Nicholas William Baart Bloem
USMC LCPL
From: Belgrade, Gallatin County
Date of Death: 8/3/2005
Conflict: Operation Iraqi Freedom
Nicholas William Baart Bloem was born in Bellevue, Washington, on August 2nd, 1985, the second of twin boys. His father shared his name between his two boys, Alcides and Nicholas. Nicholas was born to a family already part of the Covenant Presbyterian Church family. He was nurtured and loved in this setting as he attended Sunday school and church services, Pioneer Club, and Vacation Bible School and enjoyed the fellowship and friendship of the church. From 3 years old, Nick went with his family on an annual multi-family camping trip, which became known as S.A.F.A.R.I. – Seven Adventurous Families Annual Recreation Invasion. He publicly confessed his love for the Lord when he was five years old and has continued to grow in Him since then. Nick was educated at home for the first 16 years of his life, where he felt the constant love and attention of a family devoted to his own good, whether he liked it or not. He attended Kent View Christian High School in Auburn, Washington, for his junior year and continued to thrive. Although he thought the move to Montana would be an adventure, it was difficult for him when he realized what he had left behind. Slowly, Nick found his place, and he attended and graduated from Belgrade High School and signed up for the Marines. Staff Sergeant Clark became his close friend and mentor. Last December, Nick met and fell in love with a special young lady, Kindra Clark, who supported him during his time in Iraq as they made plans for the future. As A Marine, he had trained in San Diego, California, Texas, and 29 Palms, California. He was deployed to Haditha Dam in Iraq early in March of 2005. Lance Corporal Nicholas Bloem was taken to be with his dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 3rd, 2005, one day after his 20th birthday. Nick’s mother always believed that he desired to be a hero. He had a heart for people, the desire to do something important, and the toughness and determination to do it. She assumed this would most likely be fulfilled through his roles as a husband and father.
