832nd Ordnance Battalion Honors Pfc. Nicholas M. Chavira During Memorial Ceremony

Official Statements

• U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM), November 12: “FORT LEE, Va. — Soldiers, family members and friends gathered at Liberty Chapel on Fort Lee Nov. 9, 2026, as the 832nd Ordnance Battalion conducted a memorial ceremony honoring the life and service of Pfc. Nicholas M. Chavira, a 91F Small Arms and Towed Artillery Repairer Advanced Individual Training student, who passed away Oct. 29 at the age of 23.”

• U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM), November 12: “The ceremony provided an opportunity for the battalion to reflect on Chavira's dedication to service, commitment to his fellow Soldiers and the lasting impact he made during his time in uniform. A traditional battlefield memorial display stood at the front of the chapel, serving as a solemn reminder of a Soldier whose life ended far too soon.”

• U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM), November 12: “Born in 2003, in Texas, Chavira answered the call to serve his country after graduating from high school. He completed Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, before attending Advanced Individual Training at Fort Lee, where he earned qualification as a 91F Small Arms and Towed Artillery Repairer.”

• U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM), November 12: “Though his military career was brief, Chavira quickly earned the respect of leaders and peers alike through his professionalism, strong work ethic and unwavering loyalty to his teammates. His service was recognized with the Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Army Service Ribbon. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Michelle L. Kelly, commander, 832nd Ordnance Battalion, remembered Chavira as a Soldier who embodied Army values every day.”

• U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM), November 12: “Nicholas, known fondly by his family as Nico, was more than a Soldier in our formation," Kelly said. "He was a part of our Army family, and his love leaves a space in our formation and in our hearts that cannot be filled." Kelly encouraged Soldiers to honor Chavira's memory by supporting one another and carrying forward the spirit of teamwork and compassion that defined his character.”

• U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM), November 12: “Soldiers who served alongside Chavira shared personal reflections on the friendship and camaraderie he brought to the unit. Among them was Spc. Robert D. Phillips, Chavira's battle buddy, who described him as a dependable friend whose positivity never wavered.”

• U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM), November 12: "Private First Class Nicholas Chavira was and is a great example of what it means to be an American Soldier," Phillips said. "His fortitude in the face of change and challenges, the warmness he spread to others every time he smiled and laughed; and the overall positive presence he held in our lives in such a short time will be missed in ways I cannot write down or bring to words." Family members, fellow Soldiers and community members joined in remembering Chavira's legacy of courage, kindness and dedication to duty.”

• U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM), November 12: “As the ceremony concluded, attendees stood in quiet reflection, honoring a Soldier whose legacy will endure through the lives he touched. While deeply missed, Pfc. Nicholas M. Chavira's commitment to duty, selfless service and devotion to others will remain an enduring example for the Soldiers of the 832nd Ordnance Battalion and the Army profession.”