Nicholas Hunter Hamilton

On the early afternoon of 24 May, Nicholas Hunter Hamilton, “Nick” to his family and “Scooter” to his military family, was lost in a tragic accident near Nellis AFB NV. There are never adequate words to express the depth of loss we feel with his passing, but it’s our hope that these few words might shed a little light into the incredible husband, father, son, brother and friend that Nick was.

Nick was born in Reno, Nevada to Gail and Stephen Hamilton. The second of three children and the only son, he was a blessing and a gift. Nick was a steadfast and loyal brother and would have done anything for his sisters. He was a brilliant and charismatic child, making many life-long friends. This gift of learning and charisma carried through into his adult years.

Nick held a third degree black belt in Taekwondo and was an accomplished violinist. He was a graduate of the USAF Academy, where he earned a degree in Astronautical Engineering. He continued that pursuit of knowledge at George Washington University where he attended on a NASA scholarship, and earned a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Nick was a gifted pilot. He had over 2500 hours flying supersonic aircraft that included the T-38, F-16, and most recently, the Mirage F-1. He served several combat tours, and his 20-year career took him across the globe, including Del Rio, TX, Misawa, Japan, and Kunsan Korea. Korea was an especially good deal for him, as it is where he met the love of his life, Suhyun An. He would finish his career as an elite member of the 64th Aggressor Squadron where his colleagues were quick to learn of his enormous brain, and love of flying.

There wasn’t a person more willing to help someone out, than Nick. He had a sarcastic wit that melded well into any conversation. He would often joke around with a dry sense of humor that was only second to his infectious smile.

While he was an incredible friend and pilot, the title he cherished most was that of husband and father. Nick leaves behind his wife, Suhyun, and two sons, Odin and Ashur. Odin is 15, and a gentle giant who loves playing hockey. Odin has autism, and certainly is dealing with the loss of his dad in a way none of us can quite understand. Ashur, like his dad, is wicked smart. He also plays the violin and loves a variety of sports. Ashur is only 11 years old.

Words can not express our loss. We will all miss Nick. It still feels surreal that he is gone. His legacy will live on. He is a true Hero, the kind most only get to read about in stories. We are all so blessed to have had Nick in our lives, if only for such a short time.

Nick is survived by his Wife, Suhyun An, two sons, Odin and Ashur, mother Gail, father Stephen (Donna), two sisters, Heather (Aaron) and Alexandra (Adam), a niece and nephews, Greta, Benjamin, and August, a large extended and military family, and close friends.

In leu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that donations be made in Honor of Nick’s Memory and in support of his family to the Fallen Wings Foundation, www.fallenwingsfoundation.org.