United States Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel • Line of Duty Death: August 25, 2023

United States Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Andrew John “Simple Jack” Mettler passed away on August 25, 2023 when his F/A-18 jet crashed.

Mettler was born in Detroit, Michigan and grew up in both Detroit and Marietta, Georgia. He grew up in a loving home with his younger siblings, Emily and Matt, and parents, Cheryl and Mike Mettler. His passion for flying and traveling began with his grandfather, having served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps/Air Force in WWII, his father’s service in the Navy, and his mother’s career working for Delta Airlines. As a child, his hobbies included legos and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Throughout his life, he loved playing baseball, both as a child and club in college. Mettler met his partner, Nancy, while in college at Georgia Tech. They often dreamed of a post-military summer road trip to all the major ball fields with their children, who enjoyed going to as many games as possible.

Mettler always wanted to fly, but he also wanted to serve. He wholeheartedly believed in the ethos of Corps, living his life with honor, integrity and sacrifice while doing something he loved for the good of others. Therefore, he knew the USMC was the perfect fit for him. After graduating from Georgia Tech in 2007, he went to Officer Candidate School. While being a part of the military, he loved to soar above the skies, having a blast and continuously learning and improving his skills. Mettler loved his career so much, he even would volunteer to go on an aircraft carrier and perform carrier ops and night traps with little comfort and communication with home. Certain flights throughout his service were extra special to Mettler, next to his family, those were his greatest joy. Mettler reached over 15 years of honorable service and was honored to be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. He waited an additional week to return home for his children to do the honor of pinning his promotion, yet that day unfortunately never came. While on a training excursion, Mettler was flying in San Diego when his F/A-18 crashed on approach back to MCAS Miramar.

Nancy currently lives in South Carolina in her family’s dream home. Finally back east, they are closer to their families and college friends, where they originally intended to raise their children. Although Mettler had little time to make memories with them at this home, Nancy is carrying out their dream. She and her kids enjoy carrying on their loved one’s memory together by entertaining in their home, cooking and gathering to carry on the legacy of an open door and loving space. Nancy hopes to turn her husband’s legacy into a way to serve others. With that, she remains involved with the squadron and her children’s schools. In the future, she hopes to travel the world with her children. She is excited to find joy in her children and live as her husband would, for his honor and her children. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s gift of a mortgage-free home has lifted a burden for Nancy and allowed her to focus on her grieving children rather than impending bills. This gives Nancy time to figure out what comes next for them while navigating back into the workforce and rebuilding their future. She is eternally grateful and humbled by the magnitude of the Foundation’s support. Nancy would like people to know how pure of heart her husband was. Mettler wished well of everyone and always assumed the best of everyone. He was so good and genuine at making those in his life feel loved and seen. Nancy says that he was thoughtful and true, and absolutely the best husband and father.

United States Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Andrew John “Simple Jack” Mettler is survived by his wife, Nancy, and children, Luke, Hannah, and Ethan.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage of the Mettler family home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.