Nellis mourns loss of AMXS Airman

by Senior Airman Michael Charles
Nellis Public Affairs

12/7/2010 - 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, 757 AMXS commander. "Whether it was his attention to detail or core family values, he made us all proud."

During the one-hour 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, Michelle, 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 828-3521 or, to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 385-5555 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.

Note: According to some news media, Paet was stationed at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, until 2006 when he transferred to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, in 2006, and served as a weapons load crew chief for A-10s in the 358th Fighter Squadron.

In 2007, Paet transferred to Nellis AFB, near Las Vegas, and made a career change to train for logistics readiness, material management field.

Earlier this year, he became the assistant non-commissioned officer-in-charge for the Strike Aircraft Maintenance Supply section of the 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

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My condolences to the Paet family. I full understand you mourning, because I lost my partner on June 17 this year after pankreas cancer. It was the biggest lost on my life. And I'm still hauling...