ORLANDO - Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, personal courage are Army core values; the same core values Sgt. Peter Nelson embodies as he raises his right hand to take the oath for his re-enlistment of service. Nelson took the oath April 4 -- the anniversary date of Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith's sacrifice to our great Nation and the awarding of the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.
"I've seen the positive changes and progress we have made for the people of Afghanistan and Iraq. I've seen the smiles on the children's faces," said Nelson. "I am proud to re-enlist and be a part of the greater good."
Nelson has served his country for 19 years. Prior to his injury, Nelson was attached to the 364th Civil Affairs Battalion at Fort Bragg N.C., and deployed to Afghanistan in April 2006. He was assigned to the Provincial Reconstruction Team in the Ghazni Province located approximately three hours south of the Capital of Afghanistan (Kabul). He served as the Non-Commissioned Officer Team Leader for the PRT Civil Affairs Team. His responsibilities included making certain the entire team had all their gear, equipment and necessary supplies required to be mission prepared as well as ensuring the weapons and vehicles were maintained and mission ready.
Nelson was assigned to the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command's Simulation and Training Technology Center in October 2007 as part of Community Based Health Care Organization during his recovery period. While at the STTC, Nelson has participated in numerous events including assisting at conferences, demonstrations of technology and assisting the center with the emergency response training for security and anti-terrorism exercise.
"The Wounded Warrior Program enables Soldiers to maintain an active role in the Army while receiving necessary medical care and therapy," said Col. Bruce Cornelison, commander CBCHO, Fla. "It is a great opportunity for Soldiers to share their knowledge and experiences while recovering."
Nelson recalls a wounded apache pilot's advice, 'Complacency is not an option...training, training, training, no matter how redundant will save your life.' This advice rang true for Nelson while on the battlefield. Nelson, stated, "The training we were given became instinctual rather than a cognitive thought. It is the training devices developed at the STTC that will save lives."
RDECOM is home to more than 18,000 military, civilian and contractor personnel who harness the potential of research, development and engineering for the Warfighter on a daily basis. For more information about RDECOM, STTC and other research and development elements, visit www.army.mil/rdecom.
Social Sharing