The Cape Cod Foundation Announces Management of the Nicholas G. Xiarhos Memorial Fund

The Cape Cod Foundation has announced a new partnership with the Nicholas G. Xiarhos Memorial Fund. The fund supports local military families, wounded warriors, deployed military troops and several other worthwhile causes.

The fund was established in 2009 to honor Corporal Nicholas G. Xiarhos (1988-2009), a Yarmouth native and United States Marine who was killed in combat while on a rescue mission in Southern Afghanistan.

“Although Nick’s life was short, it was purposeful,” says his father, Steven G. Xiarhos. “He really wanted to serve his country and make the world a better place. My family created this memorial fund to continue his dream. Over the years, the fund has grown to the point where we were looking for more formalized management, and a partnership with The Cape Cod Foundation provided the perfect fit.”

Nicholas Xiarhos was an ordinary high school kid. He loved driving his Jeep, listening to hard rock, and playing sports. He was outgoing and got along well with everyone–so much so that his classmates at Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School affectionately nicknamed him “The Mayor of D-Y” and gave him the superlative award: “Does Most for Others.”

Nicholas Xiarhos was also an extraordinary high school kid. Just nine short days after graduation, he headed for boot camp to pursue a dream. On September 22, 2006, he earned the title United States Marine. Xiarhos served as an 0351 Infantry Assaultman with the 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment in Iraq and the 2nd Battalion 8th Marine Regiment in Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. On July 23, 2009, while going to the rescue of his fellow Marines in combat, Xiarhos died on the battlefield in the Garmsir District of Helmand Province in Southern Afghanistan.

The memorial fund provides financial assistance to local military families and wounded warriors. In addition, it supports several scholarships, a blood drive, and programs that provide care packages and cell phone calling cards to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In addition to private donations, the fund is supported by several events, including Big Nick’s Ride for the Fallen. This local, annual motorcycle ride is held every July to honor Cape Cod’s fallen heroes and raise awareness of and funds for the Massachusetts Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Heroes Memorial Fund.

“We’re honored to be part of Nick’s legacy,” says Kristin O’Malley, President and CEO of The Cape Cod Foundation.  “The fund is literally changing people’s lives.”