The U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command honored one of its fallen Soldiers during a Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Belvoir, Va., May 21.
Spc. Joshua N. Nelson, of the 297th Military Intelligence Battalion, 513th MI Brigade, who was killed in action in Zabul province, Afghanistan, Sept. 16, 2012, was honored for his courage and sacrifice.
During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Stephen G. Fogarty, INSCOM's commanding general, highlighted Nelson's accomplishments -- referring to the 22-year-old as truly remarkable and a hero.
"Spc. Nelson was beginning his career of service -- one dedicated to defending us, his family and friends and countless millions of citizens he never met," Fogarty said. "He died while deployed, where he was providing the vital intelligence that has allowed so many Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, Sailors and civilians to return home safely to their loved ones."
Attending the ceremony from Williamston, N.C., as INSCOM's special guests were Nelson's mother, Kathy Glover, and other family members.
Nelson entered the Army in March 2011, and reported to Fort Jackson, S.C., for basic training. He received his advance individual training as a signals intelligence analyst at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas.
Upon completion of training, Nelson arrived at Fort Gordon, Ga., in December 2011, where he was selected for training as a member of the multi-functional mobile signals intelligence team and deployed to Afghanistan in May 2012.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NATO Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
"You can tell by Spc. Nelson's example the type of men and women that serve in INSCOM," said Fogarty. "Our Soldiers and civilians who have volunteered during this time of war are the strength of this command, as they are the strength of the Army and the strength of the nation. INSCOM Soldiers are currently deployed in over 30 countries around the world, providing the vital intelligence required to enable our combat commanders and national decision makers."
During the ceremony, Fogarty paid tribute to the command's fallen Soldiers, as well as the more than 6,600 service members who have given their lives and more than 50,000 service members who have been wounded in action since Sept. 11, 2001.
"Since 9/11, 15 INSCOM Soldiers have been killed in action," Fogarty said. "Their names along with the names of 13 other former INSCOM Soldiers are inscribed on the memorials in front of you serving as a constant reminder that freedom is not free."
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