An Eagle Scout of Boy Scout Troop 48, Nick graduated from Onalaska High School in Onalaska, Wisconsin, in 2001. Nick attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida before gaining acceptance to the US Military Academy at West Point, New York. During his time at West Point, Nick was the Captain of the elite West Point Parachute Team; completed the Special Forces Combat Diver Qualification Course at the JFK Special Warfare Center & School in Key West, Florida; and Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia. In his free time he also enjoyed recreational rock climbing, scuba diving, and BASE jumping.

In July 2008, 1LT Dewhirst was Killed in Action in Khost Province, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when insurgents brought his convoy under attack with rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire.

Nick left behind his parents, Randy and Susan, and his brothers, Chase and Chad. Nick is interred at the West Point Cemetery at the US Military Academy.

For every bracelet purchased $10 will be donated to the Fisher House.