In Loving Memory…
Welcome to Simply American! This online version of the book is what we originally intended
for it to be, with color photos from the family album placed with the stories.
Enjoy!
SIMPLY AMERICAN
A Gentle Warrior & His People
Noah’s Resume
Hon. Chip Pearson, David Ralston, Bill Stephens, Georgia General Assembly
... this courageous soldier confronted the dangers, privations, and discomforts of striving to keep the peace in Iraq with fortitude and steadfast resolve, making us as a nation truly proud; and...by all accounts of those who knew him, 1st Lieutenant Noah Harris was a special young man and touched many lives, and it was said of him that he packed more into his 24 years than many do in 70 or 80 years...
Almost one year after his parents packed up their city life, pitched a tent on the creek, and broke ground on their hand-built, ten-sided mountain cabin, Noah, weighing in at 10-and-one-half pounds, entered the world talking and hungry, two states he maintained throughout his life. He was delivered by a well-known North Georgia midwife and his dad in the “dried in” living room of the house in which he would later swing a hammer and wield a nail gun.
Twenty miles from the nearest town, way out in the mountains of North Georgia, Noah was raised in the woods by his “Mr. Mom” dad, Rick, while his mother, Lucy, taught English at a local high school. He grew up toddling behind his dad, roaming the mountains with a rock in one hand and a stick in the other. Many of his friends and relatives have often attributed Noah’s personality, a joyful blend of warrior and gentleman, to the unique instruction he received from his spiritual leader, best friend, and mentor, his dad.
When he was five, Rick turned him over to Lucy and he began his public school education. A straight A student, honor graduate of Gilmer High School, and 1999 Presidential Scholar, Noah pursued many interests. Starting in first grade, he practiced karate three times a week with both Mom and Dad until he saw his first high school wrestling match. From that point on, he became a committed athlete and Gilmer Bobcat. Noah lettered in GHS track, wrestling, and football, and served as the captain of the wrestling team and the football team. He was the 1999 Georgia State Wrestling Champion at the 189 weight and went the whole season without having an opponent score a takedown. He was the 1999 Recipient of the Golden Helmet Award in football for best all-around player as well as the 1999 Scholar/Athlete of the State of Georgia.
During a ball game, Noah was dubbed the “Night Train” by announcers David Westmoreland and Al Summers. He scored the first-ever post-season playoff touchdown in Gilmer’s Huff-Mosely Stadium. While at GHS, Noah also starred in nine drama productions, became an international honor thespian and the Governor’s Honors Fine Arts Nominee, served in the student senate, was elected Mr. GHS, represented Amicalola Electric Company as a Youth Ambassador to Washington, won several local science fairs as well as placing first in state competition, and represented the United States as a youth ambassador to Russia.
Before attending the University of Georgia, Noah tried out to be a varsity cheerleader and was excited to make the squad on which he served as captain during his final year. His UGA cheer nickname was “Quadzilla” because he could lift three girls at once. Another UGA accolade of which Noah was very proud was his selection to the inaugural class of the Terry College of Business’ Bebe and Earl Leonard Institute for Leadership Advancement (ILA). He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon’s Balanced Man program and also served in Washington, D.C., through a summer internship with the U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal.
While at Georgia, Noah was an active volunteer visiting nursing homes and children’s hospitals, serving as a Big Brother through the Communiversity Big Brother/Little Brother Program, coaching a soccer team through the Athens-Clarke County Recreation Soccer Program, serving on the Recruitment Team 2000-2001, and working as a Navigator and Ride Coordinator for the WatchDawgs. Although Noah worked as a coach for United Cheerleading throughout his time at UGA as well as a posthole digger for a fence company, he also spent time working for the UGA Athletic Department Ticket Office, The GAP, and dawgsaver.com.
Shortly after 9/11, Noah’s priorities changed and he felt called to serve a higher purpose in life through standing up for his country in the War on Terror. Using his leadership skills, he wrangled his way into the ROTC program as a senior at UGA where he served on the Ranger Challenge Team and as the executive officer. During his National Advanced Leadership Camp at Fort Lewis, Washington, Noah was selected as the Commander of Troops and received the highly prized Recondo Badge. He was commissioned into the infantry on the same day he graduated from college in December of 2003.
After a very successful Officer’s Basic Course at Fort Benning, Noah became one of the youngest 3rd Infantry lieutenants ever to have the honor of receiving and training a combat platoon to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His platoon, the Wolfpack, deployed to Ba’quba, Iraq, in January of 2005. During his R&R visit in May of 2005, Noah was more excited than ever to be serving his country and spent his vacation with his fiancée, Ashley Case, visiting churches, schools, and even the governor.
While in training and in Iraq, Noah had sponsored several correspondence programs for the Wolfpack, and, thanks to the support of family and friends from the mountains, UGA, and across the country, he and his men became quite famous in North Georgia as the soldiers who had “bullets for the bad guys” in one pocket and “Beanie Babies for the children of Iraq” in the other. Noah was completely clear about his vision of America and wanted everyone to understand that the mission must include a strong America which will remain committed to the promise of freedom for all no matter how long it takes.
On June 17, Lt. Harris went out on his final mission, and what a mission it was! Having skillfully manipulated terrorists into revealing their hideout, Noah and his men took the enclave apart and broke up a large counterfeit ID operation and captured weapons, insurgents, and a large money cache. When, at the end of the night, they were on the way home to the base, the convoy came under heavy fire; the LT and his men could have turned left at a “T” in the road and gone back “inside the wire” to safety; but, as Noah’s commanding officer, Major Bobby Toon, explained, Noah instead turned right and performed the primary job of an infantry soldier.
He and his men charged after the enemy, and, along with his gunner, Cpl. William Long, and his translator, Nail Moraki, went out in a blaze of glory fighting for democracy. His good-natured driver, PV2 John Chrzanowski, was seriously injured, but was, as he puts it, “Saved by the hand of God, so that I could share their story.” Lt. Noah Harris received the Airborne Badge, the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Combat Arms Award, the Army Service Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Global War Expedition Medal, and the Iraqi Freedom Campaign Medal. He was the first University of Georgia Bulldog ROTC cadet ever to be killed in action, a fact his peers will always remember. His buddy, 1st Lt. Ashley Henderson Hough, became the second.
However, even more important, he will always be remembered for his IDWIC, “I do what I can,” philosophy. Throughout his life, whenever Noah received a compliment, he always shrugged it off, saying, “I do what I can.” In conjunction with the UGA Institute for Leadership Advancement, Noah was actively training his men in the IDWIC philosophy at the time of his death. It has now become part of the core philosophy of many leadership programs and is carved on the plaques dedicated to his memory at Gilmer High School.
Earl Leonard: (senior VP of Coca Cola, Noah’s mentor, “Papa”)
There are few words that fit a moment like this. But memories will work–especially when all of them are so wonderful and worthy of being cherished and enjoyed over and over again. Such are the memories of Noah and the kind of young man he was...His personality was a joy to be around and the good things he accomplished in his young life will continue to live and be remembered. Indeed, for everyone who knew him, Noah will be remembered as long as we remember anything.
THE NOAH HARRIS FUND
The Noah Harris Fund was established by Rick and Lucy Harris at a local bank in the days following Noah’s death. There were so many flowers being delivered, Rick told people to send the money to the fund rather than flowers to us. After the publication of our book Simply American, the fund received $15K from the sale of the book. The fund is run by Rick and Lucy, and 100% of the proceeds go to providing annual scholarships in Noah’s memory. There are two IDWIC scholarships given annually to the male and female graduate with the highest GPA who also letter in two sports and displays leadership qualities among their peers. This particular scholarship represents the honor Noah had in receiving the 1999 Scholar/Athlete Award for the State of Georgia. The fund also provides annual scholarships to the top performers in football, basketball, wrestling, cheerleading and drama. The fund also provides assistance for various programs within the North Georgia area for local families in medical and other emergency situations, and a Christmas gift program for young children. Through the legacy of this fund, Noah’s service to country and community continue to be an inspiration.
If you would like to support the Noah Harris Fund, simply mail a check to:
The Noah Harris Fund, C/O Bank of the Ozarks, 829 Industrial Blvd., Ellijay, GA 30540
OR
DONATE NOW
A Heartfelt Thanks to all our Sponsor’s
Past Sponsor from 2007-2019
Steve Durling’s
FALLEN HEROS OF GEORGIA
Present Sponsor – Annual Run
NO. GEORGIA ROUGHNECKS MC
GOLD STAR DONOR
http://www.robertlongconstruction.com
INTRODUCTION
~ This symbol denotes the thread of the story in each chapter
Amy Sanford (Bobcat Mascot 1994-97 Ellijay, GA - Lt. Noah Harris Guestbook)
Noah watches over us every day. I feel his presence around every corner I turn and every tree, river or creek I see reminds me of him. He was my best friend and always will be. There will never be another hoo-rah like that man. He has opened so many doors for all of us. The sad thing is we just don't realize how many doors there are left to open. He was a man of valor and integrity. He was diverse and to me that speaks louder than any words could ever say. His diversity was within. His heart, mind and soul were more diverse than I could ever imagine being. Diversity doesn't have to be those things we see on the outside, they come from within. And my Noah was one hell of a spectrum. He is with us always and we shouldn't forget that. I rejoice in knowing that my Noah sits on the right hand side of God. Keep fighting for what is right...
~ Dear Reader,
Simply American: A Gentle Warrior and His People started from a simple collection of snapshots arranged by a devoted father and shared with friends like Amy who wanted to get a bigger, more complete picture of Noah’s life; then, almost as though with a mind of its own, it has expanded and been compressed into this collection of sparkling tributes and touching memories, combined with the prayers, poetry, and journals of the gentle warrior himself–simple, little stories, images, and ideas that, when pieced together by loving hearts, form the epic quilt of an American life well lived. Without apology, it is stubbornly positive because it is about all of us, by all of us, for...us. Like the identical “Noah” tattoos emblazoned on the left deltoids of his Pop Pop and his mother, it is red, white, and blue. As you turn the pages, you can’t help realizing that, for many people, Noah is one of the “high water” marks embossed on the pages of our lives. You’ll see his smiling face, get caught up in his love of Mother Nature, experience his encouragement to live a carpe diem life. Body, heart, mind, and soul, he was determined to “Seize the day!”
Ashley Case (Noah’s True Love)
“What do I tell her?” my father whimpered, as I stood at the bathroom door. As I stared down the hall, I knew his tears during the phone conversation weren’t good. I remember his voice cracking as he told me, “Honey, the worst possible thing has happened.” I had too often heard that freedom wasn’t free, but it wasn’t until I had to pay the ultimate price that it resonated within me and forever will. Having Noah killed in action in Iraq isn’t the defining point of my life, but it has shaped me into the woman that I am today and the woman that I will be tomorrow.
~ You’ll find that this scrapbook is by nature “atavistic”–a well-used Harris Family Dictionary word that we employ in a positive way whenever we experience a momentary heart and mind linkage with the great chain of being which, in turn, triggers the feeling and knowing sensation of how far humanity has come and how far we still have to go. It’s kind of like how a hawk crying on the wind can make you think of your grandmother’s spirit swooping down to protect your soul, or when a storm blowing through forces you to ponder the inhabitants of the Ark, or that a shooting star or a shimmering rainbow can make you think of Noah and the crowd he runs with now. Simply American may send you on adventures, roaming through memories and sparks of inspiration.
Alicia Barry Nelson (One of Noah’s UGA Cheerleading Partners)
After the Oahu Bowl game, I made Noah do one more stunt. He chose a cupie, of course! This was our last stunt together...ladies man...perfect gentleman...I want you to know how honored I feel to have had my picture in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution with Noah. I feel unworthy to be pictured with such a hero. My mother and I began going through all of the many photos...brought back so many wonderful memories...I am so proud of him and all that he stood for...
~ Perhaps you’ll crack many a smile, leak a tear of recognition, and ache at the grand openness that was the key to Noah’s goodness. You’ll see that he wasn’t perfect, but that he consistently worked toward improvement with an attitude of gratitude; for when it came to purpose, Noah gave his all to serving every day, and he struggled to find and keep the focus on God and not on himself. Like the people he admired, the busy servant-leaders of the present and of history, the “LT” labored passionately to find his higher calling. Through reading his prayers and daily “mantras” you’ll understand that he was confident and successful only because he spent so much time developing the still spot within from which he broadened his reasoning mind, strengthened and praised his belief in the light, and allowed himself to sink deep roots of focus into the fertile soil of divine providence.
Like an oak tree, his brawny arms were spread wide to the universes of possibility, his broad shoulders always ready to exert a mighty push or to provide a safe space of comfort. He was famous for his irrepressible “13 Hugs” treatment. Uncle Jimmy said that no matter what Noah was experiencing, a smiling “Awesome!” was always his favorite expression. People who remember Noah or simply have learned of his life know he wanted you to claim him, and he wanted to claim you as part of his ever-growing broad circle of inclusion. He loved the expression, “I’ve got your back,” because he was all about the family of humanity, and he wanted to be with you and for you. Our hearts are humbled whenever we hear folks in Ellijay, the town where he grew to be a man, speak the words, “That’s our boy.”
You’ll hear how he and his mom and dad, his whole extended family, and later his true love, Ashley, shared absolutely everything he was, but that it was Noah’s expression of exuberant, present love that banished the shadows forevermore from their hearts. You’ll understand that, although Noah took a piece of all of us when he surrendered his DNA to the wind-swept soil of Iraq, we don’t grieve because, when he was here, we knew to spend every moment possible with him in his active, cheering celebration of life. Though today we have an edge, a heart and soul connected-with-the-history-of-liberty bottom line, we hold our heads up and walk the walk of proud parents, loved ones, and friends...because we understood Noah’s deal.
He was a consciously proactive person who had a well-seasoned knowledge there is always great risk firmly attached to a worthy cause; and no matter how clearly the outcome is envisioned, no matter how great the preparation, success is never a gift, but must be paid for. He told his “little brother,” Cousin David, that he always practiced IDBIQ. In Noah terms, it means, “I choose to win.” He was a fierce competitor, his personal data sheet revealing he came in first in some very big ways; whereas the little snapshots of his life unveil the truth that coming in last was the first step in the long road to success. Then Noah embraced second to last, then third to last...then sixth from first, then fifth from first, then fourth...that he was just a typical American who set out each day to get a little better, a little stronger, “to fight the good fight”...and sometimes he won.
We hope you’ll realize Noah’s story must be shared among friends because it will always be important for Americans to remember that sacrifice is the best part of love, that you can be broken at the core and still grow stronger; that despite flaws, rough edges, and sins from the past, it is always possible to make a fresh start and raise a citizen-hero who is committed to liberty and justice for all. We think you’ll hear his call to action and realize Noah challenged himself to live a life that mattered, just as he is calling to you to honor this life, to live for others, to take your shot, to go after your vision. With his “I Do What I Can” (IDWIC) philosophy as his guide, Noah’s destiny led him to some wonderful high points; however, he spent most of his time struggling to build his future as we all do.
Significantly, as a great surprise to his family and the community and friends who loved him so well and saw him as a son who would live long as a civilian leader, he chose to spend his finest moments with his band of brothers and sisters standing upon that lonely wall of security, putting themselves between the secure American spirit of freedom and the roiling, menacing chaos, anarchy, and despotism that still exist in our world. At the most basic level, they want to serve and protect and complete the mission.
Ask any soldier or soldier’s family member, and he or she will tell you, it’s not about the “bottom line” number of our fallen; it’s about the fact that freedom for every individual is the bottom line. Perhaps you’ll become as clear as our guardians are about the notion that because of the divine intelligence within each of us, we must partner with all that is positive, just, and holy even on days when fierce choices must be made. Noah lived beautifully and loved America completely because he had the good grace to believe in her goodness rather than constantly doubt every thing about the principles that make our country strong. Perhaps you’ll understand the joy of his gift as do so many who never met him.
Edward D. Ricketson (Mayor, City of Warrenton, Ga.)
Referring to an article in the AJC dated June 21, 2005:
The heading of “Some Higher Purpose” tells it all as far as I am concerned and confirms the fact that he (Noah) did not die in vain. I like what you said, Rick, when you said, “...We have no regrets. We are proud of him.” And Lucy, I like what you said, “What a life I have lived–to be the mother of an American Hero.”
~ We expect many of you will remember your heroes because, great and small, those who sacrifice their potential lives so we might breathe in the fresh air of infinite possibility should never be forgotten, but long honored in poetry and melody. So let this be considered a common psalm to a son, a loving community, and a grateful nation; and let it be dedicated to all the Noahs out there. And, like a psalm, maybe you’ll read through it once, and then put it away somewhere so it can be rediscovered, perhaps for a laugh, a smile, or a light in the darkness of sorrow. Maybe you’ll give it away and it will become a beacon to those who find themselves wandering in a wasteland of unfocused ideas. Maybe, as was intended, it will inspire a great notion, and you’ll re-shine your love of the Statue of Liberty, find yourself singing “The Star Spangled Banner” at the top of your lungs, and do your part to guide all the children of the future into the secure harbor of peace and liberty.
Noah once said, “We have halogen, L.E.D., million candle lights, telescopes, microscopes; but we still can’t find what is right in front of our eyes.” But he was the lucky one. He found the thing worth dying for, and he did it all for freedom–yours, mine, ours, theirs. We hope this book lights a fire in you, makes you hungry to love humanity like Noah did. We think you’ll see Noah knew how to win, and we believe he knew how to die, like a leader, like a brother, like a friend, like a son, like an uncle, like a father-to-be, like a warrior with his boots on and his Celtic cross around his neck; he was and always will be, Simply American.
IDWIC and 13 Hugs,
Rick and Lucy
Back Cover
Next: Chapters 1-2
