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BORN
1943
DIED
2017
Robert Nelson Obituary
Retired Command Sergeant Maj. Robert "Bob" James Nelson of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away with his family around him on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, at the age of 74.
Bob leaves behind his wife, Barbara, of 51 years; his sons, Bob Jr.; Brian; and Brad; his daughters, Beth; Brandi; BreAnn; Jackie; and Esha; in addition to their spouses and 11 grandchildren. He was preceded in passing by his third son, Brook.
After serving in the U.S. Army for 30 years, Bob and Barbara moved to Alaska in 1993, where they immediately knew they were home. During his 30 years in the Army, he was a broadcast journalist for much of his career while serving two combat tours in Vietnam and then as an advisor during Operations Desert Shield and Storm.
Following 9/11, he volunteered and was deployed to New York City four times to counsel veterans and first-responders through his nationally recognized PTSD programs. He again volunteered to deploy and assist after Hurricane Katrina while serving Alaska for 23 years with the Veterans Resource Center.
During Bob's time with the Vet Center, he developed support programs for both active duty and family members at both Fort Richardson and Elmendorf AFB along with veterans at the Anchorage Correctional Facility. He was instrumental in assisting local and state governments to advocate for veterans issues and you would always see Bob as he spoke at Veteran's and Memorial Day ceremonies for most of his career in Anchorage. One of his proudest accomplishments was his pivotal role as one of the organizers of Stand Down Alaska, a nationally based organization recognized as the most valuable outreach tool to help homeless veterans in the nation today.
Bob made an enormous impact and touched the lives of countless people in the community through his unwavering commitment to serving veterans and their families. Bob was often referred to as "hero" and everyone that knew Bob felt his passion for taking care of people and knew that there was nothing that he wouldn't do to help. He will be immensely missed by his family and friends all over the world and his impact and commitment to Alaska will continue to be felt for generations.
Memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017, at St. Patrick's Parrish on Muldoon Road, with Father Dan Hebert officiating with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed in his name to Stand Down Alaska, PO Box 92135, Anchorage, Alaska, 99509-2135.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Nelson
Sponsored by Laurie Overton and Danny Lamson .
Jena Bienia
October 19, 2021
Bob made an impact on the Alaskan Veteran community to a degree I can´t even describe. It´s not everyday that someone comes across a human being like Bob- your legacy will live on forever. Blessings to your entire family.
Felix Maguire
October 18, 2021
Four years have passed swiftly but Bob remains in our thoughts and memories as he rests in peace with the Lord till we meet again. Bless you Barbara and the family.
Charles Forrest
October 18, 2019
Bless God for His grace, Greetings family, I want to say that as long as we live he will never die. Thank you for all of the joy and compassion and love. Thank you family for sharing with the world. Amen.
Jena Bienia
October 17, 2019
I am so, so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Bob worked closely with me and the entire staff of the Family Support Center on Elmendorf. He was the main-stay, the one we could always count on to deliver monthly seminar talks to transitioning military. He was instrumental in launching key support programs that were adopted Air Force wide. He was a great friend. Bless his family always, my deepest condolences. Jena Bienia
Dwayne Fowler
November 22, 2017
Words cannot express my sorrow at the loss of one of the greatest people I've ever been honored to know. Bob's vast knowledge of the military and his unique experiences will be missed. He did much to guide myself and others thru the nightmare of PTSD. I'm blessed to have known him.
Rachel Franzen
November 22, 2017
I had the pleasure and privilege of working with/learning from Bob as a trainee at the Vet Center for two years. The experience changed my life professionally and personally, and I learned so much from him that I find myself reminded of his skill as well as his humanity in every clinical encounter I have in my work. I am saddened by the loss of this person, as his impact is so far reaching. I've literally never known another person with the power to help that he possessed. I miss him after having spent just a couple of years knowing him. I cannot imagine how much of a whole he leaves in the lives of those who worked with him for decades or were lucky enough to call him a husband, father, uncle, brother or friend.
William White SFC Army Retired
November 21, 2017
Bob was a great soldier who set an example
For all NCOs who followed him. I remember
Serving with him at AFN. I share the sorrow
Of the loss of your loved one.
Bill (Ruff) Griffiths
November 21, 2017
Bob was my sergeant at AFN Kaiserslautern in the early '70's, and I never met a finer leader, soldier or person. He and his lovely wife Barb welcomed a lonely GI into their home for the holidays in 1970, and I'll never forget their warmth and hospitality. God bless Bobs family, and I know he is with the Lord.
November 21, 2017
Bob, I will always miss the way you used to bust my chops about being in the Air Force.
God's speed Top, till we meet again.
Frank Crossan
Anchorage Group
Nancy Oliviero
November 20, 2017
Bob was CSM at Ft Monmouth when we met
He was a credit to the base and a great soldier
We helped to put together a marvelous reception for our returning hero's of Desert Storm
What a great man he will not be forgotten
Anja Nelson
November 20, 2017
Bob, you were a wonderful father-in-law, the best I could have had. You are missed so much! I loved talking to you and the girls loved sitting on you lap. You are the kindest and most caring person I have known, besides your great son Brook, of course :) I love you and hope you found peace!!!
Paul GEORGE Jr
November 20, 2017
I am truly sorry for your lost I meet Bob because I had PTSD and I did not know it. I was a pointman for the 25th infantry Div attached to the 4th id Plekiu 1967 -68 he got me on the Dormicary and Durg Free Now I have 100% DAV and a real life all started with BOB NELSON
Rick Turner
November 20, 2017
sad to hear this worked with him at AFVN radio in Vietnam
Ron Buss
November 20, 2017
I had the privilege of serving with Bob in Korea in the early 80's. He command respect and a inspired people with his professionalism, technical expertise, and sincere care for the well being of all. 25 years later I was having a discussion with a co-worker, another retiree, and mentioned that there was only one CSM that I really thought had it all together, he said the same. It was funny that when I mentioned Bob's name he said he served with Bob at Fort Mammoth and was also referring to Bob. Our prayers are with the family for the peace of our Holy Spirit to bring comfort.
November 20, 2017
Proud to have served with Bob at AFRS Saigon. Frank Vehorn. winter Haven.
, Fl
Michael Goucher
November 14, 2017
While in Vietnam, Bob was a part of AFVN as I was, but we never had the opportunity to meet and greet. Still, the brotherhood of that time bonds us and we communicated by way of the AFVN web site and by email. We were in that community and he always shall be in that community. Rest in the Lord, my brother, and peace.
Steve Sweet
November 11, 2017
I was stunned to learn of Bob's passing at todays Veterans Day Ceremony in Wasilla from Laddie Shaw a friend of both Bob and myself. I look back at the times I interfaced with him at various functions in the Veteran community and as a friend and fellow Vet Center employee and my heart aches. The love and compassion he had for all of us who were lucky enough to know him will not die. That voice....."Radio Bob"....he will not be forgotten.
From my family to yours Bob....God Speed Soldier, you earned your rest.
Bob Morecook
November 10, 2017
Bob Nelson was one of the finest men I knew. I had the pleasure to serve with him in Vietnam. There he was a pleasant inspiration to all of us. He always tooks his duties seriously, yet had the time to be cheerful and encouraging of others. He may me want to be not just a good soldier, but a better human being as well.
Mike & Kim Haller
November 4, 2017
Bob did so many, many good and wonderful things for so many of us. First and foremost, we'll remember him for his fierce love and devotion to his family; his deeply felt love of his fellow veterans and the people of Alaska. We simply cannot think of a finer Soldier, gentler man, vigorous patriot, nor more selfless servant of God, then our friend and mentor. We shall always cherish the time we were able to work with Bob during the many Stand Downs, Veterans & Remembrance Days, and other patriot events. His love of country, gentle humor, and determined advocacy for veterans shall still serves to inspire and uplift. Blessings of comfort for you, Barb, and for your family. Thank you for sharing Bob - what he did mattered for the people he worked with, and for our community as a whole. Your partnership will last as one of the finest examples of love between two people.
Charles Forrest
November 1, 2017
Until we all see Him face to face.I'll be waiting.
Charles Forrest
November 1, 2017
My God has supplied all of Bobs needs, until then we will see Him face to face.
Paul Kasper
October 28, 2017
The world and those who had the privilege to know CSM Robert (Bob) Nelson will mourn the loss of a Great Man. I feel Honored to be able to call him a Friend and Brother in arms. Farewell Sir, I already miss you and I know your family feels a emptiness in their hearts.
October 27, 2017
My condolences. May the thoughts at Hosea 13:14, where God promises to reverse deaths effects, bring a measure of comfort during this difficult time.*
Sheryl Thurston
October 26, 2017
Mrs. Nelson & Family i'm sorry for your lost, Bob was my hero, he guided me to the road of success when I was a homeless veteran. I worked closed with him at The Lions food bank & The Stand Down for a decade. He was my mentor when I didn't know the right choices to make. He will definitely be miss by homeless vertans and our famous Stand Down and every person he help in Alaska or wherever he had travel to help, He was a man of knowledge!
October 26, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Sid Dacquel
October 25, 2017
CSM Nelson you were the backbone of the Vet Center. Countless " Thanks" to all the support and help for 12 years for me along. Your worked so hard for us all up to your last strength. Prayers for the family and your smooth transition to Valhalla. May you rest in peace. ✝
Dacquel family
Megg Magee
October 25, 2017
May the happy times and love that you all shared give you comfort now, at this most difficult time, and always.
Deacon Felix and Ag Maguire
October 24, 2017
Apart from Bov
G's
Apart from Bob's military service and veteran's help after his retirement, he was a man of great faith. He and Barbara were devoted parents who always had an open door. He was loved deeply by his comrades and by his family. He suffered far to much these past few years, and as difficult as it is to let him go, he is at peace. Our condolences to Barb and the family. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Blessings!
Gale Reid
October 24, 2017
Bob, you are sorely missed. Our hearts have a big hole in them because you are now gone. But, I know God has a special place in Heaven for you for all His Work you did on this earth. I pray your family and friends will find comfort and healing through their faith, knowing we will all meet up again one day in Heaven. You are loved, missed and respected, my friend.
Gary Miller
October 24, 2017
Over a period of more than 49 years Bob was my teacher, mentor, supervisor and most of all friend. He excelled at everything he tried. He set the standard for many of us. He will be missed but never forgotten. To Barb and family our sincerest condolences.
October 24, 2017
I am so sorry to hear about Bob's passing. I hope that God almighty provides comfort to you and your family during this difficult moment.
Mercedes Angerman
October 24, 2017
My condolences to the Nelson family. Bob's influence will be felt for generations. A wonderful man.
Rick Fulton
October 24, 2017
Bob, in lots of different ways it was a genuine pleasure to know you, to work with you, and to stand in your shadow in difficult plces and times. You will never be forgotten.
Richard Sharland
October 24, 2017
Very fond memories from his days in Korea. Kind and compssionate advocate for the local orphanage. Proud to have known him. Sincerest condolences to his loved ones.
Preston + Jae Cluff
October 24, 2017
There is not enough room in a book to detail all the things Bob did to show his love for family, friends and veterans. You will truly NEVER be forgotten.
R. C. Fisher, USAF Retired
R. C. Fisher
October 24, 2017
Bob Nelson earned his wings well before Oct 20th. I remember all of the Stand Downs where Bob would entertain and made us Veterans feel special. He was a "Veteran" Veteran that cut across all lines from first responders to us 40 year veterans. His dedication to help others across the nation, Anchorage and Alaska was a Blessing for us all. As you look down from heaven just remember we are all looking for that "Last Stand Down" Brother--Rest in Peace and God Bless you and your Family. Hooah!
Eric Brown
October 24, 2017
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Laurie Overton
October 24, 2017
Love to my Aunt Barbara and my cousins. Praying for you all and Uncle Bobby....
Linda Ruhle
October 24, 2017
Brandi, I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart hurts for you. My love, thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family.
Forrest Brandt
October 24, 2017
Bob was a vital part of our "club" of AFVN vets. We will miss him. Our sympathy goes out to his family. Forrest Brandt, LTC (ret)Vietnam 1968 - 69
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