25th OWS building dedicated to fallen Airman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Josh Slavin
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 25th Operational Weather Squadron building was dedicated in a ceremony here to Capt. Nathan Nylander August 1. Nylander was killed while deployed to Afghanistan in 2011.

Nylander was deployed as an advisor in support of Operation Enduring Freedom when an Afghan Air Force officer suddenly opened fire on American service members and civilians at Kabul International Aiport. He was shot while attempting to subdue the Afghan officer and help other military members escape.

The 25th OWS building is now called the Nylander Building after the unveiling of the memorial sign at the building dedication ceremony.

During the ceremony Lt. Gen. Robin Rand, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander, gave a speech to the more than 300 Airmen in attendance.

"I will never take for granted the sacrifices that Nate Nylander made on my behalf and on our country's behalf," Rand said.

Following the general's speech, the 25th OWS presented the Nylander family with flowers and a framed collection of photos.

He was awarded the Silver Star, the nation's third-highest award for combat valor, here on Sept. 24, 2011. Nylander's three children and his widow accepted the Silver Star on his behalf