Nathaniel Cunningham — Honored Combat Veteran
Cunningham was raised in Faribault. He served honorably in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard, rising to the rank of staff sergeant and specializing as a cryptologic linguist and Washington state’s language manager with the 341st Military Intelligence Battalion, as well as serving in the Minnesota National Guard, training and equipping soldiers in the 334th BEB.
Cunningham deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, with just under 1,000 combat missions as an intelligence operator and collector. He also served in Operation Inherent Resolve, serving overseas with the Special Operations Joint Task Force as a collection manager for Iraq, Jordan and Syria. Across 17 years of service, he earned numerous distinctions, including the Joint Service Commendation Medal, multiple Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medals, the Global War on Terrorism medals and the Iraq Campaign Medal. He also earned the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency.
Among his honors is the Army Commendation Medal with “V” device for valor, awarded for saving his commander’s life under dangerous conditions. Today, Cunningham, his wife Sommer, and their five children continue their commitment to his hometown through Mighty Fine! Coffee Co., helping strengthen community connections and support the people of Faribault.
