Nicholas "Sure" J. Aleman, 24, of Brooklyn, N.Y. grew up on Manhattan Avenue and graduated from Midwood HS. He had studied politics briefly at Fordham University in Manhattan.
" 'Sure' was born and bred in Brooklyn and recognized for his exceptional handstyle which brought together elements of classic New York graffiti with ornamental calligraphy. His script signatures could be found throughout the city and were a major influence on myself and countless others...He was my partner-in-crime and my best friend. I am grateful for the time we had and that everywhere I go in New York City I see his name and know that his presence will be felt by many long after his passing” "Faust," fellow street graffitti artist.
"The guy was very smart. He liked what he was doing." Alex Aleman, cousin
"He was just a normal kid, a great boy...very intelligent. He liked to have fun. He loved to go out." Evonne Torres, aunt.
He joined the Marines August 16, 2004 and was promoted to April 1, 2009.
Sgt. Aleman, an intelligence specialist, was a Marine Reservist and was deployed as an individual mobilization augmentee. While deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, he was assigned to U.S. Marine Forces Central Command (Forward). He had previously served in Iraq (2007-2008).
His awards and decorations include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal with one bronze service star, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with one bronze service star, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.
Both of Nicholas’ sisters also are in the military — one in the Army and one in the Marines, Alex Aleman said. The family originally came to New York from Honduras.