Three Years: Remembering LCpl Travis Nelson
August 18, 2014
Today marks the three year anniversary of the death of local Cpl. Travis M. Nelson. LCpl. Nelson gave all on the battlefields of Afghanistan on August 18, 2011.
A world was shattered at the Nelson home in Bratt as three men in military uniforms stood at the door. “I just screamed and said no,” Beckie Nelson of Bratt said shortly after she learned that her son, LCpl Travis Nelson, was shot and killed while conducting combat operations in in Helmand province, Afghanistan. “I just went to my knees and said don’t let them come in. I knew right away that he was gone.”
It was a tragedy that began a wave an emotions and events that touched the entire North Escambia area and a nation. The community grieved as hundreds if not thousands changed their Facebook profile pictures to a single image in honor of Nelson. Tears flowed as powerful photos were published that showed an honor guard removing Nelson’s flag-draped coffin from a plane at Dover AFB in Delaware.
The rain poured down at Pensacola Naval Air Station a few days later as the final leg of Nelson’s journey home began. The rain did not send them running; they stood silently — many holding American flags — as the hearse carrying an American hero departed on a 55-mile journey to Atmore. Along the way, some of Pensacola’s busiest roadways came to a complete standstill as the motorcade passed. Many motorists stood outside their vehicles and paid their respects. In Walnut Hill, just a few miles from Nelson’s boyhood home in Bratt, the motorcade slowed as it approached Ernest Ward Middle School. Nelson was Golden Eagle, attending Ernest Ward in the sixth and seventh grades.
Hundreds of Ernest Ward Middle School students and teachers dressed in red, white and blue lined Highway 97, American flags in hand, waiting for the arrival of the motorcade.
As the procession passed, the students stood with their hands over their hearts, waving Old Glory. The thunder of 127 Patriot Guard motorcycle riders vibrated the ground and echoed across the country fields near the school.
Six Florida Highway Patrol trooper vehicles led the hearse past the school. Many students broke down in tears at the sight of a flag draped coffin. Others cried as they made eye contact with Nelson’s parents and their daughter — a sixth grader at Ernest Ward.
The motorcade continued into Atmore, where crowds stood along the route, waving Old Glory. At a local bank on Highway 31, people stood with large flags as the Northview High School NJTROC stood steadfast at attention. Across the way at the iconic Atmore train station, a group of local veterans stood proudly and saluted as Nelson’s remains passed.
Nelson’s funeral was held in Atmore where, again, hundreds paid their final respects.
Nelson was not forgotten. His name was added to the Walnut Hill Veterans Wall of Honor and other area memorials. A scholarship was announced. The Bratt Community Park was renamed the LCpl. Travis M. Nelson Park. Nelson’s family was honored at the annual Veterans Day program at Ernest Ward Middle School.
LCpl Travis Nelson left behind a short, simple note just in case he did return from the battlefield in Afghanistan.
“Dear friends and family, if you are reading this, I didn’t get to come home. I love each and every one of you. I have no regrets, I died for a meaningful cause.”
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Young Marines Honor The Memory Of LCpl Travis M. Nelson
August 17, 2014
A young Travis Nelson of Bratt grew up in a military family and had two things on his mind — fishing and growing up to join the military.
He lived that dream, spending many days at his favorite fishing spots. At 14, he joined the Young Marines of Pensacola. By age 19, he had made it from Bratt to the front lines in Afghanistan as a United States Marine. It was there in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, that LCpl Travis M. Nelson lost his life in August 2011 defending the freedom of his family, friends and the America he loved so much.
Saturday, the Young Marines of Pensacola gathered at the LCpl Travis M. Nelson Park on Highway 4 in Bratt, near Nelson’s childhood home, to honor one of their own that paid the ultimate price.
The Young Marines, boys and girls ages 8 to 18, stood silently at attention as a wreath was placed at the park’s memorial to Nelson. Then they posed for a photo, the Young Marines and the memorial to a fallen Marine.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Improvement Association Provides Free School Supplies
August 17, 2014
The Cantonment Improvement Committee’s annual Back to School Bash was held Saturday. The event included free school supplies and a hot lunch at Carver Park.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: Northview Tribal Beat Band Car Wash
August 17, 2014
Members of the Northview High School Tribal Beat Band held a car wash Saturday morning in Century. The band members will held another car wash next Saturday, August 23, at Marvin’s Home Improvement on Lindberg Avenue in Atmore. Proceeds from the events go toward the band’s expenses, such as travel.
Pictured: A Northview High School Tribal Beat Band car was Saturday morning in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos by Bethany Reynolds, click to enlarge.
Molino ‘Day Of Hope’ Provides Free School Supplies, Groceries, Haircuts And More
August 17, 2014
A free “Day of Hope” provided free school supplies, food and an encouraging word Saturday in Molino.
Hundreds of people lined up outside Victory Assembly of God Church on Highway 29 to wait for a backpack, groceries and free haircuts. Church members met with each attendee and offered prayer and words of encouragement for the upcoming school year.
“It turned out to be a very big day,” Victory Assembly Pastor Jeff McKee said. “We have been able to help a lot of people.”
The church also provided a free lunch for attendees.
Pictured top: Just a few of the hundreds that lined up for free school supplies and free groceries Saturday at Victory Assembly in Molino. Pictured inset: Picking out a free Hello Kitty backpack. Pictured below: Getting a free back to school haircut. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate High School Showband Offers Preview Show
August 15, 2014
After a summer of hard work, the Tate High School Showband of the South held a Preview Night Thursday at Pete Gindl Stadium for parents and friends. This will be a big year for the band; in addition to Friday night performances, the Showband is headed to the 2014 Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia. Photo by Paula Cawby for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
A Blessed School Year: Prayer Walk Held At Molino Park Elementary
August 14, 2014
The annual back to school Prayer Walk was held Wednesday evening at Molino Park Elementary School. Students and adults from Highland Baptist Church prayed for the Lord’s blessings on the upcoming school year.
Prior to the prayer walk, volunteers worked to clean up the school grounds.
Pictured: A student prayer walk Wednesday evening at Molino Park Elementary School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Coming Soon: Fall Tomato School
August 14, 2014
UF/IFAS Extension Gulf Coast Small Farms & Alternative Enterprises will present “Fall Tomato School” beginning next month. The evening workshops are intended for farmers who are interested in learning about small farm tomato production.
The course will combine lectures with hands-on activities with a course notebook at the West Florida Research & Education Center in Jay. The school will include topics such as transplanting, varieties, nutrition, diseases, staking, insect scouting, harvesting, storage and marketing. Classes will be held 6-7:30 p.m. on September 2 and 23, and October 7 and 28. The cost is $20 per class or $60 for the four-course series, payable at the first session.
To register, or for more information, call the UF/IFAS Extension Santa Rosa Office at (850) 623-3868.
Free Farm Share Food Giveaway Planned For Saturday In Century
August 13, 2014
A free food giveaway will be held Saturday in Century.
Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida, the AmeriCorps Coalition of Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties and Farm Share will host the free food distribution event for residents of Century and Florida residents North Escambia area (including Walnut Hill, Bratt, Molino, Cantonment and Jay) on Saturday at The Habitat Building (former middle school) at 150 East Pond Street. (This is a change of location from the originally announced Showalter Park.)
The event will begin at 10 a.m. and will continue while supplies last or until noon. Assisted by volunteers, Farm Share will distribute fresh produce, water and canned foods for up to 300 families in need. All participants must have a valid photo identification.
Pictured top: Volunteers help distribute food during a previous Farm Share event in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
West Florida Library’s Bookmobile Back In Service
August 13, 2014
A bit of good news today for residents that don’t want to make the trek all the way to their nearest library — the West Florida Library Bookmobile is back in service. The Bookmobile had been out of service since July 21.
The Bookmobile makes regular stops throughout Escambia County. Anyone with a West Florida Library card may visit the library on wheels and check out books, CDs, and DVDs from the selection of thousands on board. Patrons may also reserve materials online to be picked up on the Bookmobile’s next stop. Materials may be returned to the Bookmobile or to any library branch location.
Library card applications are also available from the Bookmobile driver.
The Bookmobile schedule below, provided by the West Florida Library, shows stops for the remainder of the year. Click the schedule to enlarge and print.
