Colonel Stephen Nazar

To the Nazar Family, I just learned of Steve's passing. I was a young lieutenant in the 6th Battaltion, 80th Field Artillery at fort Ord when Steve was assigned as the S-3. I will never forget his professional treatment of me during my time at 6/80. May he rest in peace and condolences.

I was a young federal intern, fresh out of college, when I was hired into the organization where Steve was already a respected and influential leader. Now, having completed a career spanning three decades I can single out just a few unique leaders who stood out, won my admiration, and shaped my own development as a leader.

I have a clear recollection of the first time I met Steve Nazar. Making his entrance into the Mission Control room, all of us were irresistibly drawn to an imposing lion of a man who immediately commanded respect as the Project Leader of the mission.

However, as much as everyone gazed toward Steve with unquestioning respect, all of us also fell under the spell of his charismatic charm. Steve was indeed a jovial lion with an inimitable gift for mirth and spreading lighthearted good cheer. He was a natural leader and I thought my time with Steve would be well spent if some of his personal magnetism would rub off on me.

Steve Nazar was a man who, step-by-step in life, made an impact and left his own imprint. In doing so, Steve inspires us to leave our own imprint in the world for a life well lived.