Nicholas Adam Day

SMSgt Nicholas Adam Day, age 37, passed away on 7/30/21 in Smithfield, VA. He was born in Tacoma, WA and joined the Air Force in 2002. He served 19 years and achieved rank of Senior Master Sergent. He married Stephanie Danielle Medrano (Dani) on September 19, 2020 in Franklin, VA. He was survived by his Wife Dani Day, Son Colby Day. His mother, Deena Zagorski and dad, Joseph Zagorski. His brothers Matthew Day and Hunter Zagorski. His Father-in-law Alex Medrano and Mother-in-law Scharon Medrano. Brothers-in law Alex and Brian Medrano. Sister-in-law Charlene Medrano. Father Darin Day and with many cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandparents. He enjoyed Mountain Biking in the Franklin Mountains and Angel Fire New Mexico. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and skiing. He was also a very avid gym rat. SMSgt Nicholas A. Day enlisted in the United States Air Force July 2, 2002 where he attended Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas starting a remarkable Air Force career. On August 19, 2002, SMSgt Day attended technical training at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. His hard work led to the successful completion of the Air Traffic Control Federal Aviation Administration credentialed course. SMSgt Day returned to Lackland Air Force Base, Texas where he obtained his first Air Traffic Control qualifications in the Tower facility. Three years later, SMSgt Day relocated back to Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi fulfilling the role as an Air Traffic Control Instructor. His expertise and instructor skill-sets aided the development of future controllers. On December 6, 2010, SMSgt Day was reassigned to Mountain Home, Air Force Base, Idaho and expeditiously obtained his Watch Supervisor qualifications. Additionally, his experience and attention to detail earned his leadership’s appointment to the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, Standardization and Evaluation. Furthermore, during this period SMSgt Day obtained his dual-qualification as an Air Traffic Controller within the Radar Approach Control Facility. Lastly, his demonstrated leadership and mentorship abilities led to his appointment to the Assistant Tower Chief Controller position. SMSgt Day continued his career progression as he relocated to Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea where he performed Tower Watch Supervisor duties in a remote location supporting Host Nation operations. After one year, SMSgt Day relocated to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware where he assumed the role as Assistant, Tower Chief Controller. His charismatic leadership, mentorship, and ability to manage facility operations stood out as his supervision appointed him as the Tower Chief Controller. After leading the Tower facility to success and to enhance his career progression, he was later appointed as the Assistant, Radar Approach Control Chief Controller. He then effectively led and mentored twice the number of controllers in a more challenging environment. On October 26, 2017, SMSgt Day was reassigned to Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico to fulfill the role as Tower Chief Controller. During this period, he attended Senior Enlisted Professional Education and was recognized as a Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy Distinguished Graduate. SMSgt Day on July 26, 2019 was selected and reassigned to Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia for his demonstrated expertise, leadership, and mentorship attributes throughout his career. SMSgt Day held the duty title of Division Superintendent and Superintendent Air Traffic Control Operations and Procedures. He mentored and led 67 division military and civilian personnel while executing oversight of Air Combat Command Air Traffic Control operations and procedures at 14 dislocated Air Force bases, 22 facilities, and 767 military and Department of Defense personnel. SMSgt Day stepped up and took on the lead role of the Airfield Operations Enterprise Contingency Operations Development and paved the future readiness capabilities of the Air Force. Nicholas was an amazing husband, father, son and brother. He was loved by many and will truly be missed. He was larger than life and always lived life to the fullest. The Celebration of Life will be held on 8/5/2021 between 5-7 PM at Shivers Funeral Chapel, 12749 Courthouse Highway, Smithfield, VA 23430. It is open to family and friends. He will be laid to Rest at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso, TX. Time and date of service to be determined. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Wounded Warrior Project. A Video Tribute For SMSgt Nicholas A. Day