Soldiers Attended Funeral of 5-Year-Old Who Wanted to Be an ‘Army Man’

Dozens of soldiers attended the funeral of a 5-year-old boy who loved the United States military with all his heart.

Western Journal reported that River “Oakley” Nimmo spent much of his short life battling cancer after being diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma when he was only 2-years-old. Though he managed to battle cancer into remission in 2017, it soon came back with a vengeance. Despite his grim diagnosis, Oakley continued to fight with everything he had.

“Oakley is the toughest 3 year old I know!” his GoFundMe page states.

Unfortunately, Oakley lost his battle with cancer earlier this month. Even though he passed away at the young age of 5, Oakley had no doubts about what he wanted to be when he grew up.

“In between hospital stays, Oakley spent his free time driving his power wheels and shooting his toy guns,” his obituary reads. “He often talked of being an ‘Army Man,’ as he called it, when he grew up.”

That’s why Oakley’s parents Shelby and Colton Nimmo decided to give him a funeral that revolved around his “Army Man” dream.

“We are going to give Oakley a full military service in honor of his wish to become an ‘Army Man,’ one day,” a post on the Prayers for Oakley Nimmo page states. “We ask that any active military members and/or veterans to please attend the funeral in their uniforms.”

“We really want to pay tribute to this soldier so once we get the details set, please make plans to come and honor Oakley and the fight he has fought,” the post adds. “We want it to be big so we can send off this sweet boy, with a bang.”

Arkansas National Guard Honors Oakley

Dozens of soldiers ended up showing up to Oakley’s funeral on June 25. The Arkansas National Guard even wrote a post online stating that they had promoted Oakley “to the rank of Honorary Colonel.”

“On behalf of the men and women of the Arkansas National Guard, rest in peace little buddy,” the post says. “To River’s family, you’re in our thoughts and prayers.”

Dozens of members of the Arkansas National Guard showed up at Oakley’s funeral in full uniform.

“It’s a part of our community responsibility,” Maj. William Phillips said. “We’re all Arkansans, and we’re always ready and always there to support our fellow Arkansans in a time of need.”

God bless these soldiers for showing up to pay their respects to a little boy who just wanted to be an “Army Man.” Please keep Oakley’s family in your thoughts and prayers.