Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class (SEAL) Caleb A. Nelson, 26, of Omaha, Neb.
PO1 Nelson was assigned to an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit, Norfolk, Va., died Oct. 1, 2011 in Zabul province, Afghanistan after his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.
Fallen SEAL remembered as 'a cherished teammate'
The Associated Press
OMAHA, Neb. — A Navy SEAL who grew up in Omaha has been killed during combat patrol in Afghanistan, military officials confirmed Sunday.
Petty Officer 1st Class Caleb A. Nelson, 26, died Saturday when his vehicle was struck by an explosive device in Zabul province, according to the Department of Defense.
Nelson had been assigned to the Naval Special Warfare unit based in Norfolk, Va., since his graduation from SEAL training in 2006. A statement released by the unit said Nelson had been in Afghanistan since March. He’d previously been deployed to Iraq in 2009.
Capt. Tim Szymanski, commander of Naval Special Warfare Group Two, called Nelson “a cherished teammate, a gifted SEAL operator and a loving husband and father."
“His tireless professionalism, inspiring passion for life and his humble and selfless service to our country made him a role model for all who knew him,” Szymanski said. “... We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice that Caleb made while protecting our nation and his teammates.”
Nelson has received numerous awards and decorations for his military service, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Nelson is survived by his wife and two sons in Norfolk, Va., and his parents, who still live in Omaha.
Nelson grew up in Millard. He joined the Navy in 2005. He graduated SEAL qualification training in November 2006. PO1 Nelson deployed to Afghanistan in March. This was his second deployment, having previously deployed to Iraq in 2006.
Captain Tim Szymanski, commander of Nelson's unit said: “Caleb Nelson was a cherished teammate, a gifted SEAL operator, and a loving husband and father. His tireless professionalism, inspiring passion for life and his humble and selfless service to our country made him a role model for all who knew him.”
His family released this statement to the media:
"Caleb was a dedicated Christian, a loving husband and father, and a warrior elite. He was an example of strength and courage to all who knew him and in each of our lives he leaves a gaping hole words can't describe. Caleb received Christ as his Lord and Savior, and serving Him was the foundational motivation in Caleb's life.
"He strongly felt that God had directed him into the SEALs and had given him the skills to excel in that capacity and he accepted the challenges, pain and danger as part of God's plan for his life. He was driven to succeed in everything he did, hating mediocre, always striving to be the best he could possibly be. "Caleb was also a mentor, always challenging those around to improve themselves. He did this with such a winning way, that people loved him. He had a magnetic personality and a contagious enthusiasm, inspiring and captivating everyone around.
"Caleb was a dedicated husband and father, and being apart from his family was the most difficult aspect of his times away in training or deployment. He was a rock of strength to his wife even when he was thousands of miles away. Caleb was a patriot who loved his country and was thrilled to serve as a SEAL and loved nothing more than being active in his duties.
"Caleb leaves behind a legacy of courage, faith, and dedication. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends and by his fellow Navy SEALs whom he regarded as his brothers. His death is devastating to all of us, but because of his faith in Christ, we look forward to seeing him again someday in heaven."
"He was an example of strength and courage to all who knew him, and in each of our lives leaves a gaping hole words cannot describe," family spokesman Rod Grady said.
PO Nelson's awards and decorations include:Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Sea Service Ribbon(2), NATO Service Medal, Expert Rifle Ribbon, Expert Pistol Ribbon
PO1 Nelson was laid to rest at Voss Mohr Cemetery in Chalco, NE.
Survived by parents Barb and Larry; wife Anna and sons David and Kyle; siblings Alicia, Peter, Anna, Micah, Luke, Josiah, Levi and Grace. He was preceded in death by brother, Jonathan.
Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class (SEAL) Caleb A. Nelson was killed in action on 10/01/11.
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