SAN JOSE, CA, US
U.S. Army
SGT, TROOP A, 6TH SQUADRON, 4TH CAVALRY REGIMENT, 3BCT, FORT KNOX, KY
07/05/2011, SHEMAL DISTRICT, AFGHANISTAN
“As a man he loved life. He loved his country, he loved his family, and he loved his men and made sure that they were safe.” said Nicanor Amper III, the soldier’s father. “Nicanor Amper IV was an awesome father, an awesome son, and an incredible solider,” added Mr. Amper.
The Amper family stood on the tarmac silently to honor Nicanor and receive him home, the man they loved and the warrior who had sacrificed his life for his country. They were attended by local Patriot Guard Riders. “That shows a very selfless person and a very courageous person and for that, we are just forever grateful,” Mark Zappa, a Patriot Guard Rider explained.
Amper’s first name comes from the New Testament. Nicanor was one of the seven men of good reputation who ministered to the people and distributed life’s necessities to them in the Acts of the Apostles. A translation of Nicanor is victorious. Both father and son were inspired by and proud of their Biblical name.
Nicanor’s life was devoted to protecting others. He dedicated himself to helping those who were not capable of helping themselves. In December of 2010, Nicanor deployed to Afghanistan to serve as a scout. On leaving Fort Knox, his promise to the families of his men was that he would return them safely. Many of his soldiers reminded him of younger versions of himself. They were impulsive and undisciplined. But Nicanor had the ability and the compassion to relate to these men and was able to redirect their energy. He taught them the virtues of being a soldier. Nicanor was often affectionately referred to as “Old Man.”
July 08, 2011
He was my friend, my husband, and the father of my kids. Our marriage didn’t last but our friendship did. We were good parents together. He promised his kids would always be taken care of, spite his dangerous job. He died protecting his country and his soldiers. He loved what he did. He will be deeply missed by many many people. RIP Nicanor IV Tisra Amper, San Jose, California