The Steel Horse Rally is dedicated to all who serve and we are taking that to a new level this year at the 10th Annual Steel Horse Rally. We are proud to announce Unsung Heroes that will be making it’s debut at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 3rd on the Steel Horse Rally stage. This very special honor recognizes someone who has shown uncommon valor. The recognition of an Unsung Hero will become an annual tradition at the Steel Horse Rally.
The Inaugural Steel Horse Rally Unsung Heroes presentation recognizes Sgt. Nathan Reed of Alma, Ark. A true American hero isn't necessarily defined by war or fame, but by acts of kindness, courage, and service that benefit others and the nation. A hero embodies the values of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to a better future.
Nathan Raymond Reed is that true American Unsung Hero. After a long battle with cancer obtained through prolonged exposure to hazardous materials while serving on multiple Army Combat Deployments during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Nate passed away January 15, 2025 at the age of 47. He is survived by his wife, Wendy, and seven children.
Nathan is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he earned numerous medals, including:
· The Purple Heart
· Army Commendation Medal with VALOR,
· Combat Action Badge
He was born in Riverside, CA on August 8, 1977, and he grew up in Great Falls, MT where he graduated from Charles Russell High School. After high school, Nathan enlisted in the United States Army as an 11B Infantryman on September 10, 1998 where he served with distinction for four years before being called back onto Active Duty in the Inactive Ready Reserve to serve for the 34th Infantry Division (Minnesota) at a location called “CSC Scania”. He served on combat patrols and convoy security as a member of the elite element “Assassin 22” and was a part of over 300 combat missions. Upon completion of his mission, he returned to Arkansas and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Arkansas Tech University and went on to work at Arkansas Department of Transportation where he retired in 2021.
Nathan enjoyed hunting, fishing, dirt track racing, coaching youth athletics and spending time with his wife and children. He was an active member of VFW Post #8845 in Fort Smith, the Support a Local Wounded Veteran Organization and the Military Order of Purple Heart #587. Nathan was an extremely motivated and driven man who will be remembered for never leaving a man behind, leading from the front, and doing everything possible to improve the lives of his family members.
Please join us, Wendy Reed and the Reed family at the Steel Horse Rally entertainment stage across from First National Bank at 7 p.m. Sat., May 3rd as we proudly honor the life of Sgt. Nathan Reed: an Unsung Hero.