Ardmore Marine killed in Iraq

By Chad Previch
The Oklahoman

An Ardmore Marine was killed Saturday when a roadside bomb exploded near his convoy outside Mosul, Iraq, his mother said.

Iraq coverage

Pvt. Nachez Washalanta II died from massive trauma to his lower body, said his mother, Carol Caldwell of Ardmore. Washalanta was serving his second tour of duty in Iraq. He'd been there since February.

Washalanta, 21, attended schools in Ardmore and Silo, Caldwell said. After taking his GED, he joined the circus and eventually the Marines.

He blossomed in the Marines, Caldwell said.

"He was so proud," she said. "It was the first time I ever saw him proud of himself and proud of what he was doing. He went from a scared little boy to a very proud young man."

Washalanta was scheduled to come home next month, Caldwell said - the first time she would have seen him since May 2003, when he left for his first tour.

His convoy was on patrol and drove over a bomb that destroyed their vehicle, Caldwell said. Medics worked to save his life but couldn't, Caldwell was told by military officials Saturday.

Washalanta joined the Marines after family members talked to him while in the circus, Caldwell said. Caldwell said her father also served in the military.

She said Washalanta became physically and mentally stronger each time she saw him. She talked to him on the phone when he left for his second tour.

"The night he got on the plane back in February, I just told him to be careful, and I loved him and to get back home as safe as he could," Caldwell said. "We'd already been through it once so it wasn't quite as hard, but now it's even harder.

"I just love him so much. I wish they could end this mess, it's gone overboard now. I think they've got what they wanted, and they're just dragging it out into a mess now."

Washalanta has an older brother and sister, Caldwell said.

Funeral arrangements are pending.