BRATCHER, NOAH

​Noah S. Bratcher was born on March 19, 1991, in grew up with his older brother Lucas in Dhahran Saudi Arabia where his parents worked for ARAMCO Oil Company. In 1999, Noah moved to Spokane Washington where he attended Evergreen Elementary School, Northwood Middle School, and Mead High School. Noah excelled in competitive chess and band. He qualified for and played in several Washington State chess competitions and U.S. National competitions. His musician skills were equally high. He played the clarinet in Concert Band, tenor saxophone in Jazz Band, and the baritone in Marching Band. 

Noah had the desire to serve from a very young age and was offered two full-ride ROTC scholarships. One for the US Army at Oregon State University and the other for the US Air Force at the University of Portland. After much back and forth, he decided upon the Air Force. After completing a successful first year, he decided to leave school to enlist in Marine Corps as an Infantryman. Kristy, his mother remembers Noah telling her, “How can I lead soldiers in battle unless I know what it's like being on the ground first." 

During SSgt Bratcher’s first enlistment he received two meritorious promotions. During his second enlistment he was promoted to Sergeant and became a Senior Combat Instructor. He then applied and was accepted into the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Program in his third enlistment where he would go on to enroll at the University of California, San Marcos and was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. While assigned to the Naval ROTC unit at University of California he excelled inside and out of the classroom.   

SSgt Bratcher was married to Marine Corps Sergeant Rachael Bratcher and had a five month old daughter Aria Noel at the time of his unexpected passing. SSgt Bratcher was highly decorated and well respected among his seniors and peers alike.  

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers SSgt Noah Bratcher for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. His life continues to inspire all who learn his story.