HAYS, NATHAN

Nathan Hays was born on December 14, 1980 in Libby, Montana to Kim and Jim Hays. He was the middle child to an older brother Patrick and younger sister Kassi. Growing up, Nathan was an Eagle Scout and a classic car buff. During high school, he also played offense and defense on the football team. According to Bill Grigsby, who taught at Wilbur High School and coached Nathan all four years of football, “He played linebacker and tight end for the football team and was a hard worker in the weight room…it was more important that we did well as a unit than he did well as an individual.” He was a team captain and won all-league honors. 

During Nathan’s senior year, he decided to pursue a career in the military. He would go on to enlist in the United States Marine Corps because he like the small unit cohesiveness. After his initial training, Sgt Hays became a flight mechanic for the C-130 aircraft and was assigned to Marine Aerial Transport Refueler Squadron 352, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Calif. Sgt Hays was proud to be a Marine, and went back to Wilber, a town of about 1,000 people, after graduation in 1999 to talk with students about the Marine Corps. 

Sgt Hays enjoyed working on cars and was in the process of restoring an orange Chevy Chevelle. He’d show off photos of his motorcycle to friends as well. 

Sgt. Hays wasn’t supposed to be on the KC-130 air refueling tanker that crashed into the mountains of Pakistan on 09 January 2002, he had volunteered to fill in for a fellow flight mechanic.  

Sgt Hays was just 21 years old.  

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his big brother, Patrick, and little sister, Kassi. He is also survived by his grandparents, Gayle and Jeanne Hays, of Spokane, Glen Kelly, of Libby; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins from throughout the Northwest.  

The family requests that memorial contributions be sent in Nathan Hays’ name to three organizations. The United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots, The Boy Scouts of America, Troop 779, and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. 

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers Sgt Nathan Hays for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. Our hope is that his life continues to inspire all who learn his story.