Wesley Paul Nelson

SSgt Wesley Paul Nelson, 27, Tacoma, Washington, formerly of Topeka, passed away Thursday, January 5, 2017.

He was born February 21, 1989, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Andre and Jackie (Ribordy) Nelson. He graduated from Seaman High School in 2007.

Wes entered active duty on March 25, 2008 and arrived at his first duty station, Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, where he worked on communications equipment for global air and ground deployments in the 54th Combat Communications Squadron. Airman Nelson immediately emerged as a leader and involved member of his squadron, key to their selection as the command's 2010 Expeditionary Combat Communications Squadron of the Year. In 2012, Senior Airman Nelson was selected for C-17 loadmaster training. Upon completion of the initial loadmaster course, Senior Airman Nelson moved to the 4th Airlift Squadron at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington where he began flying strategic airlift missions around the world, to include aeromedical evacuation, humanitarian relief, combat sustainment, and presidential support missions. Airman Nelson excelled as an aviator and leader, while operating the $215 million dollar C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft across several areas of responsibility to include in combat. In 2013, Airman Nelson was promoted to Staff Sergeant and upgraded to instructor loadmaster where he was responsible for the development of the squadron's C-17 crew-force. His incredible performance lead to his selection and subsequent up-grade to one of only 10 loadmasters in the Department of Defense dedicated to the safe logistical transport of nuclear weapons and nuclear related material. As one of only 10 loadmasters qualified to perform the Prime Nuclear Airlift Force mission, Sergeant Nelson helped to strengthen the nuclear deterrent capabilities of our Nation and our allies. In addition, Staff Sergeant Nelson worked with our international North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) partners, strengthening their crash and recovery operations, and increasing our joint interoperability capabilities. Sergeant Nelson was an avid volunteer in his squadron and around the local community, leading several projects, making a positive difference to those around him. Sergeant Nelson earned a degree in Aviation Operations from the Community College of the Air Force, was recognized in 2014 as the Loadmaster of the Year for the 4th Airlift Squadron, was awarded two Air Force Achievement Medals, and also an Air Force Commendation Medal. Wesley Nelson deployed as a Radio Frequency Transmission Technician with the 506th Expeditionary Communications Squadron to Kirkuk Regional Air Base in Iraq from November 2009 to May 2010 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. In addition, he deployed in 2014 for 75 days as a C-17 Globemaster III Loadmaster with the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM where he forward deployed to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. Furthermore, Sergeant Nelson has supported Operations INHERENT RESOLVE, FREEDOM's SENTINEL, and ATLANTIC RESOLVE as well as missions in Central Africa supporting anti-terrorism operations. Wes Nelson was a leader, mentor, and friend to so many in the Air Force and exceeded all expectations of his peers and commanders.

Survivors include his parents of Topeka; brother, Anthony Nelson, Topeka; daughter, Annabelle Rose Toya, Graham, WA; grandparents, Frank and Brigitte Nelson, Topeka and numerous beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, George Ribordy, Dorothy Ribordy and Mary Ribordy.

Memorial services will be 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel. Inurnment with military honors will follow at Rochester Cemetery, Topeka. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Andre or Jackie Nelson for the care of Annabelle Toya c/o Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66604.

To share a memory of Wes or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.