Today, we honor a man of dedication and courage, PFC Nathan Mata. His journey began in the halls of high school, where his desire to make a difference was already evident. Nathan’s commitment to service was not just a passing thought; it was a calling that he felt deeply, a path he was determined to follow. He was a loving husband, married to his best friend Andriah, for six months, and eagerly anticipating the arrival of his first child. It was during this pivotal time that Nathan chose to embrace his calling in the most noble way, by enlisting in the Army to serve his country.

The pride that Andriah, his wife, holds for Nathan is immeasurable. It’s a big deal to put on that uniform and serve your country. Sure, Andriah wishes he could be home right now, but she gets why he’s doing it. Nathan’s out there making a difference, just like he always wanted. Nathan is not only fulfilling his personal aspirations but also upholding the values that make this nation great. His service is a source of inspiration, a reminder of the selfless acts that allows freedom to ring true in America. Andriah is super proud of him, and honestly, she’s not alone. So here’s a big salute to Nathan Mata. He’s out there representing all of us, doing something that matters. PFC Nathan Mata our KONO 1011 Soldier Salute