National Guardsman honored for ultimate sacrifice

Photo By Angela Fry | A shadow box honoring the memory of Louisiana Army National Guardsman Sgt. Craig L. Nelson of Bossier City, La., is displayed in the Sgt. Craig Nelson Ceremony Room at the Shreveport, La., Military Entrance Processing Station. Nelson was mortally wounded in 2004 by an improvised explosive device in Baghdad, while serving with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 156th Armor Regiment. This sacrifice was recognized in a dedication ceremony at the Military Entrance Processing Station in Shreveport, La., as the Sgt. Craig Nelson Ceremony Room was unveiled for future recruits of the U.S. Armed Forces to take their formal oath of enlistment.  

PINEVILLE, UNITED STATES

07.10.2009

Story by 2nd Lt. Angela Fry 

Louisiana National Guard

PINEVILLE, La. — Family, friends and fellow Soldiers gathered for a poignant ceremony to honor the memory of Louisiana Army National Guardsman Sgt. Craig L. Nelson in Shreveport, La., July 10.

The Bossier City, La., native, was mortally wounded in 2004 by a roadside bomb in Baghdad, while serving as a scout in the reconnaissance platoon with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 156th Armor Regiment. This sacrifice was recognized in a dedication ceremony at the Military Entrance Processing Station in Shreveport, La., as the Sgt. Craig Nelson Ceremony Room was unveiled for future recruits of the U.S. Armed Forces to take their formal oath of enlistment.

According to Maj. Steven T. Downey, local commander of MEPS, Nelson was the first Soldier who processed into the military through Shreveport to pay the ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country. But to Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, adjutant general of the LANG, the primary reason for honoring Nelson was his dedication and true American spirit.

"Today, we come together to honor the sacrifice of Sgt. Craig Nelson," said Landreneau.

As an emotional Landreneau addressed a capacity-filled room including Nelson's mother, Lois J. Nelson; sister Carly Nelson-Thompson, brother-in-law Tommie Thompson, nephew Cade Thompson and close friends, he described Nelson's courage and dedication to duty.

"He is an American hero," the adjutant general stressed. "I remember well the day we received the news of this tragedy. But as I stand here today, I am filled with pride as we honor his memory."

"It is fitting to have a plaque in this room where so many recruits raise their hand just as Sgt. Nelson did eight years ago," he continued. "He lives on in our hearts and in our memories."

Many Soldiers with whom Nelson served with in Iraq were also on hand to pay homage to their fallen comrade.

"He always wanted to join the military," remembered Sgt. 1st Class Eric Lee of Minden, La. "He was a great Soldier...always working on his equipment and keeping everyone around him motivated."

Lee, who is assigned to B Troop, 2-108th Cavalry Squadron, formerly the 1-156th, explained his pride of serving with Nelson.

"I just want to tell everyone that I was his section sergeant because it's such an honor just to be associated with him," Lee said. "He is truly a hero. If there was ever anyone in this country who joined the military for purely selfless service, it was Craig."

• Date Taken: 07.10.2009
• Date Posted: 07.22.2009 15:18
• Story ID: 36673
• Location: PINEVILLE, US