Nathan grew up in Claysville, Pennsylvania, and graduated from McGuffey High School in 2004, where he was a standout wrestler. During the summer, he competed nationally in freestyle wrestling tournaments. Known for his quick wit, he loved making people laugh.

After a semester of college, Nathan enlisted in the U.S. Army. Though he originally committed to four years, he had recently reenlisted with the goal of joining the Special Forces. Following basic training, he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado. He graduated from Ranger School and served as a sniper on his unit’s scout team. He deployed to Iraq from 2006 to 2007, and to Afghanistan in June 2009. On April 27, 2010, Nathan died from wounds sustained during an enemy attack on his unit.

His legacy endures through his family, friends, and comrades, as well as the Nathan Kennedy Scholarship Fund and an interchange on Interstate 70 named in his honor.