude at the time.
Kevin Thomas
California
My first memorable experience with Berg; The unforgettable improvised alarm system devised with a piece of scrap aluminum foil and a jury-rigged walkman to protect our cabin from undesirables at band camp. We were the only cabin with a prank deterrent system! (it even worked the one time an instructor walked in) You can hear this here. No girls were gonna sneak into our cabin! Perhaps it worked too well…
Luke Lorenz
Boalsburg, PA
I cannot read through this site without laughing. Not to sound callous, as the reason for this site is one of great seriousness, but so many of the stories regarding Nick are filled with his tremendous sense of wide-eyed curiosity and humor, an attitude that effused "We can do whatever we need, whatever we want to do". There was never a "can't" or an "impossible" in his vocabulary. He was able to laugh and enjoy the world around him, knowing full well that this world is a less than perfect place; but I don't think Nick would have wanted the world to be perfect ... what would he have to fix or improve? I am enclosing a picture of the alarm system that Luke Lorenz wrote about. This, too, was one of my first memorable experiences with Nick. Who knew 11 years ago what I was taking a picture of ... who knew how important it would become to us now. I remember Nick smiling (as Nick typically always was), and that image is one I will keep.
Brian Hamrick
Raleigh, North Carolina
On the way home from a band
competition one time (back when Nick was in ninth grade), Nick somehow
managed to get part of a hanger up in his nose (accidentally). He took a lot
of ribbing for that, but he was so good-natured and funny about it! He even
wrote "Watch out forhangers" in my yearbook at the end of the year. I
remember Nick as funny, smart, good-natured, and always friendly.
Lisa
Nick was a good friend of my brother's, and through him I heard many
fantastic stories about Nick's adventures. One that stuck with me that I've told
almost everyone who wants to know more about Nick is the time Nick decided he
wanted to ride a bicycle to Florida. Sooo, he did. From what I recall, he just
got a bike at like a yardsale, got on, and rode to Florida. Nothing fancy or
high tech, no support crew, no team, just Nick and a bike. His legend will live
on through the stories, photos, and videos documenting his extraordinary life.
Always an adventurer, he died doing what he loved to do: Forging ahead, on his
own, doing his own thing, for a cause, fearless.
George M. Whittam
Los Angeles, CA
"Nick's tower design is incredible. They are pored-form
concrete blocks. The blocks assemble to form a tower. They are "internally
guyed" -making it a "three wire, internally guyed concrete block tower"".
Running through the center of each of the outside blocks (not the center key
blocks) is a narrow PVC pipe that the guy wire runs through. This guy is
then attached to a steel frame sitting on the ground and tensioned down with
a wrench. Nick first demonstrated this tower design to the world at a
conference where I met up with him in Hershey, PA on October 30ith, 2003. We
were there together and I helped him in whatever way I could to assemble the
tower. The conference was the 19th annual meeting of the Pennsylvania
Association of Broadcasters. (PAB) So, I've got a bunch of pictures of when
were assembling the tower in the Hershey Lodge and Convention center. I put
them on my
website.
More Nick Berg inventions"
Thomas Clardy
His freshman year of marching band, Nick played the bari-sax (a very large/tall saxophone). He wasn't very tall, even for a freshman. I don't remember there being much distance between the bottom of the horn and the ground. I also remember him frequently coming to school with gadgets. One week he had a small silver box worn on his belt. When tipped over, it would interfere with TV and radio signals [Nick's Inventions; Invert Alert - won second place in a national competition. Duracell said number one won because it used microchips]. Another time he had an electronic guessing game, when you pressed some buttons in the right sequence the LEDs light up. I remember it being a mess of wires, diodes and duck tape, but it worked. He was never afraid to experiment. Nick was a great friend. It was a privilege to know him.
A.J. Zadrozny
Centreville, VA
Condolences
We appreciate the tremendous
outpouring of condolences to
Stories@nickberg.org. I recently discovered the website dedicated
to Nick Berg and was moved by the outpouring of love to him.
I have discovered that the terrible loss of this wonderful
young man named Nick Berg has touched me in ways I would
have never expected. As a parent, I feel a sense of emptiness,
loss and heartfelt sadness for another family’s’ son whom I
know was loved deeply by all that knew him. As a human being,
I find Nicks’ death to represent everything that is wrong
with war.... And wrong with the men who lust for battle and
the senseless demonizing or denigration of a person’s race,
creed, culture or place of origin so they can somehow justify
their miserable dreams …. Those souls will never see the beauty
of life and the goodness to be had.. From what I have read Nick
Berg did. As one who has never met Nick, please know his spirit
of human decency, empathy, compassion and love has deeply touched
me and that he will forever be in my thoughts.
Frank Wrede Dear Berg Family,
Charlie Sacchetti Dear Berg Family, Dear Berg Family, Sincerely, Dear Berg Family,
Sincerely, To the Berg family - Sincerely, To the family of Nicholas Berg, To the Berg family and all of Nick's friends,
Man is more than fire tamed...
"We, the family of Nicholas Berg, extend our sympathies to the families of Kim Sun-il, Paul Johnson Jr., Robert Jacobs, Kenneth Scroggs, Bassam Salih Kubba and Kamal al-Jarah. We hope they will find the strength to endure the pain of their losses. We also extend our sympathies to all the families and friends of all the victims of this war, including United States military, other coalition military, contractors, and the 11,000-plus innocent Iraqi victims. We have been silent until now to avoid for the Johnson and Sun-il families any association our son's death may have had."
Nick was the best kind of friend a person
could ever have.
Please visit Thomas's site for a personal eulogy and pictures of Nick
at
the Pennsylvania Broadcasters Association demonstrating his tower prototype
Tom Clardy
NJ
My prayers are with you all as
you deal with this terrible situation. May God give you peace.
Cinnaminson, NJ
My deepest and sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to the Berg family and
friends. After learning about his death, tears came to me and I thought such
a lost for our nation in a time when we need good people out there. I don't
know Nick, nor his family and friends, but wanted to let you know that my
family, friends, and co-workers have prayed for the family and friends and
pray God gives you strength to get through this terrible tragedy. You all
are the lucky ones, for you knew Nick personally and shared many memories
with him, where I can only read about what a wonderful person he was. Take
care and god bless!
Tara Leake
Louisville, Kentucky
My family and I send your family our
condolences. We did not know Nick but we do know that he is an American and
that is all we needed to know. He is one of us. Our prayers are with you.
John, Cheryl, and Stefani Pfistner
Aurora, Co
If more people were like Nick,
this world would truly be a better place. What a brave, generous soul. I can
only hope to aspire to be as selfless as he was. May God bless you. I am so
sorry for your loss. (and ours)
Debbie Montalti
I only know of Nick Berg from the
T.V. This morning I watched 4 friends talk about Nick on the Good Morning
America Show and I am still crying. My husband is also known as "McGuiver"
by all his friends. He sounds so much like my husband... a true gift from God.
Please know that I pray for Nicks family that they may someday find some
peace. Im sure everyone Nick knew feels so much more whole for just knowing
him. I've never met Nick but he and his family has left a place in my heart
that is filled with sadness over Nicks death but also joy in knowing that
God created such a beautiful man. We can only wonder why God called him home
so soon. I can only guess he was in need to a true unselfish spirit. That
sure sounds like Nick Berg. God please bless the Berg family and all his
many friends including the ones who never got the honor to meet him in
person. May we one day meet him in heaven.
Kathy Stanford
Spring Hill, Tn
I have no stories to tell and I did not know
this young man. I am an Osage Indian who lives on the Osage Reservation in
Hominy, OK. I sat and listened to this story at work on my computer and I
wept in my office for both he and his family. Two of my coworkers also wept
with me. The thought of what this man had to endure has been on my mind for
days now. I just wanted the family to know that he has touched people on a
reservation in the Oklahoma.
N. Red
Eagle
Oklahoma
we are from Germany and
Switzerland and in the same age as Nicholas. We have heard of your son in
our local news. Although we didn't know Nick personally, we are very
dismayed about this act of criminal behavior. We still can't believe that
this is possible out there in this world. In thoughts we are with you and
wish you strength.
Johanna
Kaelble, Frank Sprich
Germany and Switzerland
"My deepest sympathy goes out to
your family and friends for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you
all. May God's peace be with you. Nick must have been a true hero!"
Lisa Lopez
Texas
"In this time of sadness I
can only imagine what you are facing. I'm sure the emotions are such a
debacle of proportions. Please know in the midst of all of this that you are
in everyone's prayers and thoughts. My personal prayer for your entire
family, is not only that you will be comforted but will have peace beyond
all understanding now and forever. The LORD bless you and keep you, the LORD
make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you."
Jennifer
Raleigh, NC
"Hello! May God be with you at this
terrible time in your lives. Please take a moment to yourselves and listen
to your hearts for there be peace amongst all of you. May God rest his sole
and may you have nothing but wonderful memories of Nick and remember all of
the happy and sincere times of his life. I think I speak for most of this
country and not just from my mind but down deep in my heart. May there be
PEACE on earth, and may you all have a Blessed days ahead! God Bless you,
your family and friends of Nick Berg!"
Kim
MI
"Our condolences to your family. We are
praying for you and wish you peace during this time. May God richly bless
you and your family. "
A family in New
Mexico
NM
"I just wanted to express my condolences to
the Berg family. I will keep the family in my prayers."
Lesley Reed
Kettering, Ohio
"I am just a
regular american and want to express my deepest sympathy to you. I know no
words can really lessen the pain you must be going through. I have prayed
for you, because ultimately it is you Nicks family and his friends and all
of us the american people who are left to mourn and endure this evil world
we live in. Nicholas has gone to a more peaceful place than this evil world
that we must continue to live in and deal with. God does not make us suffer
more than we can handle. Your family is strong because of the great pain
that you must deal with. May God bless you and comfort you all in the name
of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen."
Mike
"I didn't know Nick personally but from what
I have heard through news reports it sounds as though he was an exceptional
person. I just wanted to send my deepest sympathy and prayers."
Amy
Indiana
"My deepest sympathy and condolences to the
friends and family of Nick Berg. I did not know Nick personally, but I will
never forget his name, nor will I ever forget the sacrifice he made, in
trying to make Iraq a better place. God bless Nick Berg. "
Ryan Wallace
Vandalia, Ohio
"Please accept our
condolences and deepest respect for the loss of your son, brother and
friend. I do not know Nick, but as with our soldiers are giving there lives
in a foreign country for others, I am with the understanding that Nick
traveled to Iraq to help rebuild and for that I consider him a brave
American Hero. Make no mistake, we will not forget Nick Berg for his
voluntary bravery and sacrifice at the hands of cowards wearing masks. Rest
in Peace American hero Nick Berg,"
Troy
California
"My heart goes out to all of you and I pray that this horrible day in
time will soon pass and you will find peace again. Knowing, as I do, that
Nick is in the best place he could ever be. Angels were by his side during
his time of deep sorrow. They lifted him up and carried Him to Heaven and
laid Nick in the Palms of God. Please know that Houston, TX prays with you
and all of us are with you in this time of such sadness. God Bless you,"
Susan Russo
Pearland, Texas
"I've worked in broadcasting
for 5 years now as a radio chief engineer. It didn't take long to realize
that tower workers were your best friends. They all seem to have one
unstoppable quality: they're tough and they'll fight to help someone out. I
once saw a man climb 1000ft on a 10 degree day to fix an antenna to get a
local TV station back on the air. When I think of Nick Berg, that's the man
I see. Nick was trying to get Radio and TV back to the people of Iraq, what
a noble thing to do. His legacy will live on with every station he touched."
Tom May
"Chief Engineer WUWM Milwaukee Wisconsin"
We thank you from the bottom of our heart.
A statement by Michael Berg, the father of slain businessman Nicholas Berg, on the recent murders in the Middle East:
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