Nick Dahl Memorial Veterans Fund

The Nick Dahl Memorial Veterans Fund (NDMVF) was established by Mike and Pam Dahl, in memory of their son, Army combat veteran, Nicholas Dahl, as a means to assist local veterans with housing, and to help with other urgent veteran-related issues in the Redding community.  Since the first NDMVF event in 2016, transitional housing sponsorships have been provided for numerous local veterans. Many of these veterans were already homeless or facing immediate homelessness. Due to the Nick Dahl sponsorship, for transitional housing, many of these veterans have been able to establish much-needed V.A. medical care, have obtained employment, enrolled in college, reunited with their families, and even moved into their own housing. The Dahl Family's commitment to Nick's legacy is to never abandon our troops once they come home and are in need.  As everyone knows, it is very difficult to find housing in the Redding area, and many local veterans are among those who are struggling to find affordable housing. 

The Dahl family shares Nick's story here: 

Nick was a life-long resident of Redding, he was a bubby, very caring, blue-eyed little boy, and made friends wherever he went. Nick attended local schools, and discovered his love of golf at the age of 12. He was active in Junior Golf, and played on Foothill High School's golf team. During his teenage years, Nick could be found daily at one of the local golf courses. He also enjoyed riding dirt bikes, and was an avid weight lifter. 

Nick decided to follow in the footsteps of his dad and older brother, so he joined the military following high school graduation. He left for Army basic training shortly before he turned 18. Nick was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division, Charlie Company, 3rd Platoon, 2nd Brigade Stryker Combat Team. He was deployed to Iraq in March of 2008, where he spent 14 months as a skilled combat soldier, patrolling the streets of Sadr City, Baghdad. As a soldier, Nick earned the Combat Infantry Badge, Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal. He was known by his squad as "Baby Arnold" (because he was the youngest in his squad and so muscular). Following deployment, Nick was diagnosed with severe PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, and other combat-related medical issues. 

Nick took great pride in being a soldier, and a veteran. Despite the constant struggle with PTSD and TBI during his last few years, Nick's pride, friendly nature, and how much he cared for others was so evident when he was able to play golf, work out at the gym, or fish on the Sacramento River. Nick fought his hardest battle ever trying to overcome the issues that affect so many of our Veterans. Sadly, Nick eventually lost his internal battle on October 14, 2014, at the age of 25, due to complications associated with PTSD and TBI. 

We know that nick has found a peaceful place to rest in God's arms, but like many veterans and their families, our family has lost so much due to PTSD and TBI, and we want to help break this cycle. The most tragic part of Nick's story is that he was never able to meet or raise his own son, who is now 9 years old.  Nick would want our family to do what we can, to help make a change, so that more veterans can receive the treatment necessary, so they are able to raise their children, have a safe place to call home, and a warm bed to sleep in. 

By providing a hand-up to local veterans who are struggling, we can continue to provide a stable environment, so they can get back on their feet and begin to rebuild their lives. They fought for us; now it is time for us to fight for them.

All funds raised will be used to sponsor transitional housing and other urgent needs for North State Veterans. Thank you for your contribution, and for your support of our local veterans.  

Sincerely, 

Mike and Pam Dahl