The workplace of a fallen Iowa National Guard soldier will take on his name today. Forty-eight-year-old Sergeant Scott Nisely died in a firefight in Iraq along with fellow soldier 22-year-old Specialist Kampha Sourivong at the end of September of 2006. The two where serving with the Iowa National Guard’s Company C, First Battalion, 133rd Infantry.
In his civilian life Nisley worked at the Marshalltown Post Office and was described by friends, family and co-workers as having boundless energy and enthusiasm. Marshalltown Postmaster Larry Depp says it didn’t take long for the idea to create a long-lasting tribute to Nisely by naming the Marshalltown Post Office in his honor.
Depp says the idea was promoted by the postal carriers who work with Nisely and the Iowa National Guard. He says it was something they were very excited about from the very start. Iowa’s Congressional delegation got the idea moved through, and a ceremony today will put that honor in place. Depp says Nisely was well known.
He says Nisely had worked in several different post offices, and had been carrying mail in Marshalltown for about eight years.
"He had a personality that was always busy, always jumping, so he was very much missed by his customers and his coworkers also," Depp says. Depp says they’re looking at today’s ceremony in a happy light, remembering the great attitude that Nisely always brought to work.
Depp says it’s a unique situation, but they are looking at it as a very positive and happy situation. He says it’s difficult, because it’s a situation they wish they never had, but it is a way to honor Nisely’s sacrifice. Depp says Nisely’s name on the building will serve to remind people for generations to come about the contribution he made to his country.
Depp says, "Scott’s a true American hero, and this recognition is very fitting." Depp invites all Iowans to join in the celebration of Nisely. He says the event is open to the public, and several dignitaries have been invited, so they expect a pretty good crowd. The event begins today at 10 A.M. in Marshalltown.