Nathan Micheal Higginbotham

Nathan Micheal Higginbotham, 25, died tragically Sunday January 31st while serving with the United States Army at Ft Wainwright, Alaska. Born and educated in Schenectady, Nathan was the son of William and Kimberley (Higginbotham) Vandenburg. A graduate of Schenectady High School, Nathan was an Iraq war veteran. He was a Sergeant with Troop B 5th Squadron 1st Cavalry 1st BCT at Ft. Wainwright, Alaska. SGT Higginbotham served in Lancer Platoon for over two years before moving to Headquarters. During his time in Lancer Platoon SGT Higginbotham served as a team leader and the platoon Javelin trainer. He deployed with the Platoon to NTC 15-03 and conducted numerous dismounted reconnaissance Operations in support of the Brigade. He took an active role in the Squadrons MACP and assisted in certifying over 100 Soldiers in Combative level 1 and 2. SGT Higginbotham was responsible for coordinating and running the Squadrons 2014 Combative tournament which had the largest Participation of all other tournaments before. As the Troop BOSS representative SGT Higginbotham boosted the morale of the single soldiers by always encouraging them to travel and take advantage of MWR trips. An avid football and Atlanta Falcon fan, Nathan was a volunteer at Northeast Parent and Child Society when home and a friend to everyone he met. He will be truly missed by the many people whose life he touched. Beside his Mom and Dad, Nathan is survived by his sisters, Amber Lei Simone of Scotia, Martia Marie Higginbotham and Ayesha Nicole Higginbotham both of Schenectady, step-sister, Jessica Vandenburg of Guilderland ,step-brothers, Jason Vandenburg (Natasha) and Patrick Vandenburg (Stephanie) both of Rotterdam, his nieces, Scarlette Delorme, Zaniya Buess and Heaven Harrison, a nephew Gerard Harrison,his aunt Sherry Higginbotham of Schenectady and cousins Mckayla and Victoria Funeral service will be held on Thursday February 11, 2016 at 11 am at Bond Funeral Home, 1614 Guilderland Ave Schenectady, NY. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday evening February 10th from 5 to 8 pm. Interment with full military honors will be in Parkview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Nathan's memory to the Northeast Parent & Child Society, 530 Franklin Street, Schenectady, NY 12305.