Sergeant Major Nathan A. Vetsch is a native of Coeur D Alene, ID. He graduated from North Idaho Christian High School in 2000. Vetsch reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego on the 12th of January 2004. Upon graduation with a rank of Private First Class, he reported to the Marine Combat Training (MCT) to continue his training as a basic rifleman. After completing MCT, Private First Class Vetsch reported to Ft Sihl, OK and received his primary Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) of 0811- Cannoneer. Private First Class Vetsch was transferred to Papa Battery, 5th Battalion, 14th Marines, 4th Marine Division, Spokane, WA.
In May of 2004, Private First Class Vetsch was mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and was assigned to Papa Battery, Security Platoon, Al Asad, Iraq. During this deployment, Lance Corporal Vetsch served as a driver , machine gunner, and fire team leader as the Quick Reaction Force for the base. During this period, he was promoted to Lance Corporal. He was demobilized on 15 April 2005.
From 16 April 2005 to 15 June 2007, Lance Corporal Vetsch executed various types of orders with Papa Battery as a drilling reservist. During this period, he was meritoriously promoted to Corporal on April 2, 2007.
In June of 2007, Corporal Vetsch executed orders to mobilize for the second time in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) with Papa Battery attached to 1st Battalion 10th Marines, Ramadi, Iraq. During this deployment Corporal Vetsch was assigned as a Gunner and Vehicle Commander while doing convoy operations that covered most of Iraq. During this deployment, he was promoted meritoriously to Sergeant on February 2, 2008.
Upon his return from mobilization in April 2008, Sergeant Vetsch became a section chief on the M198 Howitzer. During the Annual Training exercise in 2009, Papa Battery received the M777 Howitzer and Sergeant Vetsch again was section chief certified. In December 2011, he was promoted to Staff Sergeant on the FY11 board. Staff Sergeant Vetsch was made the Platoon Sergeant of Guns Platoon in 2012. From 1 January 2012 to 1 September 2015, Staff Sergeant Vetsch continued to be Platoon Sergeant as well as Battery Gunny (BG). In 2015, Staff Sergeant Vetsch was selected to Gunnery Sergeant on the FY15 board and promoted on September 1, 2015. Gunnery Sergeant Vetsch continued his role as the Battery Gunny (BG) and Platoon Sergeant. Leading the unit through multiple Annual Training exercises in 29 Palms, CA.
In September of 2017, Gunnery Sergeant Vetsch transferred to the Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) with Det A in Ft Lewis, WA. During this period Gunnery Sergeant Vetsch became involved in training and readiness, and administration tasks for the Detachment. Gunnery Sergeant Vetsch was selected to First Sergeant on the FY18 board and accepted orders to Headquarters and Service Company, CLB-23, in Ft Lewis, WA as the Senior Enlisted Leader on April 1, 2018.
On May 1st of 2021, First Sergeant Vetsch accepted orders to Smyrna, TN as the Senior Enlisted Leader for Kilo Company 3/23. During this period First Sergeant Vetsch lead the Company through multiple workups and Annual Training exercises in preparation for deployment.
On May 15th, 2023, First Sergeant Vetsch accepted orders to Huntsville AL, as the Senior Enlisted Leader for Kilo Battery 2/14. During his time with Kilo Battery, First Sergeant Vetsch ensured the unit was ready and trained during overseas Annual Training exercises in Georgia and Germany with BALTOPS 24. On the FY25 board, First Sergeant Vetsch was selected to Sergeant Major and promoted on January 1, 2025. He was given orders to MALS-41 as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader in Ft Worth, TX and assumed the role on Feb 1, 2025.
First Sergeant Vetsch's awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold star, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.