Nate Vance Biography

Nate Vance is a name that has been in the news recently. He is the cousin of US Vice President J.D. Vance, but his story is not limited to this relationship. Nate’s life has been an exciting journey – from the US Marine Corps to the battlefields of Ukraine. So let’s know about him in detail.

Short Info

Early life and Military Service

Nate Vance was born in Texas, a state in the US known for its cowboy culture and big dreams. He is 47 years old, which means he is a few years older than J.D. Vance. Both cousins ​​have the same grandparents. J.D. ‘s mother Beverly and Nate’s father James Vance are siblings. That means this family relationship is very close. But while J.D. Vance turned his life towards politics and writing, Nate chose a completely different path.

Nate’s childhood was not very glamorous. Growing up in Texas, this boy started his life like a normal American. But he had a desire to do something different. After finishing school, Nate decided to join the US Marine Corps. Nate served for four years in the Marine Corps, which is one of the toughest and most respected military units in America. This was the time when Nate learned discipline, courage and the passion to do something for his country. While in the Marine Corps, Nate saw many difficult situations. His training made him strong both physically and mentally.

Civilian life and Career

After retiring from the Marine Corps, Nate entered civilian life. He started living in San Antonio, Texas. Here he started working in an oil company. It was a completely different field, work from morning to evening, good salary, and a stable life. While working in the oil industry, Nate learned many new skills. He understood the nuances of the business world and expanded his network. But there was still something incomplete in Nate’s heart. He probably wanted to do something big, something that would go down in history. And then came the moment that changed his life forever.

Towards Ukraine

The year 2022, that day in February when Russia attacked Ukraine. The whole world was shaken by this news. News on TV, debate on social media, and an atmosphere of uncertainty everywhere. Meanwhile, in March 2022, Nate Vance took a decision that was surprising for anyone. He left his job, his home, and his comfortable life and left for Ukraine. But the question is why? What was the reason that a Marine from Texas decided to go to a war-torn country like Ukraine?

Nate told the French newspaper “Le Figaro” that he went to Ukraine because he “wanted to see history being made”. For him, it was not just an adventurous journey, but an opportunity to do something, something that would make a difference to the world. On reaching Ukraine, Nate first went to Lviv, which was a little away from the war at that time. There he met a British volunteer who was recruiting people for the Ukrainian army. The volunteer needed people who had experience in handling weapons. Nat, who had previously been a Marine, was perfect for this.

In June 2022, Nate decided to join the Ukrainian army and headed for Donbass. Donbass is the area where the war was at its most dangerous. Nat became part of a volunteer battalion called “Da Vinci Wolves.” This battalion consisted mostly of foreign fighters who were fighting for the independence of Ukraine. Nat said that at that time the Ukrainian army was recruiting thousands of new soldiers every week, and the training was very basic. “Anyone who could pick up a weapon was taken,” Nate said.

Nate Vance On The Battlefield

Now imagine, a Texas boy, who used to work in an oil company, is now fighting on the most dangerous fronts of Ukraine. Nate Vance fought in areas like Kupiansk, Bakhmut, Avdeevka and Pokrovsk. These were places where death was a daily occurrence. His comrade Dmytro told “Le Figaro” that Nat was different from everyone else. “He was older than us. Once he went to the shooting range, picked up an AK-47 without the help of a target, and hit the target 800 meters away five times. Everyone was laughing, but when they saw the result, everyone stopped laughing.”

Nate had a cool and calm nature. He did not panic even on the battlefield. He was part of the “Honor” company, which carried out the most difficult missions. Nat fought in Ukraine for about two and a half years. He stayed there for three years, and in January 2025 he returned to the US. But the reason for coming back was also big, he was afraid that if he was caught, his life could be in danger.

J.D. Vance and Nate Vance

Now let’s talk about the relationship between Nate Vance and his cousin J.D. Vance. J.D. Vance is the Vice President of America today. He is known for his book “Hillbilly Elegy” and his strong statements in politics. But the paths of Nate and J.D. are completely different. While J.D. spoke against giving aid to Ukraine, Nate was fighting there risking his life.

Nate told “Le Figaro” that J.D. was very angry when he criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and talked about stopping American aid. In February 2025, J.D. and President Donald Trump had a heated argument with Zelensky at the White House. Nate called it a “bad faith attack.” “I thought J.D. was doing something to please voters, but what happened to Zelensky was wrong,” Nate said.

What saddened Nate the most was that J.D. never tried to contact him. “I was there on the front. I could tell him the truth, without any selfish motive. But he never picked up the phone,” Nate lamented. Nate left several messages in J.D.’s office, but did not receive a response. “We are family, but that does not mean I will tolerate the death of my colleagues,” Nate said bluntly.

Nate Vance’s Thoughts

Nate believes that Trump and J.D. Vance are mistaken in thinking that Russian President Vladimir Putin can be appeased. “We are becoming useful idiots for Putin,” Nate said. According to him, Russia will never forget the American help given to Ukraine. Nate wants Ukraine to get more support, and he is still ready to help there.

Nate Vance’s life Lesson

Nate Vance’s story teaches us a lot. He is a person who put his life in danger, just because he wanted to stand up for what is right. His life is full of courage, passion, and the pain of separation from his family. He became a volunteer fighter from a Marine, and even today he is firm on his words.

Conclusion

So friends, how did you like this story of Nate Vance? A Texas boy, who jumped into the war in Ukraine, and is fighting his own cousin for the truth. His life tells us that the path of truth and courage is not easy, but those who walk on this path make history. If you liked this story, then do share your thoughts. And yes, do not forget to salute people like Nate Vance, who risk their lives for others!