CPL Russell Nelson

Montrose, CO

Inspired to carry on his family’s legacy of military service, Russell Nelson enlisted in the Army in 2000.

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-Catherine, and Lucy. Russell is a member of the Knights of Columbus and Guitars for Vets. 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.

In his current, non-adapted home, Russell faces significant challenges navigating cramped, poorly lit spaces. A specially adapted custom HFOT home designed with smart technology, automatic door openers, and a single-level open floor plan will enable him to move safely, independently, and confidently throughout his living environment.

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

Russell is sincerely thankful to HFOT donors and supporters for their unwavering support and transformative impact on his life. “A home from HFOT will provide me an opportunity to pursue a new purpose and a purpose of communal independence for my family that I hope starts a domino effect for generations to come. As a result, please know that in helping me, you are also rejuvenating a weary family in faith, love, and hope,” he says.

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