Cpl. Nathaniel T. Hammond - 24 years old from Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Nathaniel (Nate) is the oldest son in a family of five boys and one girl. He graduated from Pleasant Hope High School in 1998 and soon after, joined the Marine Corps. It was then, his long life dream of being in the military came true.
Nathan was a flight instructor at the College of the Ozarks before he was called to California to learn the local languages of Iraq. He had trained with a Marine Reserve unit in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma before being assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Corps Reserve based out of Chicago, Illinois.
He was killed on November 8, 2004 by enemy action in Babil province, Iraq. Two other members of the Marine Reserve battalion were also killed, no other details are not provided.
Though his dream of military service came true, he would not have regretted dying while serving in Iraq.
His long time friend since the seventh grade, Sgt. Jared Deckard recalled Nate as one who always wanted to be in the military.
Ever since I knew him, he wanted to be in the Special Forces," Said Deckard. Though Nate had not joined the elite corps, "he died doing what he wanted to do and what he loved to do."
Teachers in Pleasant Hope's public schools remembered Cpl. Hammond fondly.
Debbie Agee - one of many teachers, "I think I've learned what the ultimate sacrifice means. ... We sacrificed a wonderful young man. He was the sweetest, he was a very quiet and kind and friendly kid, and very respectful."
Nathan's brother - Joshua Hammond described his brother as "always very happy" and "really, really family-oriented."
"He really loved his nephews, and he had two nieces." (One of his nieces were born soon after his death). He also said their parents, Thomas and Deborah Hammond were "taking it very rough."
Joshua said his brother found a welcoming reception among civilians in Iraq.
"Nathan really believed what he was doing. If he had a choice to die, that was the way he wanted to die." Said Joshua.
Cheryl Hammond wrote fondly of Nathan that he was loved by so many people. The last time she saw him he told her that he wasn't afraid to go to war. That he was ready to defend his country. She said he loved being a Marine. Cheryl recalls a message left by Nathan, "Hi Mom! it's Nathan, I just wanted to say bye and that I love you, Ron, Kirsten and ALICIA."
Cheryl has a cabinet full of angels and among the angels she has a picture of Nathan and Alicia taken at the Marines Ball. "Just as you are today. I will always think of you as my future son in law and I will always carry you in my heart. No one will ever compare to you. My love and prayers go out to all of your family and friends. We all love you!"
Todd Bowman of Tulsa wrote the following of Nathan.
"Nate was a great guy. I had the pleasure of befriending him during my days at TU. He dated a classmate of mine. We engaged in several throught provoking and wonderful conversations. I was saddened to hear of his loss in the war. Sure wish we had the opportunity to have one more chat and I'll certainly cherish our last! God bless Nate and his family and many thanks for his service to our country!"
Dani L. Farris also has the honor to have known Nathan and had this to say.
"Nathan was one of the best men I have ever had the privilege in my life to meet. He was very dear to my heart, and I will always miss and love him. It breaks my heart that one of the things he wanted most in the world, love and a family of his own, he didn't get to enjoy in this world. However, I KNOW he watches over us, and blesses us. It is our obligation to him to honor his life and memory with more love and happiness. His legacy is one of love. I am forever grateful that I was able to call him 'friend'."
Nathan's parents
Thomas & Deborah Hammond
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