About

Michael Isaiah Nance

Michael Isaiah Nance was born on June 1, 1995, and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, in the Chatham community and later in the West Beverly/Mount Greenwood area. He attended high school in Northbrook, an enriched township in the northern suburbs of Chicago.

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Michael carried a natural love for cooking and a gift for making people laugh—bringing light, warmth, and joy to everyone around him. After graduating, he attended college in Florida for two years. However, his heart was called to serve. With a deep sense of purpose and commitment, Michael enlisted in the United States Army in January 2017—stepping into what many knew was his calling.

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He completed Basic Training, Advanced Individual Training, and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, before being assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he served as an Automatic Rifleman.

In a remarkably short period, Michael earned titles and recognition that often take years to achieve—demonstrating exceptional discipline, excellence, and leadership.

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On July 12, 2019, he deployed on his first overseas tour to Afghanistan. On July 29, 2019—less than three weeks into his deployment—Michael passed away as a result of wounds sustained from small arms fire during a reported insider attack in Tarin Kowt, Southern Afghanistan.

 

Michael made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country, protecting the safety and freedom of others. His life represents courage, purpose, and unwavering commitment.

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He is laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

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