Soldier Honored: Nathaniel A. Caldwell

Army Specialist Nathaniel A. Caldwell, 27, of Omaha, Neb. was assigned to the 404th Air Support Battalion, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Tex. On May 21, 2003, during his service in Operation Iraqi Freedom, SPC Caldwell was in Baghdad responding to a civilian call when his car rolled over in a vehicle accident. He died a short time later at the age of 27.

SPC Caldwell grew up in Arizona, but later moved to Nebraska to attend Peru State College. The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder was named Peru State’s most inspirational player during the 1997-98 season. He had a degree in Sports Management and was working at a car rental agency when he decided to join the Army.

He became a tank mechanic and in 2002, while on leave in Louisiana, he met his wife. They married a few months later in November of 2002, and he was deployed to Iraq the following March. SPC Caldwell had dreams of being a pastor and possibly starting a counseling center. He was known for his kindness, politeness, and keeping others’ spirits up.

SPC Caldwell is survived by his wife, a stepchild from a previous marriage, and two children; one of whom is a Folds of Honor Higher Education Scholarship recipient.