Barbecue raises funds for fallen Marines' scholarship

OREM — About two weeks after her son was killed in Afghanistan, Kim Olsen began collecting money for a scholarship named after Lance Cpl. Nigel K. Olsen and his friend and fellow Mountain View High School alumnus Lance Cpl. Carlos Aragon.

The Marine reservists, who were in the same company, were killed within days of each other in early March in Afghanistan's Helmand province.

Working on the scholarship helped Kim Olsen cope with her grief.

"I think to help remember our sons is very healing," she said. "And we've had an opportunity to give back to the community that has been so supportive of their service and in their deaths."

Monday was Kim Olsen's first Memorial Day since her son died. She batted back tears as she greeted about 300 friends and community members at a barbecue that will bring in more money to the Carlos Aragon and Nigel Olsen Enduring Freedom Scholarship Fund, which had about $12,000 before Monday.

The barbecue featured music by Kurt Bestor and speeches by Republican candidates for U.S. Senate Tim Bridgewater and Mike Lee, as well Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff.

"They would both be embarrassed to be in the limelight," Kim Olsen said of her son, who was 21, and Aragon, 19, had they been at the festivities at the Orem City Park. "They were not ones to be the center of attention."

Both men were killed by roadside bombs. Aragon was killed March 1 on foot patrol with his company. Olsen was killed March 4, escorting a detainee to a vehicle. The men were assigned to the 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, which is based in Camp Pendleton, Calif.

"(Sunday) was rough," Brad Halliday, Aragon's stepfather, said Monday. "Today is better. (Sunday) was when I was visiting Carlos' grave. I knew I wouldn't get a chance today."

Reservists from Aragon and Olsen's company attended the barbecue, bringing two light armored assault vehicles that were similar to those used in Afghanistan. Children played on the LAVs, and Halliday was happy to meet the men who served with his son. He had heard Aragon speak plenty of them and had seen them in pictures.

"From the outside, I'm glad to see the flags," Halliday said. "I'd like to see three times this crowd next year. We'll have to plan better, advertise more."

The goal is to raise at least $30,000. With interest and a $500 matching grant from the Alpine School District Foundation each year, the scholarship should provide a deserving Mountain View High graduate $1,000 for college in perpetuity.

The first scholarship recipient is 2010 graduate Miriam Cruz, who will use the money to help with expenses at the University of Utah. Cruz plans to study business at the U. and then attend art school to become a professional interior designer.

People can donate to the scholarship at www.carlosnigelfund.com.

e-mail: lhancock@desnews.com

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