Daily Post Athenian
Nov 19, 2010
Nathan Lillard
Spc. Nathan Edward Lillard, 26, of Athens and Lenoir City, was killed in action in the Watahpur District, Kunar Province of Afghanistan, where he received small arms fire during a hostile attack on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010.
He was born in East Ridge and was a longtime resident of Athens before moving to Lenoir City. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Leva Trentham; and his paternal grandmother, Odell Payne. He was a member of the U.S. Army, A Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade 101st Airborne Division of Fort Campbell, Ky. He had received numerous awards and decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Medal, NATO Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge.
Survivors include his mother, Helen Marie Trentham Hyatt of Athens; his stepfather, Edward C. Hyatt of Lenoir City; one brother, Eric Lillard and his fiancé, Leonarda Beoddy, of Sweetwater; a very special friend of the family, Charlotte Jenkins of Niota; one aunt, Thelma Mason of Cleveland; two nieces, Ambrosia and Aurora Beoddy, both of Sweetwater; one cousin, Melinda Crews and her husband, Shawn, of Cleveland; and second cousins, Jordan Mason, and Brandon and Caleb Crews.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Monday at McMinn Memory Gardens with full military honors.
Pallbearers will be members of the military.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Ziegler Funeral Home.
Ziegler Funeral Home of Athens is in charge of arrangements.
Chattanooga Times Free Press
Nov. 18, 2010
Soldier with local ties killed in Afghanistan
A 26-year-old soldier with family in McMinn County was one of five soldiers killed Sunday in Afghanistan.
U.S. Army Spc. Nathan E. Lillard, of Knoxville, died when insurgents attacked his unit with small-arms fire, according to a Department of Defense news release.
Lillard was in Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division, based out of Fort Campbell, Ky.
He was an infantryman who joined the Army in November 2006.
Lillard was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge during his time in the Army, according to a Fort Campbell release.
His mother, Helen Hyatt, of Athens, Tenn., traveled to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware earlier this week to claim his body.
Lillard's uncle, Chuck Lillard, confirmed that the family learned of his death Monday and would make announcements about funeral arrangements after Hyatt returned.
Fellow soldier Spc. Doug Riggs served with Lillard in training at Fort Benning, Ga., earlier in their careers. Riggs is currently serving in Ramadi, Iraq.
When contacted about his friend's death via Facebook he recalled an incident in which he broke his foot during training at the fort but still had to march back.
"I was having trouble keeping up with the platoon. Nathan told me to hold onto to the straps of his assault pack," Riggs wrote. "He literally pulled me over the hills. He carried his weight and mine that day.
"That is the way he was. That is how I'll always remember him. Self-sacrificing, strong, caring. A hero among men. My friend," Riggs wrote.
Four other soldiers were killed in the Sunday attack -- Spc. Shane H. Ahmed, 31, of Chesterfield, Mich.; Spc. Scott T. Nagorski, 27 of Greenfield, Wis.; Spc. Jesse A. Snow, 25, of Fairborn, Ohio; and Pfc. Christian M. Warriner, 19, of Mills River, N.C.
Daily Post Athenian
November 26, 2010
Respect shown for fallen soldier
On an unusually warm November afternoon with a bright blue sky full of pockets of cotton ball clouds, Army Spc. Nathan E. Lillard took his final trip through a small town.
The procession left the funeral home led by a group of about 20 motorcycles from the "Patriot Guard Riders." As the procession headed into Downtown Athens, there were small groups of one or two and up to six people standing on the street corners. Some held their right hand over their heart, some held small American flags and some stood at attention with a rough-looking salute.
At the McMinn County Courthouse, the procession turned right and headed east toward the cemetery. It appeared to me that all the employees who worked in the Courthouse were standing in the intersection either with their right hand over their heart or giving a salute. The procession headed east on Highway 30 before turning onto a winding two-lane road which led to the cemetery, which is near the McMinn County airport. I would guess the trip was about six or seven miles long, and during the trip, not one vehicle passed the procession in either direction. Every vehicle stopped still and did not move as the entire procession passed. Along the way I saw one old soldier standing at attention wearing an old military cap. During the entire time it took for the procession to pass him, he held a smart-looking salute, as if it was his first day of boot camp.
I also saw one of the Athens Fire Department trucks with its ladder extended over the highway. Attached to the ladder was a huge American flag blowing in the wind. The entire firehouse was standing next to the road in formation, at attention, and with their right hand over their hearts.
After turning onto the winding two-lane road, we started passing houses with homeowners standing in their yards or driveways with their right hands over their hearts.
We arrived at the cemetery and still not one vehicle had passed the procession in either direction.
Only in a small town.
Did I mention that it is very hard to drive with tears in your eyes?
As I parked in the cemetery, I noticed that Spc. Lillard's gravesite was located on the high ground of the cemetery. The high ground seems to be a fitting place for a hero warrior to be laid to rest. At the gravesite, family, friends and military personnel were surrounded by members of the Patriot Guard Riders, who were holding large American flags. The wind was brisk, which made the flags fly straight out against the bright blue November sky.
Major General Rodgers said a few words about Spc. Lillard's heroism and presented Spc. Lillard posthumously with the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. After the Army chaplain spoke, Spc. Lillard received a 21-gun salute and then the haunting sound of "Taps" was played while the wind carried the notes away.
I would like to thank the people of Athens and McMinn County for showing such great respect for their fallen hero, and I would like to thank Spc. Lillard for being my son's best friend. "All give some, but some give all." When it is my time, I hope there is a small town with friends who show their respect. On Monday, Nate took his last trip through a small town. Semper Fi, Nate
Jim Youell
Major USMCR
Nov 19, 2010
Nathan Lillard
Spc. Nathan Edward Lillard, 26, of Athens and Lenoir City, was killed in action in the Watahpur District, Kunar Province of Afghanistan, where he received small arms fire during a hostile attack on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010.
He was born in East Ridge and was a longtime resident of Athens before moving to Lenoir City. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Leva Trentham; and his paternal grandmother, Odell Payne. He was a member of the U.S. Army, A Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade 101st Airborne Division of Fort Campbell, Ky. He had received numerous awards and decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Medal, NATO Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge.
Survivors include his mother, Helen Marie Trentham Hyatt of Athens; his stepfather, Edward C. Hyatt of Lenoir City; one brother, Eric Lillard and his fiancé, Leonarda Beoddy, of Sweetwater; a very special friend of the family, Charlotte Jenkins of Niota; one aunt, Thelma Mason of Cleveland; two nieces, Ambrosia and Aurora Beoddy, both of Sweetwater; one cousin, Melinda Crews and her husband, Shawn, of Cleveland; and second cousins, Jordan Mason, and Brandon and Caleb Crews.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Monday at McMinn Memory Gardens with full military honors.
Pallbearers will be members of the military.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Ziegler Funeral Home.
Ziegler Funeral Home of Athens is in charge of arrangements.
Chattanooga Times Free Press
Nov. 18, 2010
Soldier with local ties killed in Afghanistan
A 26-year-old soldier with family in McMinn County was one of five soldiers killed Sunday in Afghanistan.
U.S. Army Spc. Nathan E. Lillard, of Knoxville, died when insurgents attacked his unit with small-arms fire, according to a Department of Defense news release.
Lillard was in Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division, based out of Fort Campbell, Ky.
He was an infantryman who joined the Army in November 2006.
Lillard was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge during his time in the Army, according to a Fort Campbell release.
His mother, Helen Hyatt, of Athens, Tenn., traveled to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware earlier this week to claim his body.
Lillard's uncle, Chuck Lillard, confirmed that the family learned of his death Monday and would make announcements about funeral arrangements after Hyatt returned.
Fellow soldier Spc. Doug Riggs served with Lillard in training at Fort Benning, Ga., earlier in their careers. Riggs is currently serving in Ramadi, Iraq.
When contacted about his friend's death via Facebook he recalled an incident in which he broke his foot during training at the fort but still had to march back.
"I was having trouble keeping up with the platoon. Nathan told me to hold onto to the straps of his assault pack," Riggs wrote. "He literally pulled me over the hills. He carried his weight and mine that day.
"That is the way he was. That is how I'll always remember him. Self-sacrificing, strong, caring. A hero among men. My friend," Riggs wrote.
Four other soldiers were killed in the Sunday attack -- Spc. Shane H. Ahmed, 31, of Chesterfield, Mich.; Spc. Scott T. Nagorski, 27 of Greenfield, Wis.; Spc. Jesse A. Snow, 25, of Fairborn, Ohio; and Pfc. Christian M. Warriner, 19, of Mills River, N.C.
Daily Post Athenian
November 26, 2010
Respect shown for fallen soldier
On an unusually warm November afternoon with a bright blue sky full of pockets of cotton ball clouds, Army Spc. Nathan E. Lillard took his final trip through a small town.
The procession left the funeral home led by a group of about 20 motorcycles from the "Patriot Guard Riders." As the procession headed into Downtown Athens, there were small groups of one or two and up to six people standing on the street corners. Some held their right hand over their heart, some held small American flags and some stood at attention with a rough-looking salute.
At the McMinn County Courthouse, the procession turned right and headed east toward the cemetery. It appeared to me that all the employees who worked in the Courthouse were standing in the intersection either with their right hand over their heart or giving a salute. The procession headed east on Highway 30 before turning onto a winding two-lane road which led to the cemetery, which is near the McMinn County airport. I would guess the trip was about six or seven miles long, and during the trip, not one vehicle passed the procession in either direction. Every vehicle stopped still and did not move as the entire procession passed. Along the way I saw one old soldier standing at attention wearing an old military cap. During the entire time it took for the procession to pass him, he held a smart-looking salute, as if it was his first day of boot camp.
I also saw one of the Athens Fire Department trucks with its ladder extended over the highway. Attached to the ladder was a huge American flag blowing in the wind. The entire firehouse was standing next to the road in formation, at attention, and with their right hand over their hearts.
After turning onto the winding two-lane road, we started passing houses with homeowners standing in their yards or driveways with their right hands over their hearts.
We arrived at the cemetery and still not one vehicle had passed the procession in either direction.
Only in a small town.
Did I mention that it is very hard to drive with tears in your eyes?
As I parked in the cemetery, I noticed that Spc. Lillard's gravesite was located on the high ground of the cemetery. The high ground seems to be a fitting place for a hero warrior to be laid to rest. At the gravesite, family, friends and military personnel were surrounded by members of the Patriot Guard Riders, who were holding large American flags. The wind was brisk, which made the flags fly straight out against the bright blue November sky.
Major General Rodgers said a few words about Spc. Lillard's heroism and presented Spc. Lillard posthumously with the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. After the Army chaplain spoke, Spc. Lillard received a 21-gun salute and then the haunting sound of "Taps" was played while the wind carried the notes away.
I would like to thank the people of Athens and McMinn County for showing such great respect for their fallen hero, and I would like to thank Spc. Lillard for being my son's best friend. "All give some, but some give all." When it is my time, I hope there is a small town with friends who show their respect. On Monday, Nate took his last trip through a small town. Semper Fi, Nate
Jim Youell
Major USMCR
Daily Post Athenian
Nov 19, 2010
Nathan Lillard
Spc. Nathan Edward Lillard, 26, of Athens and Lenoir City, was killed in action in the Watahpur District, Kunar Province of Afghanistan, where he received small arms fire during a hostile attack on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010.
He was born in East Ridge and was a longtime resident of Athens before moving to Lenoir City. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Leva Trentham; and his paternal grandmother, Odell Payne. He was a member of the U.S. Army, A Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade 101st Airborne Division of Fort Campbell, Ky. He had received numerous awards and decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Medal, NATO Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge.
Survivors include his mother, Helen Marie Trentham Hyatt of Athens; his stepfather, Edward C. Hyatt of Lenoir City; one brother, Eric Lillard and his fiancé, Leonarda Beoddy, of Sweetwater; a very special friend of the family, Charlotte Jenkins of Niota; one aunt, Thelma Mason of Cleveland; two nieces, Ambrosia and Aurora Beoddy, both of Sweetwater; one cousin, Melinda Crews and her husband, Shawn, of Cleveland; and second cousins, Jordan Mason, and Brandon and Caleb Crews.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Monday at McMinn Memory Gardens with full military honors.
Pallbearers will be members of the military.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Ziegler Funeral Home.
Ziegler Funeral Home of Athens is in charge of arrangements.
Chattanooga Times Free Press
Nov. 18, 2010
Soldier with local ties killed in Afghanistan
A 26-year-old soldier with family in McMinn County was one of five soldiers killed Sunday in Afghanistan.
U.S. Army Spc. Nathan E. Lillard, of Knoxville, died when insurgents attacked his unit with small-arms fire, according to a Department of Defense news release.
Lillard was in Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division, based out of Fort Campbell, Ky.
He was an infantryman who joined the Army in November 2006.
Lillard was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge during his time in the Army, according to a Fort Campbell release.
His mother, Helen Hyatt, of Athens, Tenn., traveled to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware earlier this week to claim his body.
Lillard's uncle, Chuck Lillard, confirmed that the family learned of his death Monday and would make announcements about funeral arrangements after Hyatt returned.
Fellow soldier Spc. Doug Riggs served with Lillard in training at Fort Benning, Ga., earlier in their careers. Riggs is currently serving in Ramadi, Iraq.
When contacted about his friend's death via Facebook he recalled an incident in which he broke his foot during training at the fort but still had to march back.
"I was having trouble keeping up with the platoon. Nathan told me to hold onto to the straps of his assault pack," Riggs wrote. "He literally pulled me over the hills. He carried his weight and mine that day.
"That is the way he was. That is how I'll always remember him. Self-sacrificing, strong, caring. A hero among men. My friend," Riggs wrote.
Four other soldiers were killed in the Sunday attack -- Spc. Shane H. Ahmed, 31, of Chesterfield, Mich.; Spc. Scott T. Nagorski, 27 of Greenfield, Wis.; Spc. Jesse A. Snow, 25, of Fairborn, Ohio; and Pfc. Christian M. Warriner, 19, of Mills River, N.C.
Daily Post Athenian
November 26, 2010
Respect shown for fallen soldier
On an unusually warm November afternoon with a bright blue sky full of pockets of cotton ball clouds, Army Spc. Nathan E. Lillard took his final trip through a small town.
The procession left the funeral home led by a group of about 20 motorcycles from the "Patriot Guard Riders." As the procession headed into Downtown Athens, there were small groups of one or two and up to six people standing on the street corners. Some held their right hand over their heart, some held small American flags and some stood at attention with a rough-looking salute.
At the McMinn County Courthouse, the procession turned right and headed east toward the cemetery. It appeared to me that all the employees who worked in the Courthouse were standing in the intersection either with their right hand over their heart or giving a salute. The procession headed east on Highway 30 before turning onto a winding two-lane road which led to the cemetery, which is near the McMinn County airport. I would guess the trip was about six or seven miles long, and during the trip, not one vehicle passed the procession in either direction. Every vehicle stopped still and did not move as the entire procession passed. Along the way I saw one old soldier standing at attention wearing an old military cap. During the entire time it took for the procession to pass him, he held a smart-looking salute, as if it was his first day of boot camp.
I also saw one of the Athens Fire Department trucks with its ladder extended over the highway. Attached to the ladder was a huge American flag blowing in the wind. The entire firehouse was standing next to the road in formation, at attention, and with their right hand over their hearts.
After turning onto the winding two-lane road, we started passing houses with homeowners standing in their yards or driveways with their right hands over their hearts.
We arrived at the cemetery and still not one vehicle had passed the procession in either direction.
Only in a small town.
Did I mention that it is very hard to drive with tears in your eyes?
As I parked in the cemetery, I noticed that Spc. Lillard's gravesite was located on the high ground of the cemetery. The high ground seems to be a fitting place for a hero warrior to be laid to rest. At the gravesite, family, friends and military personnel were surrounded by members of the Patriot Guard Riders, who were holding large American flags. The wind was brisk, which made the flags fly straight out against the bright blue November sky.
Major General Rodgers said a few words about Spc. Lillard's heroism and presented Spc. Lillard posthumously with the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. After the Army chaplain spoke, Spc. Lillard received a 21-gun salute and then the haunting sound of "Taps" was played while the wind carried the notes away.
I would like to thank the people of Athens and McMinn County for showing such great respect for their fallen hero, and I would like to thank Spc. Lillard for being my son's best friend. "All give some, but some give all." When it is my time, I hope there is a small town with friends who show their respect. On Monday, Nate took his last trip through a small town. Semper Fi, Nate
Jim Youell
Major USMCR
Nov 19, 2010
Nathan Lillard
Spc. Nathan Edward Lillard, 26, of Athens and Lenoir City, was killed in action in the Watahpur District, Kunar Province of Afghanistan, where he received small arms fire during a hostile attack on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010.
He was born in East Ridge and was a longtime resident of Athens before moving to Lenoir City. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Leva Trentham; and his paternal grandmother, Odell Payne. He was a member of the U.S. Army, A Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade 101st Airborne Division of Fort Campbell, Ky. He had received numerous awards and decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Medal, NATO Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge.
Survivors include his mother, Helen Marie Trentham Hyatt of Athens; his stepfather, Edward C. Hyatt of Lenoir City; one brother, Eric Lillard and his fiancé, Leonarda Beoddy, of Sweetwater; a very special friend of the family, Charlotte Jenkins of Niota; one aunt, Thelma Mason of Cleveland; two nieces, Ambrosia and Aurora Beoddy, both of Sweetwater; one cousin, Melinda Crews and her husband, Shawn, of Cleveland; and second cousins, Jordan Mason, and Brandon and Caleb Crews.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Monday at McMinn Memory Gardens with full military honors.
Pallbearers will be members of the military.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Ziegler Funeral Home.
Ziegler Funeral Home of Athens is in charge of arrangements.
Chattanooga Times Free Press
Nov. 18, 2010
Soldier with local ties killed in Afghanistan
A 26-year-old soldier with family in McMinn County was one of five soldiers killed Sunday in Afghanistan.
U.S. Army Spc. Nathan E. Lillard, of Knoxville, died when insurgents attacked his unit with small-arms fire, according to a Department of Defense news release.
Lillard was in Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division, based out of Fort Campbell, Ky.
He was an infantryman who joined the Army in November 2006.
Lillard was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge during his time in the Army, according to a Fort Campbell release.
His mother, Helen Hyatt, of Athens, Tenn., traveled to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware earlier this week to claim his body.
Lillard's uncle, Chuck Lillard, confirmed that the family learned of his death Monday and would make announcements about funeral arrangements after Hyatt returned.
Fellow soldier Spc. Doug Riggs served with Lillard in training at Fort Benning, Ga., earlier in their careers. Riggs is currently serving in Ramadi, Iraq.
When contacted about his friend's death via Facebook he recalled an incident in which he broke his foot during training at the fort but still had to march back.
"I was having trouble keeping up with the platoon. Nathan told me to hold onto to the straps of his assault pack," Riggs wrote. "He literally pulled me over the hills. He carried his weight and mine that day.
"That is the way he was. That is how I'll always remember him. Self-sacrificing, strong, caring. A hero among men. My friend," Riggs wrote.
Four other soldiers were killed in the Sunday attack -- Spc. Shane H. Ahmed, 31, of Chesterfield, Mich.; Spc. Scott T. Nagorski, 27 of Greenfield, Wis.; Spc. Jesse A. Snow, 25, of Fairborn, Ohio; and Pfc. Christian M. Warriner, 19, of Mills River, N.C.
Daily Post Athenian
November 26, 2010
Respect shown for fallen soldier
On an unusually warm November afternoon with a bright blue sky full of pockets of cotton ball clouds, Army Spc. Nathan E. Lillard took his final trip through a small town.
The procession left the funeral home led by a group of about 20 motorcycles from the "Patriot Guard Riders." As the procession headed into Downtown Athens, there were small groups of one or two and up to six people standing on the street corners. Some held their right hand over their heart, some held small American flags and some stood at attention with a rough-looking salute.
At the McMinn County Courthouse, the procession turned right and headed east toward the cemetery. It appeared to me that all the employees who worked in the Courthouse were standing in the intersection either with their right hand over their heart or giving a salute. The procession headed east on Highway 30 before turning onto a winding two-lane road which led to the cemetery, which is near the McMinn County airport. I would guess the trip was about six or seven miles long, and during the trip, not one vehicle passed the procession in either direction. Every vehicle stopped still and did not move as the entire procession passed. Along the way I saw one old soldier standing at attention wearing an old military cap. During the entire time it took for the procession to pass him, he held a smart-looking salute, as if it was his first day of boot camp.
I also saw one of the Athens Fire Department trucks with its ladder extended over the highway. Attached to the ladder was a huge American flag blowing in the wind. The entire firehouse was standing next to the road in formation, at attention, and with their right hand over their hearts.
After turning onto the winding two-lane road, we started passing houses with homeowners standing in their yards or driveways with their right hands over their hearts.
We arrived at the cemetery and still not one vehicle had passed the procession in either direction.
Only in a small town.
Did I mention that it is very hard to drive with tears in your eyes?
As I parked in the cemetery, I noticed that Spc. Lillard's gravesite was located on the high ground of the cemetery. The high ground seems to be a fitting place for a hero warrior to be laid to rest. At the gravesite, family, friends and military personnel were surrounded by members of the Patriot Guard Riders, who were holding large American flags. The wind was brisk, which made the flags fly straight out against the bright blue November sky.
Major General Rodgers said a few words about Spc. Lillard's heroism and presented Spc. Lillard posthumously with the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. After the Army chaplain spoke, Spc. Lillard received a 21-gun salute and then the haunting sound of "Taps" was played while the wind carried the notes away.
I would like to thank the people of Athens and McMinn County for showing such great respect for their fallen hero, and I would like to thank Spc. Lillard for being my son's best friend. "All give some, but some give all." When it is my time, I hope there is a small town with friends who show their respect. On Monday, Nate took his last trip through a small town. Semper Fi, Nate
Jim Youell
Major USMCR
