Nate and I go back 10 years to our days together in Alpha Company 3/47 Infantry (if you'll scroll all the way to the bottom of the page you'll see a group of unit patches I served with or under. The patch to the far left, in the place of most importance in my heart, is the unit patch for 2/47 Infantry). We served together for almost 2 years or so, and our time together in the same unit culminated with a tour of combat duty in Desert Storm.

What I remember most about Nate was his good humor, and physical stamina. He was one of those guys us large framed fellows always envied, you know, the type that could put on jogging shoes for Monday morning PT at 0630 hrs, and than come back on Friday, barely having broken a sweat. And when Nate did lead PT, and the run was all over (it was inevitable when he lead PT that we were running), he'd look at you with this silly, big eared grin and squinty eyes, and make you laugh so hard you'd literally want to blow chunks. Half from the humor and half from the fact that he just smoked you in PT.

Nate and I were both single back then. Neither were married, and the both of us were consummate soldiers. I attending as many college classes I could while still active duty, and he just studying for the next review board or specialty school slot. At our unit, the school slots were few and far between, so when they came, you have better be on top of your game. Needless to say, Nate always was, and Nate made it into the next "Q" course (Special Forces Qualification Course), and I got Armorers School. Not a bad gig mind you, but all of us hard-core Infantry types wanted that Q course slot.

Nate got the slot. Nate passed. Nate made SF. Nate was the best of the best.

While at the gun show I was attending, my telephone rang. Thinking it was the NICS system calling back, I picked up the phone and answered. It was my wife. She was calling to inform me that 2 of my old 3/47 buddies had already called my home, along with some reporter from the Columbus Dispatch in Columbus, OH. Word travels fast amongst Brothers in Arms, and evidently, this reporter had heard of Nate and my time together in active duty, and wanted an interview. I have not, and will not call him back.

While attending a weekly prayer meeting and Bible study with some friends of mine later that evening, I brought the subject of Nate up. I told every one of my association and close friendship with the recently killed soldier. My wife brought up the fact that Nate had touched a great many peoples souls during his time here on earth. That proof has already been playing out in the fact that my home phone was ringing off the hook from old "Rattlers" (Alpha 3/47's call sign). All ready those souls who were touched by Nate were banding back together, at least for a short time, to help preserve his memory for all of us. WE prayed for Nate's family. His wife, and 2 small children.

We prayed for peace for all of his family, including his 2 elderly parents from Texas. I prayed that I, and all Americans would never take for granted the sight of a flag draped coffin again. For inside this coffin, the picture of which I had so coldly passed by early in the morning, contained one of my brothers. I'll never forget that picture.

We all have heard the saying that Freedom is not Free, and that it has been won by the blood of our forefathers who have died to gain, and to preserve that freedom. But today, this is not a cliché. Today, this was the blood of one of America's finest. Truly, one of America's finest. Not just a good soldier that some news agency wants to make into a huge story. Nate was truly one of the best America had to offer. One of the best Americans.

One of my best friends.

A brother in Arms that will never be forgotten. I love you Nate.

Thomas A. Spithaler
Rattler Forever