TOP CHARACTER STRENGTHS

BRAVERY - HONESTY - KINDNESS

Navy Seal Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram was a beloved husband, son, brother, and friend who was lost at sea while on a night mission off the coast of Somalia. A team of US Navy SEALs boarded a ship smuggling Iranian missile components bound for the Houthi militants in Yemen. During the mission, a SEAL teammate fell into the water at which time Gage quickly jumped in, in an attempt to rescue him. After an exhausting 10-day search, both SEALs were considered missing and deceased as of January 12, 2024. Gage was 27 years old.

He graduated from Texas Tech with a BS in Kinesiology in August of 2019. He was baptized and accepted Our Lord Jesus as his savior in September of the same year.

Gage enlisted in the Navy on September 25, 2019, and graduated boot camp on November 22, 2019. He graduated Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training Class 346 in December 2021 and reported to his first operational tour as SEAL Team THREE.

In Gage’s short time as a Navy SEAL, he learned the values of discipline, hard work, courage, and brotherhood. Gage's awards and decorations include the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and other personal and unit awards. Gage has been a rock for his family, friends and brothers, always genuine, dependable, and respectable. His patriotic strength and commitment shine through his wife, Jewel Ingram, Mother Kristi Hughes, Father Chester Ingram, Stepfather Danny Hughes, Sister Jaci Ingram, and countless relatives and friends.

Gage was an amazing man, and the world has truly lost a hero. He was loved by many and will be missed deeply. His memory will be forever cherished, and his contributions to our country will never be forgotten.

Character Strength Story:

BRAVERY - During the night mission in January 2024, Gage’s team member's foot slipped, and he went into the water and Gage immediately dove in after him, which was protocol and proof of the selflessness Gage had always shown through different areas in his life. 

HONESTY - “Gage epitomized Naval Special Warfare's core values: integrity, courage, and selflessness," said Capt. Blake L. Chaney.

KINDNESS - "Gage was someone—if you met him, you would never forget him," said one of the speakers during his memorial ceremony. "He had a way of making everyone he interacted with feel special."

—Submitted by Kristi, Surviving Mother