Nellis mourns the tragic loss of Airman

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Charles
  • Nellis Public Affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  Friends and family of Staff Sgt. Nathan Paet gathered Dec. 7 for a memorial service in his honor at the base chapel.

Sergeant Paet, 28, an F-15 supply section technician assigned to the 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, died from wounds suffered during a shooting at his off-base residence Dec. 1.

"Nate really represented all that is right with the Air Force," said Lt. Col. Shane Henderson, 757th AMXS commander. "Whether it was his attention to detail or core family values, he made us all proud."

During the service, family and friends described Sergeant Paet's dedication to the mission and devotion to his family.

"Nate displayed the determination, work ethic and dedication to duty and mission that anyone would like in a wingman," said Staff Sgt. Paul Leones, 99th Logistics Readiness Squadron supply specialist. "He was stolen from us, but we will never forget about him. He will stay in our hearts and minds."

"Nate touched our lives with the way he worked and his demeanor," said Senior Airman Monika Radcliff, 99 LRS supply specialist. "No matter what shop he was in, he was always one call away from solving any problem you had."

Sergeant Paet's brother, Eric, reminisced on past experiences the two shared and gave gratitude for the support his family has received in the wake of this tragic event.

"Nate believed in his family and loved what he did," said Mr. Paet. "Today our family found out how much he was loved by others and we know he will be watching over us all for the rest of our lives."

Sergeant Paet was a native of Guam and is survived by his wife and his four children. The family released a statement Dec. 6, thanking the local community for the support, generosity and kindness shown to them in this difficult time.

The family stated, "We are saddened by the loss of Nate, and it is impossible to comprehend why someone would harm him. He was a wonderful person who was loved by so many and will be forever missed and never forgotten."

A Nathan Paet Memorial Fund has been established to support Sergeant Paet's family. Individuals wishing to contribute can do so at any Wells Fargo Bank.

The family asks for anyone who might have information about this crime to call the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Homicide Section at 702-828-3521 or, to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.