Alaska National Guard’s senior enlisted leader takes the road less travelled and goes the distance

Photo By 1st Lt. Marisa Lindsay | Command Chief Master Sgt. Paul Nelson, the senior enlisted leader for the Alaska National Guard, alongside Brig. Gen. Laurie Hummel, commander of the Alaska National Guard, and other AKNG leadership, listen as Alaska Territorial Guardsman and community elder, Wesley Atkin, leads Soldiers and locals in the singing of ‘My Country ‘Tis of Thee,’ during the cultural day event held at the Inupiat Heritage Center in Barrow, April 6, 2016. The cultural exchange marked the conclusion of a vigorous week of annual training by Guard members assigned to the Anchorage-based 297th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, Alaska Army National Guard.  

AK, UNITED STATES

07.08.2016

Story by Sgt. Marisa Lindsay 

Alaska National Guard Public Affairs   

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Command Chief Master Sgt. Paul Nelson recently became the command senior enlisted leader of the Alaska National Guard, after replacing Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Hildreth in February.

Prior to being selected by Brig. Gen. Laurie Hummel, commander of the Alaska National Guard, Nelson served as command chief for the 176th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard.

As the command senior enlisted leader, it is Nelson’s responsibility to oversee the health, welfare, development and quality of life for more than 4,100 Guard members who make up the Alaska National Guard.

“I’m really happy that General Hummel has executed this position, because not all adjutants general have done so,” explained Nelson. “There are approximately 38 senior enlisted leaders within the 54 states and territories.”

As Nelson has settled into the job — recently passing the 100-day mark — he has also been writing his own job description to ensure his efforts support the adjutant general’s vision, while being a voice for the enlisted force.

“I am essentially writing the job into the future,” chuckled Nelson, who, as a career pararescueman, has had a job history of making long-lasting and life-altering impacts on his organization and community. “I’m creating the structure for this position and for what this position will do for our organization, not only now, but 10, 20 and 50 years down the line.”

Throughout his influential career, Nelson’s wife, Meredith, of 27 years, has been right at his side, along with his children, Tech. Sgt. Colton Nelson with the 176th Operations Group and Carson, who will graduate soon with her nursing degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Nelson also has four other extended family members who are enlisted Airmen in the 176th Wing.

“We are definitely a military family, there is no doubt about it,” described Nelson.

• Date Taken: 07.08.2016
• Date Posted: 07.08.2016 21:52
• Story ID: 203481
• Location: AK, US