Fallen soldier remembered for exuberance, smile
Sgt 1st Class Nathan Winder of Blanding, a Special Forces medic in the U.S. Army, was remembered for his smile and exuberance for life during a Memorial Service in Blanding on July 6. The highly trained Special Forces green beret was known for his good nature, sense of humor and positive outlook on life. Sgt Winder died from wounds sustained while conducting combat operations near Diwaniyah, Iraq on Jun 26, 2007. Funeral services and interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA on Friday, July 13 at 11 a.m.. Winder, the son of Tom and Terri Winder, is survived by his wife Mechelle, 11-year-old son Logan and a large extended family. Sgt. Winder’s grandfather, Cleal Bradford, said that his grandson had achieved a remarkable legacy. “When he was placed in his mother’s arms at the age of two, he had nothing to his name but the clothes on his back,” said Bradford, who added that Sgt. Winder worked hard and achieved his goal “to become a strong vital example to a free world.” Winder was a strong supporter of the United States military effort in Iraq. In e-mails to his family, he stated, “I believe that what we are doing over here, in the long run, will benefit all.” Nathan Winder entered the Armed Forces soon after graduating from San Juan High School in 1993 and was a full time member of the military since that time. Top Story Photo Winder was accepted into Special Forces Qualifications Course in 2003 to become a Special Forces medic. He earned the coveted green beret as a graduate of special forces training in 2006. He was assigned to the 1st Special Forces Airborne Group at Ft. Lewis, Washington. An estimated 25 members of the Winder family (he has 17 siblings) hope to attend the funeral services in Arlington, VA. In order to help defray the costs, a special fund has been created at Zions Bank and Wells Fargo Bank in the name of Nathan Winder. Donations are excepted and appreciated.