Andre George Nance

As soon as he walked into a room, his presence could be felt. His laugh was one of the most infectious ever heard. He had a personality that could brighten up the darkest of night. He was one of the most caring, magnanimous people to touch the lives of so many individuals. His name was synonymous with the type of leader young Soldiers aspired to be.

Andre George Nance was born on February 10, 1983 at 2:10 p.m. on a cold winter's day at La Guardia Hospital in Queens, New York. Andre was known by his family and affectionately dubbed by his uncle Wendell (Nick) as "The Snow Baby" because of the blizzard that occurred right outside of his mother's delivery room window.

He enlisted into the U.S. Army as an active duty Air Traffic Controller before his 21st birthday on February 4, 2004 at Fort Meade, Maryland’s Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). Andre’s first military assignment was at the Tabernacle Air Traffic Control Tower at Fort Rucker, Alabama from October 2004 to December 2006. He was then stationed in Camp Humphrey, South Korea from January 2007- December 2008 at Desiderio Army Airfield with 4th- 58th Airfield Operations Battalion. In January 2009, he was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina with Company F “Bad Boys,” 3rd Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade.

Andre always aspired to better himself and decided to become a warrant officer. He was selected for the basic warrant officer course and graduated as a Warrant Officer 1 in August 2012 as an Air Traffic and Air Space Management Technician. His last duty station was Fort Hood with Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, III Armored Corps in the G3-Air section from December 2012- February 2017. While with III Corps, he earned the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2 in August 2014.

He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in April 2009 to April 2010, September 2011 to March 2012 and April 2013 to February 2014. He also completed a tour at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait from August 2015 to August 2016 in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve.

Due to his extensive military career, Andre was a well-decorated Soldier. His awards and decorations included two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, Meritorious Service Medal (posthumously awarded), four Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, three Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, three Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, two Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, Army Service Ribbon, four Overseas Service Ribbons, NATO medal, Aviation Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and Air Assault Badge.

Andre was working on his Bachelor of Science in Applied Science and Technology with a concentration in Aviation Management from Thomas Edison State University. He was in his third year of college.

Andre had many nicknames throughout his life – Dre and Slice to name a few. However, it wasn't just the nicknames that defined this talented man; it was also the titles that he held: he was a loving son, a warmhearted brother, a patient husband, a caring friend, a consummate professional and leader, but his proudest title was Dad to his energetic son, Aiden.

Andre unexpectedly passed away on February 27, 2017 while attending the Advanced Warrant Officer course in Fort Rucker, Alabama. He is survived by his wife of 11 years, Tomora Nance; four-year-old son, Aiden Nance; his parents, Marion Sheppard and Henri Nance; half-siblings, Jason, Jalisa, Tyesha and Jaree Nance; Andre also had a vast extended family..

Although he left this world far to soon, his mark on the world will never be forgotten. Rest peacefully in Heaven Andre, for your memory lives on in the hearts of the people who knew you.

Visitation: Thursday, July 6, 2017 from 7:00 – 8:30 pm

Graveside Service: Friday, July 7, 2017 at 9:00 am with Full Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery

Repast immediately following the service to be held on the second floor of The Westin Arlington Gateway Hotel

801 N. Glebe Rd. Arlington, VA 22203