The Tomshack Family

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Nathan “Nate” Tomshack

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Nathan “Nate” Tomshack comes from a long line of military veterans. Nate enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 19, following in the footsteps of both of his grandfathers as well as his father. During his six years of service, Nate served three combat deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa. He was honorably discharged in 2014.

In 2010, while serving in Iraq, Nate was involved in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack that caused the vehicle he was in to roll over. This resulted in significant back injuries and lasting discomfort. Later, while serving in Afghanistan, Nate suffered an extensive injury to his knee when a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) detonated near him.

These incidents and others he experienced while serving his country left Nate with visible and invisible scars. Nate suffers from knee pain and instability and underwent surgery on his vertebrae in 2023 due to continued discomfort from his back injuries. In addition, Nate has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and vertigo. He suffers from post-traumatic headaches, tinnitus and arthritis.

Nate has been recognized with several awards and recognitions for his valiant service to his country. These include the Combat Action Badge, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, two Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Valorous Unit Award, NATO Medal two Overseas Service Ribbons and many more.

Nate met his wife, Esme, at a park in 2020, where their children—Esme’s son and daughter and Nate’s daughter—were playing together. The couple married in 2023 and currently live in Clovis, California. Nate earned a bachelor’s degree at Fresno State and is currently working on a master’s degree in therapy while volunteering at the Fresno Vet Center. He hopes to become a dedicated therapist who helps veterans heal when they return to civilian life. Esme is currently completing her bachelor’s degree in political science and hopes to pursue a master’s in public policy or business in the future.

When Nate and Esme aren’t pursuing their education, the family enjoys camping and hiking together. All the children participate in sports, which Nate and Esme enjoy watching.

Operation Finally Home is honored to partner with Lennar and Beyond The Barracks in providing U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Nate Tomshack and his family with the gift of a home in Fresno, California.