The Nelson Family
On 08/15/17 A Blackhawk helicopter crashed into the ocean off the coast of Hawaii during a training exercise. As the news and other media covered the story nationally, Staff Sgt. Michael Nelson and 4 other crew members where missing among the wreckage. Brittany, his wife, remained hopeful with their daughter Gabrielle and our family bound together and prayed for his safe return.
The fear of the unknown became a reality on 8/21/17 when the Army suspended the search and our hopes of Michael returning home sadly ended. This tragedy leaves our family with so many questions with an investigation that is still pending, but our dear Brittany is left to figure out a very tough situation she was abruptly put in due to the accident.
Michael thought the world of Brittany, and they loved each other very much. I witnessed it myself seeing them together during a family gathering and most recently through video chat after they moved to Hawaii when Michael was stationed there. Michael Nelson was a great Husband, Father, brother and friend. In his passing, he leaves behind his wife Brittany Nelson and their daughter Gabrielle Nelson of only 1 and a half.
Staff Sgt. Michael Nelson served his country well. He entered active-duty military service in July 2006 as a UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Repairer. He was assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Nelson's awards and decorations include the Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Army Good Conduct Medal with three loops, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon with award numeral 3, the NATO Medal, and the Aviation Badge. He deployed twice to Afghanistan.
As the tough reality sets in, expenses grow steadily in Michael’s unfortunate absence. This leaves a lot of uncertainty for his family as he was the sole provider for the household, having just recently moved to Hawaii and having a young daughter. Even more, there is only a short time to pack things up, relocate back to the states and find a home. So it goes without saying, help is needed and any help counts to contribute to a steady transition in this time of sudden change and uncertainty.
I’m writing this on behalf of my loved ones and I would do anything to help, but I know that it goes beyond me. So I ask humbly please help me help Brittany, Gabrielle and the family as we piece things together through this difficult and unimaginable time. I know Michael would be more then grateful for any support for his family and I speak for the entire family when I say we are thankful for anything that is given as it will all go to help with family expenses caused by this tragedy.
We love and miss you Michael and God bless you all.
