Documentary tells about La Grange's 9-11 connection

A local filmmaker is bringing to light a powerful and largely untold La Grange story connected to September 11—one that is now coming home to the very community where it began.

John Scaletta of Motion Source Studio in Brookfield has completed a new documentary, 'Nasty', about the life of Lt. Col. Daniel Nash—a La Grange resident and 1984 graduate of Lyons Township High School who was scrambled from Otis Air National Guard Base on the morning of 9/11 to intercept the hijacked American Airlines Flight 11.

While the mission ended that day, the impact of that morning stayed with Nash for the rest of his life.

The film explores not only what Nash experienced during the attacks, but also the lasting effects he quietly carried afterward. Through interviews with his brother Brendan Nash, a fellow Air Force pilot, and close friends—including local Pet Parade historian and MC, Marty Dunne—the documentary sheds light on the often unseen toll of service and the long shadow of trauma faced by many veterans.

Following Nash’s passing in 2021, his hometown of La Grange honored him during its 75th annual Pet Parade—a tradition he loved since childhood—when his 1984 classmates created a scrappy, yet heartfelt tribute float. That moment of remembrance became a turning point for many in the community, deepening their understanding of his story.

The film will premiere at the historic La Grange Theatre on Wednesday, May 13, with screenings at 5:30 PM, 7:00 PM, and 8:30 PM. A second screening is also being planned at Lyons Township High School in late May.

Scaletta says the premiere location carries special meaning: it’s the same theater Nash would walk to as a kid to watch matinees with his siblings, and later attend regularly throughout his high school years with friends.“It seems fitting to premiere his film where he watched movies as a child,” he said.

The film itself is a deeply local effort, created by Scaletta with contributions from more than 50 collaborators, including friends, family, classmates, pilots, camera and drone operators from Illinois and Massachusetts, and a musician discovered on YouTube. The film also features a powerful tribute tradition honoring fallen pilots—a piano set on fire as a symbol of remembrance.

Scaletta hopes the film not only honors Nash’s life but also helps raise awareness around PTSD and the lasting effects of service. Those interested in hosting a screening at a library, theater, or other venue are encouraged to contact Scaletta directly.

Website: nastyfilm.weebly.com/