CPL Russell Nelson

Montrose, CO

On May 28, 2008, on his second combat deployment, Corporal Nelson was serving as a Cavalry Scout with the 3rd Battalion, 139th Infantry Regiment, attached to the 3rd Infantry Division in Iraq, when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED). He sustained severe injuries to his head and eyes, resulting in blindness and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

He was medically evacuated to Landstuhl, Germany, where he underwent surgery and treatment for nearly two months. Stateside, he spent several days at Andrews Air Force Base before receiving the remainder of his extensive treatment and rehabilitation at Fort Knox. Russell currently has 5% vision in his left eye, no vision in his right eye, and attends annual pressure checkups to help preserve his remaining vision.

Russell and his wife, Margaret, are the proud parents of five children: Elijah, Russell IV, Michael, Sarah, and Lucy. Russell is an active member of the Knights of Columbus and Guitars for Vets, and he serves as treasurer of his local Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapter. He attends Bible study biweekly and coaches his son’s grade school football team each fall. His lifelong passion is classic cars, with a particular love for restoring them and building engines.

Originally from Florida, Russell is choosing to build his home in Colorado for the lifestyle.

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