Our tragedy started March 30 at 10:30 p.m., when our daughter-in-law called and told us about Nathan's accident in Germany. It was a parent's worst nightmare hearing that your son was pronounced brain dead from a motorcycle accident. The feeling of helplessness was overwhelming, especially being so far away. Not knowing what to do, my wife called Fred Stevens. He suggested calling the Red Cross. From that moment on, everyone was more than caring. Everyone went above and beyond to assist us.
Delta Airlines was able to get us on an overbooked flight to Germany and helped us get through customs. People from Nathan's squadron picked us up at the airport and also made arrangements for someone from his squadron to be there for us at all times. The Air Force also had people there and made sure we were fed, gave us a hotel to stay at and took care of everything so we could say good bye to Nate. Their compassion was genuine and heartfelt, from four-star Gen. Mark Welsh, Command Chief Craig Adams and his squadron commander, Lt. Colonel Miller, down to the regular airmen. They made us feel like family.
Nathan's good friend, Andy Stevens, was the perfect sidekick. He helped us take turns staying with Nate as we tried to sleep. He was also our lifeline back home by letting us use his phone and talk to the people who wanted in the loop. His mom, Lisa Stevens, was a godsend to us, helping us make arrangements with the funeral, food for afterwards and helping tell the family what was going on.
We had overwhelming emotions when we brought Nate's body back home. There were people lining the roads from McCutchenville to the funeral home. We are very proud of the support we have received from our community.
We want to thank our family, friends, neighbors, and community for all that they have done and continue to do in our time of need. You always hear about the bad in people. We are here to tell you there are still a lot of great people in this world.
Rex Smith,
Tiffin
