Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

TUCSON - The family of a Tucson-based airman confirm that he was one of eight NATO troops killed, Wednesday, in a shooting at Afghanistan's Kabul airport. A civilian contractor was also killed.

Captain Nathan Nylander, based at Davis-Monthan, was deployed in December, for a one-year tour.

The gunman reportedly opened fire, after some sort of disagreement.

A veteran, Afghan military pilot was said to be distressed over his personal finances.

Captain Nylander leaves behind a wife and three children and volunteered as a coach for Santa Rita Little League.

Flags at the park fly at half staff, honoring the coach and dad that gave his all for our country.

Blair Little the Vice President of Santa Rita Little League said, "I am going to miss the times that during the off season we would get kids together to just hit the ball and stay fresh and I am going to miss those times."

Patience the with kids was a quality Little admired about Nylander.

"He was just phenomenal with the kids, never got upset. Really was always there to lend a helping hand with the kids," said Little.

All three of Nylander's kids play at the Santa Rita Park. His family says the pain is unbearable.

"It's a total nightmare. We can't believe it. You always think it's somebody else but then it just hits home and it just happened," said Nylander's step-mother Carol Nylander.

It goes without saying he will be missed.

"He was a great man devoted to his job and family, couldn't ask for a better son," said Nylander.

Little is concerned for the Airman's kids who are left without a dad.

"It breaks my heart. The reason I volunteer so much is to spend that time with my son. I can't imagine that's something that they won't get and will be lost," said Little.

As those who knew Nylander mourn, baseball continues at the park with a silent reminder in the outfield of a man who gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

Flags at the Santa Rita Little League Park will fly at half staff through the weekend.