Suffolk Reporter

Today, Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) paid tribute to Nate Bruckenthal, a Suffolk County native who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation on April 24th, 2004. LaLota recently spoke on the House floor to remember Bruckenthal.

“Nate Bruckenthal epitomized the highest ideals of selflessness and sacrifice, consistently placing his country's needs above his own life. His courageous actions not only saved numerous fellow Sailors but also stand as a testament to his unwavering bravery and heroism,” said LaLota. “In the face of grave personal peril, Nate's bravery serves as a poignant reminder of the extraordinary courage our service members aspire to embody. His dedicated service to our nation shall forever remain etched in our collective memory.”

Nate Bruckenthal, born in Stony Brook, NY, joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1999 and was later deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Tragically, in April 2004, shortly after learning that his wife was expecting their child, Bruckenthal lost his life in a suicide bombing while on duty.

For his selfless act of courage, Bruckenthal was posthumously awarded several honors, including the Purple Heart Medal, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with oak leaf.

Nate Bruckenthal's bravery and sacrifice continue to be remembered and honored, as he remains the first Coast Guardsman killed in action since the Vietnam War.