From: Nancy Smoyer
Sent: October 23, 2017
Subject: Contributions in honor of Bob Nelson
But what about making it as a group donation, Bob? I think that would be a greater tribute to Bob than individual donations. People on the committee would realize that his impact was broader than they might have realized. (Fairbanks has a 501(c)3 status as well, which accepts donations so it's not surprising that Anchorage and others do too.)
Nancy
From: Michael Kumm
Sent: October 21, 2017
Subject: Bob Nelson
From Bob’s daughter:
There are no words to describe our heavy hearts. My dear father passed away this afternoon. He was the finest man and the greatest father. He was the best. Everyone that knew him loved him. There was not a day that would go by without some stranger telling us how much Dad did for them or how he saved a life, and he was called “hero” in more conversations then I could ever count. Dad did so much for everyone. It would be an understatement to say that he will be missed. ????
I am deeply saddened. Yet, I am glad he has been relieved of his burdens and pain.
“Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace.....”
Rev Michael Kumm, Ph.D
From: Rick Fulton
Sent: October 21, 2017
Subject: Passing of CSM Bob Nelson
Thank you Jim. I know he valued the time spent with the AFVN network early in his career. I was in 7AF Directorate of Information Combat News Branch as a photojournalist a bit after his time over there (1967-1969, back to back tours) and we did some visiting about Vietnam when we were both in Korea in the early 1980s. He was then the CSM of the AFKN network organization and I was a writer with USFK PAO. In retirement we stayed in touch some, and were able to visit once up in Anchorage. I liked Bob Nelson as a fellow military journalist and Public Affairs professional, but much more as just a colleague and friend. He will be missed.
Rick Fulton
Pittsburg, Kansas
From: Nancy Smoyer
Sent: October 23, 2017
Subject: Bob Nelson
I should add that he was very supportive of me when I worked here at the Vet Center--support that was much needed in dealing with personnel issues, not the clients.
Nancy
From: Terry Oliver
Sent: October 22, 2017
Subject: Regret to Inform You -- CSM Bob Nelson USA (Ret)
it’s been a bad mortality month for people whom I know. Sad to learn about Bob. A truly dedicated veteran.
Terry
From: Rick Fredericksen
Sent: October 21, 2017
Subject: Bob Nelson
I didn't know Bob, but I wish I had. Here's the last graph of his MACOI bio.
"Bob has a unique philosophy in regard to life and to America, and he can state it quite forcefully and quite succinctly. 'There are no free rides,' he says. 'You have to earn your keep. It is a privilege to live in our country, but it is a privilege that entails responsibility. If you aren't involved in helping to make it better and to help people along the way, basically you're a parasite.'"
Rick
From: Bob Morecook
Sent: October 24, 2017
Subject: Bob Nelson Obituary
Thank you for posting this Steve Bob was a great guy.
Bob Nelson's Obituary from the Alaska Dispatch News
[Received from Stephen Ashley]
From: Mike Jackson
Sent: October 21, 2017
Subject: CSM Bob Nelson
This was posted on the American Forces Network, Europe's Yahoo Group [Need to sign in.] board about Bob Nelson:
Passing of Command Sergeant Major Robert Nelson Sat Oct 21, 2017 4:41 pm (PDT) . Posted by: "Ral Aars" ralaars
Just received the following sad news from a member of our Public Affairs team in Korea in the early 80''s. CSM Robert Nelson was the first shirt at AFKN during that time, when member of this group Zack Fowler was the Commander. CSM Nelson was one of the all time best.
Ral
Wiesbaden 64-66
Berlin 66-69
Los Angeles 72-75
Korea 82-84
From: Preston Cluff
Sent: October 22, 2017
Subject: Bob Nelson
Here is Bob's home address for those who desire to forward condolences to his wife, Barbara, and family:
7436 HENNINGS WAY
ANCHORAGE, AK 99504-4619
Preston
From: Rick Fulton
Sent: October 21, 2017
Subject: CSM Bob Nelson
Just learned Bob passed away at VA Hospital in Anchorage yesterday. Called his wife and Barb confirmed it. He was part of your group I think. He and I served together in Korea in 1980s. Good friend, very good man.
From: Dick Ellis
Sent: October 23, 2017
Subject: Bob Nelson
Stand Down sounds great to me....somebody look it up....post the address and my check is in the mail! I would suggest someone contact them and tell them to expect a few checks from AFVN and make sure it is all credited in Bob's name so they can notify Barb. I have been sending him cards each month....and had a Halloween card ready to go out this week.... I thought about it and write a note in it to Barb and the girls and mailed it anyhow... Bob would have gotten a good laugh from it!
dickie
Individual Photo Albums & Stories
Bob Nelson SFC, USA
Newsroom, Saigon 1965-66
NCOIC, Broadcast Operations, Saigon 1972
Condolences upon his passing in October 2017
From: Bob Morecook
Sent: October 24, 2017
Subject: Contributions in honor of Bob Nelson -- ADDRESS FOR GROUP DONATION BELOW
Hi Nancy and all I am glad to be the person who organizes this -- for those who want to make a group donation! If you do send the check to me [address below] but made out to Stand Down Alaska -- and I will forward all with an appropriate cover letter. I would like to send these in on Nov 3 -- so that allows about ten days for anyone who wants to send me a check, can do so.
Respectfully
Bob Morecook -- 4615 Meadow Green Dr -- Sugar Land TX 77479 Phone 281 265 8060 [home land line]
From: Bob Morecook
Sent: November 14, 2017
Subject: Written Contribution to Legacy Book Honoring Bob Nelson
From- Brian Nelson...
Bob Nelson's 2nd son here. I believe you know about my father's recent passing and I'm hoping you can please spread the word if anyone would like to leave a note on his obituary page? We'll turn it into a book that we [will] give to my mother, so any comments/stories that anyone would like to share are appreciated. Thanks very much for helping me spread the word.
Kind regards,
Brian
From: Dick Ellis
Sent: November 14, 2017
Subject: Stand Down Alaska and Bob Nelson Contributions are Sent
I received an email from Brian, Bob's son who lives here in Raleigh. He spent a few nights with me when they were first moving down and looking for a house. He wanted to make sure I knew about his dad's passing. I wrote him back and brought him up to speed on all we were doing and about the Contributions. I will send him also a copy of this email. He got to see his dad several weeks ago before he started to fade. He then went back but was a couple of hours too late. He asked that I send all of our AFVN members a thank you for keeping up with his dad. I also told him about sending cards to Barb who would read them to Bob.
Dickie
From: Rick Fulton
Sent: October 22, 2017
Subject: Passing of CSM Bob Nelson
Lorella found some information on facebook but no obits have yet been printed in Anchorage newspapers.
The service is to be at St. Patrick's Parrish, 2111 Muldoon Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99504 at 10 a.m. Thursday, 26 October 2017, with a reception to follow, and then burial on Fort Richardson at 2 p.m.
The family is asking for donations in lieu of flowers. Bob's favorite group was STAND DOWN Inc, a veterans group, PO Box 92135, Anchorage, Alaska 99502
This information is from Brandi and from Brad on Facebook. As soon as I can find an obituary will forward it. USA OCPA and PA association, Korea PAO folk, AFN (AFVN Association) have been informed. Also sent a brief message to the USA CSM Academy.
Bob was just a good, good friend. Lorella and I are very sad.
Rick
From: Bob Morecook
Sent: October 22, 2017
Subject: Regret to Inform You -- CSM Bob Nelson USA (Ret)
I regret to inform you of the death of AFVN'er CSM Bob Nelson, US Army (Ret). Bob died Saturday October 21, 2017 of natural causes. He is survived by his wife Barb and their many, many children.
Bob was the last program director of AFVN during its final years -- 1972 and 1973 -- and was an SFC at the time. He was extremely competent, friendly, and an inspiration to all whose lives he touched. He went on to serve in a number of highly prestigious military positions before retiring as a Command Sergeant Major.
After his Army service he became very active in work with Veterans in Anchorage Alaska. He worked at the Veterans Rehabilitation Counseling Service and assisted veterans with a variety of problems there.
He founded an organization in Anchorage called Stand Down Inc Alaska. The family asks that in lieu of flowers that any donations be sent to it -- Stand Down Inc at PO Box 92135, Anchorage, AK 99502-2135.
MORE INFO about Stand Down Inc is available on Facebook at Click Here
Respectfully, Bob Morecook
(AFVN email group moderator)
From: Bob Morecook
Sent: November 14, 2017
Subject: Stand Down Alaska and Bob Nelson Contributions are Sent
Hello Fellow AFVN'ers,
I have sent our contributions to Stand Down Alaska in honor of Bob Nelson, totaling $900. I included a cover letter (Click Here) which I also sent to Barb Nelson, Bob's widow. Thank you Nancy for suggesting this joint project. And thank you all who decided to contribute in Bob Nelson's honor.
Best wishes Bob Morecook
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From: Nancy Smoyer
Sent: October 23, 2017
Subject: Bob Nelson
The Anchorage Stand Down is where I first met Bob 20 years ago. (You may remember my story about how he was chewing a guy out, in his face, which surprised me, to say the least. When I asked him about it, he explained that that was what that particular man needed to get the point across.) And I do the Stand Down here in Fairbanks, so I'm all in for that.
Nancy
From: Bob Morecook
Sent: October 23, 2017
Subject: Contributions in honor of Bob Nelson
Bob founded an organization in Anchorage called Stand Down Inc Alaska.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers that any donations be sent to it -- Stand Down Inc at PO Box 92135, Anchorage, AK 99502-2135.
MORE INFO about Stand Down Inc is available on Facebook at Click Here
Respectfully, Bob Morecook
From: Bill Altman
Sent: October 23, 2017
Subject: Bob Nelson
I'm also in. Whatever this group decides, I will support. I might mention that the family has asked that donations go to Stand Down, a veterans group in Anchorage that Bob helped create. Stand Down has a face book page. We might consider a joint donation in Bob's name to the Stand Down 501 (c) (3).
Bill
From: Forest Brandt
Sent: October 23, 2017
Subject: Bob Nelson
A Facebook posting from his family states that Bob has died. I’d like to suggest that we do something collectively to honor his service and his life. Perhaps a group gift to a favorite charity, a memorial brick, something that complete’s the collection from all of us to service and Bob?
Forrest
From: Bob Morecook
Sent: October 31, 2017
Subject: Contributions in honor of Bob Nelson
Hi All I have received contributions from five people so far in honor of Bob. At least three more are winging their way here to Texas from far, far away so I am going to wait until the middle of next week before sending them on to Stand Down Alaska.
If you would still like to make a contribution and have it joined with other AFVN'ers -- see below.
Make your check out to "Stand Down Alaska." Send it to me for forwarding to the organization with a letter stating it is in Bob Nelson's honor.
Robert Morecook, 4615 Meadow Green Drive, Sugar Land TX 77479
Best wishes, Bob
From: Stephen Ashley
Sent: October 21, 2017
Subject: Bob Nelson
I, like you Mike , knew Bob well in Vietnam. Although he was senior he was a trusted friend and made us lower ranks feel welcome and a lot more at ease. His wife will certainly get a sympathy car from me.
Steve
From: Preston Cluff
Sent: October 24, 2017
Subject: Contributions in honor of Bob Nelson
Bob: I pulled up Stand Down on line, but now like the idea of "group" effort you're attempting to put together. Will have a check in the mail to you tomorrow. So glad Jae and I had the opportunity to visit with Bob several times in July. We'll be staying in regular touch with Barb...and visiting...next year and when we return home permanently in 2019. She's just a few miles away.
Preston
From: Roy Burnette
Sent: October 23, 2017
Subject: Regret to Inform You -- CSM Bob Nelson USA (Ret)
A transfer to Post Everlasting. His tour at this duty station us over.
Roy Burnette
From: Randy Kafka
Sent: October 21, 2017
Subject: Bob Nelson
Funny event involving Bob.
During Gulf 1, I was assigned as the Geographical Commander for AFRTS matters in the area. Navy had been running it, and we knew that the Army turn was coming up soon, Army had an Air Force XO under then LtCol Bob Gaylord. I and a few of the Navy guys traveled from Bahrain to Riyadh to meet with them. We got there early and Col Gaylord was in a meeting, so Bob came in and he and I howdy'd and nodded and sat having coffee and Pepsi's. Somehow the subject of clowns came up, and Bob shared that he loved clowns and even had a costume and a registered clown face. I knew, and still to this day don't know very much about clowns, but was interested in what he was telling me. We then moved on to how they envisioned the working relationship between the Navy and the Army and the multi detachments around the AOR.
At this point the COL came in and we introduced everyone and then while making small talk, the COL asked if we all had known each other before. I said no, but I knew that Bob was a clown....well, that set the COL off that I would insult his SgtMaj that way. He roared up and I thought he was about ready to deck me, when Bob and I looked at each other and started to laugh, great gales of laughter.....the COL calmed down and Bob explained that he really was a clown. After that,, when he called over to Bahrain from Riyadh, if we did not connect, he would always leave the message that the clown called, and to call him back. I think he enjoyed confusing my YN. He had a good sense of humor.
From: Randy Kafka
Sent: October 21, 2017
Subject: Bob Nelson
Rev Mike,
I had the pleasure of working with Bob during Gulf 1. He ran the Army side and I ran the Navy side. For those of you that have a copy of Trent Christman's book "BRASS BUTTON BROADCASTERS" (Go to the Index to get a link to the book.) a picture of Bob and I can be found on page 193.
Later today I will post a funny story about Bob and I.
Rev, if you forward my condolences to Bob's daughter and family, I would appreciate it.
Randy
From: John Nowell
Sent: October 22, 2017
Subject: Passing of CSM Bob Nelson
Rick:
Thanks for the update on CSM Nelson. I have been speaking to folks (very few are here in Korea now) about both George and Bob. Many of the folks who worked at Yongsan are now working in Humphreys.
I will see the ComRel folks at PAO today as they were not in office on Friday when I dropped by. I want to see if they have a copy of the retirement write up they did on George in 2005 and any other photos of George with GOs that I may be able to copy as well.
I have drafted some input for the nomination and will forward to you later this week when I've gathered what I think we need to complete a nomination form for George. I want to ensure that what we put in the nomination will pass the board without question.
More later.
John