Lt. Col. Gary E. Nelson

[ironputts]

October 5, 2021

Lt. Col. Gary E. Nelson
Jacksonville Composite Squadron
Florida Wing

On the evening of September 9th 2021, Gary Nelson passed away at Mayo Clinic due to Covid complications at the age of 59. He was surrounded by friends and family.

Gary was born in Virginia Beach on January 18, 1962, the eldest son of Raymond and Betsy Nell Nelson. He is survived by his children, Charles Nelson (33) and Joseph Nelson (20); his daughter-in-law, Tori Kemper (26); his younger brother, Brad; and nephews, Duncan, Logan and Jacob.

Gary always put others first. He was a Christian and tried to live a Godly life. Gary served in the Air Force with distinction and retired after 30 years and 30 days with the ranking of Colonel. Gary served both at home and abroad. He actively participated in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He served in Honduras protecting the base from rebels. He was deployed to Afghanistan, and to Saudi Arabia and Baghdad twice. Between his active-duty tours, Gary guarded nuclear weapons at Warner-Robins, commanded a squadron at Naval Station New Orleans and was assigned dually to command the 45th Security Forces Squadron and U.S. Space Force Command. Prior to retirement from the Air Force, Gary was stationed at the Pentagon. He earned Outstanding Officer of the Year five times, and received the Bronze Star for his service in Baghdad. Gary was recognized by the Prince and Leader of Saudi Arabia on his second tour there. During his career, he earned more recognition and awards than can be listed here.
Gary joined the Civil Air Patrol Search and Rescue Squadrons from the at age of 12, where he received pilot training; and had his first solo flight at the age of 16, receiving his pilot's license soon thereafter. Gary used this training to obtain several commuter pilot positions, flying from Key West to the Bahamas. He was employed with Flight Safety International in Vero Beach Florida, where he trained people from all over the world. (This is where he met and married his wife, Elizabeth Marie Pirke.) He was transferred to Dothan, Alabama where he taught Army helicopter pilots to fly twin engine aircrafts and was also reserve deputy sheriff.
In 1993, Gary's family of three (soon to be four) moved to Jacksonville, FL, where he was accepted to the Police Academy. He was a dedicated and respected police officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, earning the rank of Sargent. Gary was in command of several different sectors,  including Community Affairs. He retired after 26 years of service. He had several notable recognitions during his service, including one for saving a man's life.

Throughout Gary's life he also volunteered with the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) where he helped shape young lives in drill and ceremonies; search and rescue; pilot training; and computer cyber. He commanded the Jacksonville Composite Squadron for 4 years where served on both Group and Wing Staff. While serving with those groups he was also an incident commander and check pilot.

During retirement Gary spent most of his time with CAP, enjoying time with his sons, Chuck and Joe, and having new projects including his planes and drones. He attended Paramedic school in New Hampshire and several classes at The National Emergency Services Academy.