Deputy Chief Steven Xiarhos standing by side of those who stood by him..Jarheads

Father of fallen Marine mourns friends killed in Route 2 crash

New Hampshire Union Leader
By Shawne K. Wickham New Hampshire Sunday News
Jun 22, 2019

“I don’t know why God does this. I don’t know. Maybe there’s a reason.” Deputy Chief Steven Xiarhos

In Steven Xiarhos’ darkest hour, after his 21-year-old son was killed in Afghanistan, a group of motorcycle riders, all Marines, came to offer comfort and support. And they’ve stood by his family for the 10 years since.

Now, after some of those Marines were killed in a horrific crash on Route 2 in Randolph, it’s Xiarhos’ turn to stand by them.

Xiarhos is deputy chief of police in Yarmouth, Mass., on Cape Cod. He’s been friends with members of the Jarheads Motorcycle Club there for a decade. News that members of the club died Friday evening hit him hard.

Those who died were “American heroes,” Xiarhos said.

“I don’t know why God does this,” he said, his voice breaking. “I don’t know. Maybe there’s a reason.”

His son, Nicholas, was 21 years old when he was killed in combat in Helmand Province in Afghanistan while going to the aid of fellow Marines.

“It was Marine bikers that came to me in my worst time in my life,” Xiarhos said.

They asked if they could hold a charity ride in his son’s honor. And Big Nick’s Ride for the Fallen has been held every year since, raising thousands of dollars for worthy causes.

In order to be a member of the Jarheads, Xiarhos said, “you have to be a combat Marine.”

Members served in different wars, he said. “Some of them are young, from this war; some are from Vietnam.”
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God did not do this!

How would you turn to God in your darkest times, if you believe He just caused them? What is the point in praying for relief if you believe God is punishing you?

All of us search for answers...and someone to blame when bad things happen, especially senseless ones.

God did send people to help after the tragedy. 

God did send people who responded and tried to render medial aid until emergency responders arrived. He also sent those responders, because He called them to take on those jobs.

He caused people from around the nation to donate and help the families.

Each of us have the ability to do harm or help someone in need. Those who choose to help, listened to what their soul called them to do.

Whatever good comes out of something bad, He is there.