‘I Died Doing Something Meaningful’ – Gold Star Mom Reflects On 10th Anniversary Of The Death Of LCpl. Travis M. Nelson In Afghanistan
August 18, 2021
Today marks the 10 year anniversary of the death of local LCpl. Travis M. Nelson, who gave his life in Afghanistan on August 18, 2011.
Tuesday evening, Gold Star Mom Beckie Nelson spoke with NorthEscambia.com about the last 10 years, her son’s sacrifice in Afghanistan and the Taliban’s recent takeover.
I Died Doing Something Meaningful.
And she shared with us a short, simple note LCpl Travis Nelson left behind in his field book just in case he did not return.
“Dear friends & family, If your reading this it seems I didn’t get to come home. I love each and every one of you and I want you to know I have no regrets. I died doing something meaningful.”
He died a few short weeks after writing that note.
Beckie Nelson clings to those words that provided her peace and understanding.
“We received Travis’ belongings weeks after the funeral. The emotions we felt as we opened the trunk are unexplainable. Still in disbelief, our hearts still in pieces, it was gut wrenching to say the least. When I saw this page I closed the book, laid down on his bed with it in my arms and I actually slept for the first time in weeks.”
Not For Nothing.
“It was years before I opened it again and even now as I see it, and with the crisis in Afghanistan today, it’s like I know without a doubt his sacrifice, his loyalty to his Marine brothers and their mission, was ‘not for nothing’. It was a huge ’something’ to Travis and those beside him.”
“I have such mixed emotions. We’ve known that we had to bring our troops home; that was inevitable. They had to come home,” she said. “I do feel bad about the administration now and the way it was handled, pulling them out without a plan. It’s just such a hard time right now.”
“It’s not for nothing. They did what they went there to do in training the Afghan people to hold their own. For Travis and others, it was their loyalty to country and service. I felt like his mission, their mission, accomplished so much. I definitely don’t think it was in vain.”
Growing Up With A Promise To His Mother
A young Travis Nelson grew up in Bratt, just two doors down from the modern day Travis M. Nelson Park that was named in his memory about a year after its 2010 opening.
He would play on those very grounds, shooting his BB gun and riding his go cart. His first love in his young life was fishing. At four years old, he would spend hours with relatives fishing on the Escambia River. No matter how old he got, he never gave up the love for a fishing pole and hook. He also loved playing baseball at Northwest Escambia’s Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill.
On Sept., 11, 2001, Travis Nelson was nine years old when America was attacked. He was not playing; he was fixated on the news.
And he made a promise that day. The kind of promise to a mother than a young man will do anything to uphold.
“I’ll never forget him saying ‘Momma, I will protect you. I will be soldier’,” Beckie Nelson said.
The family last saw Travis on July 13, 2011, as he deployed for Afghanistan. Their last phone conversation was Monday, August, 15, 2011, as he requested items for a care package.
That care package was still sitting by the front door three days later. It never made it to the mail.
August 18, 2011.
It was about noon on Thursday, August 18, 2011, at the Nelson home in Bratt.
An American flag fluttered in the breeze on the porch.
And three men in military uniforms stood at the door. Beckie Nelson knew what that meant.
“I just screamed and said no,” she said. “I just went to my knees and said don’t let them come in. I knew right away that he was gone.”
My Biggest Fear
The next day, Beckie Nelson sat in the middle of her bed with a laptop, reading the scores of reader comments on a NorthEscambia.com story about Travis Nelson’s death.
“He really was our hero,” she said, clutching a 5×7 photo of her son.
“I didn’t think I could see past that day. I felt like it would always be that day. I didn’t imagine that I could ever talk about it,” she said Tuesday evening. “But I can, and it has to do with the support groups, the military support groups, and the community support.”
She was remarkably strong as she talked about the heart wrenching pain of that day.
But during our interview, her voice broke.
“My biggest fear,” she said before pausing. “My biggest fear was that Travis would be forgotten. I was scared I was going to forget.”
A Fallen Marine Returns.
LCpl. Travis M. Nelson was never forgotten.
The rain poured down at Pensacola Naval Air Station August 24, 2011, as Nelson’s body arrived on the final leg of his journey home.
Outside the main gate of Pensacola NAS, people gathered to pay their respects to the young soldier. 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 a 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.
Several of Nelson’s middle school teachers were among the crowd that suddenly grew silent as the first sirens could be heard. 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 and teachers 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 — who was a sixth grader at Ernest Ward at the time.
“I look back at those pictures now,” Beckie Nelson said Tuesday evening. “Those pictures from the middle school. It meant so much. Those kids are now fathers, mothers, some are now serving in the military.”
My Travis.
“Travis knew at nine years old that nothing was going to hold him back. That was his heart’s desire,” Beckie Nelson said 10 years later. “That’s what he wanted to do with his life.”
“God had a greater plan for my Travis.”
Above: NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photo Gallery: First Day Of School In Escambia County
August 12, 2021
Wednesday was the first day of school in Escambia County.
For a gallery of parent submitted photos, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County 4-H Honors Members At Annual Awards Banquet
August 11, 2021
Escambia County 4-h celebrated at its annual banquet recently at the Langley Bell 4-H Center in Cantonment.
Over 70 guests participated in the celebration and recognition of Escambia County 4-H achievements in a fiesta theme setting.
Many awards were given out at the banquet to recognize the accomplishments of 4-H members. County council members and honored guests presented certificates, pins and awards.
Graduating seniors were recognized, and Jessica Conti, 2020-2021 County Council president, gave her retiring address. Escambia County 4-H also honored the members that made up the 2020-2021 County Council and inducted a new group of council officers for 2021-2022.
The new council officers are as follows: Taylor Anderson and Chloe B. as district delegates, Raimi Joseph as motivational leader, A.T. Bridgers as sergeant-at-arms, Madelyn Goss as parliamentarian, Alan B. as reporter, Tucker Padgett as treasurer, Kailee Dunlap as secretary, Ava Chauvette as vice president, and Gracie Meredith as president.
According to Brian Estevez, Escambia County 4-H Agent, the new officers were inducted in a lighting of the candle ceremony and were told that “good officers pledge their hands to the service of their 4-H council, its members, and the clubs they represent.”
There were 249 youth in Escambia County that were enrolled in one of 16 4-H Clubs. Six Escambia County 4-H members placed first in their respective divisions at state competitive events; and two judging teams won their respective state contests. More than 1,000 youth from Escambia County schools participated in at least 6 hours of 4-H programming.
“Escambia County 4-H would like to say thank you to all of the 4-H members, parents, sponsors, and guests that attended the 2021 4-H Awards Banquet,” said Estevez.
“The 4-H Awards Banquet was made possible with the donations from our many sponsors. Escambia County 4-H thanks you for your donations of money, time and effort to make the banquet possible,” said Aly Schortinghouse, Escambia County 4-H/Livestock Agent.
Ascend Cares Volunteers Repair, Expand Boardwalk Trail At Escambia Westgate
August 4, 2021
Volunteers from Ascend Cares Pensacola worked to repair and widen the boardwalk at Escambia Westgate School.
The repairs will allow students with limited mobility to have access to a wooded area where they can enjoy and learn about nature.
The work was one of Ascend Care’s 10th anniversary projects.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Takes The Chess Challenge To Homeless Camp Under I-110
August 2, 2021
Rafael Lopez of Cantonment loves the game of chess, and he is passionate about sharing that love.
Sunday, he set up his oversized chess board in what might seem like a very unlikely place — a homeless camp under I-110 in Pensacola.
Lopez was met by a large group of men and women that call the tent city home. It was hot, almost noon, when Lopez arrived.
“You could see the mood change instantly when we pulled up. Curiously at first, then once they knew we were there for good, many of them assisted me with putting the board together,” he said.
He supplied the pizza, doughnuts and water. And he gave away about 20 chess boards to those who wanted to play in the future.
“They asked me if I was going to come back and it’s hard for me to turn down a game of chess with anyone, so I agreed to another Sunday at the end of the month,” he said.
“The Chess Challenge” is Lopez’s charity. He said it will help the community by teaching better decisions through chess. He wants to create a “chess culture” in Escambia County and will fund a competitive tournament that will award a scholarship, cash or prizes.
“We brought a bunch of strangers at a homeless encampment together, and they were united through chess,” Lopez said.
Anyone that wants to help Lopez or participate in his next event can contact Lopez at RILopez818@gmail.com or call (850) 208-1996.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are The School Supply Lists For Escambia County Schools (And Save With Tax Free Week)
August 1, 2021
Here are the school supply lists for Escambia County.
Florida’s sales tax holiday is continuing through August 9. Most school supplies and clothing are tax exempt, including certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item; clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $60 or less per item; and the first $1,000 of the sales price of personal computers and certain computer-related accessories purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.
For a printable elementary school list, click here.
For a printable middle school list, click here.
All elementary and middle schools in Escambia County have the same core supply list, including some optional items. Additional wish list items may listed on individual school or PTA sites, including social media. High schools do not have a general supply list.
RELATED STORY: Here’s The List Of Adjusted Start And Dismissal Times For Escambia County Schools
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Headphones are not required, however, they are recommended for all grade levels.
Kindergarten
- Crayons — 4 (24-count packs)
- Scissors — 1 pair blunt tip
- Glue sticks — 12
- Glue — 2 (4-ounce bottles)
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 2 (solid colors)
- Plastic school box — 1
- Spiral notebooks — 3 wide ruled
- Dry erase markers — 4
- Copy paper — 2 reams (white)
- Pink erasers — 2
- Yellow wooden pencils — 24 (No. 2, sharpened)
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Colored pencils (optional)
- Colored markers (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Quart or gallon Ziplock bags (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
First grade
- Crayons — 4 (24-count packs)
- Scissors — 1 pair blunt tip
- Glue sticks — 6
- Glue — 1 bottle (4 ounces)
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 2 with pockets and prongs
- Plastic school box — 1
- Spiral notebooks — 2 wide ruled
- Dry erase markers — 4
- Copy paper — 2 reams (white)
- Eraser caps — 1 package
- Pink erasers — 4
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 No. 2, sharpened
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Highlighters (optional)
- Washable markers (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
Second grade
- Crayons — 3 packs (24-count packs)
- Scissors — 1 pair
- Glue sticks — 6
- Glue — 1 bottle (4 ounces)
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 4 with pockets and prongs and in solid colors
- Plastic school box — 1
- Spiral notebooks — 3 wide ruled
- Notebook paper — 1 pack wide ruled
- Copy paper — 2 reams (white)
- Pink erasers — 4
- Eraser caps — 2 packages
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 count No. 2, sharpened
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Dry erase markers (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
- Highlighters (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Colored pencils (optional)
Third grade
- Crayons — 2 (24-county packs)
- Scissors — 1 pair
- Glue sticks — 6
- Glue — 1 bottle (4 ounces)
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 5 with pockets and prongs and in solid colors
- Plastic school box or zippered pouch — 1
- Composition notebooks — 2
- Notebook paper — 2 packs wide ruled
- Copy paper — 2 reams white
- Pink erasers — 2
- Eraser caps — 3 packages
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 No. 2, sharpened
- Headphones (recommended)
- Dry erase markers (optional)
- Highlighters (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
Fourth grade
- Crayons — 2 (24-count packs)
- Colored pencils — 1 (12-count pack)
- Glue sticks — 4
- Glue — 1 bottle (4 ounces)
- Scissors — 1 pair
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 1 of each color: yellow, red, blue, green, purple, orange and with pockets and prongs
- Composition notebooks — 4
- Notebook paper — 2 wide ruled
- Cap erasers — 24
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 No. 2, sharpened
- Multi-colored highlighters — 1 pack
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
- Dry erase markers (optional)
- White copy paper (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
Fifth grade
- Colored pencils — 1 pack
- Glue — 2 bottles (4 ounces) or glue sticks — 4
- Scissors — 1 pair
- Duo-Tang folders — 2 of each color: yellow, red, blue, green, orange with pockets and prongs
- Zippered pouch — 1 or plastic school box — 1
- Spiral notebooks — 3
- Notebook paper — 4 packs wide ruled
- Cap erasers — 24
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 No. 2, sharpened
- Multi-colored highlighters — 1 pack
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- 1½ – 2 inch binder (optional)
- Dry erase markers (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
MIDDLE SCHOOL
(All grades)
- No. 2 pencils
- Blue or Black ink pens
- Wide ruled notebook paper
- Pack of multi-colored highlighters
- Zippered binder or 2 inch, 3 ring notebook and set of 10 dividers
- Earbuds
- Texas Instruments TI30X solar powered calculator for Algebra I only
Ray’s Chapel Donates School Supplies To Byrneville Elementary School
July 25, 2021
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church recently donated school supplies for students at Byrneville Elementary School. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fundraiser Underway For Volunteer Firefighter In Need Of Kidney Transplant
July 22, 2021
A fundraiser is underway for a firefighter in need of an immediate kidney transplant.
Cody Green and his wife Sarah have a two-year old son. Cody is a Florida Forest Service wildland firefighter, and he is a volunteer firefighter at the Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue.
Cody suffers from focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a serious condition in which scar tissue develops in parts of the kidney, and it can lead to full kidney failure.
About a year and a half ago he was at 40% kidney function, and doctors thought he would be able to live without dialysis or need of transplant until he was older in his 40s or 50s. But about six months ago he had only 15% kidney function left and within two months was at just 7%.
To donate to the Cody Green Transplant Fundraiser on Facebook, click or tap here. To donate on GoFundMe, click or tap here.
‘Hungry To Read’ Provides Books And Groceries At Century, Tryon And Main Libraries
July 22, 2021
Children and their families were able to receive a bag of groceries and a free book Wednesday at three libraries in Escambia County.
FoodRaising Friends, the Escambia County School District and West Florida Public Libraries hosted “Hungry to Read”.
The books and groceries were distributed to children and families at the Century, Tryon and Main libraries. The books were furnished by Navy Federal Credit Union
Pictured: A book and grocery distribution Wednesday morning at the Century Branch Library. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Christmas In July: Santa Takes Part In Walnut Hill Toy Giveaway
July 18, 2021
Santa Claus made a special visit to Walnut Hill Saturday for a Christmas in July Toy Giveaway.
The event was held at a the Walnut Hill Community Center for children ages 2-17. Preregistered families received a selection of toys and more.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The toy giveaway was sponsored by Youth and Family Community Outreach, Good 360, Toys for Tots, and Renovot.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.