Andrew Nelson is remembered for being a dedicated and compassionate person who showed his love for his country by enlisting in the Army immediately after high school.
The 22-year-old Moorhead resident was killed Wednesday while serving his third tour of duty in Iraq. He also served one tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Todd Taylor, a family spokesman, said the Nelson family received word of Nelson's death Wednesday night from the military.
Nelson was a sergeant with the 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg, N.C.
He was working with a patrol group outside of Tikrit, Iraq, when he was killed, Taylor said. No other details were available.
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Calls to the 82nd Airborne Division's public affairs office at Fort Bragg, N.C., were not answered Thursday.
Word of Nelson's death spread Thursday from a news release issued by the Fargo Catholic Schools Network.
Nelson, a lifelong Moorhead resident, graduated from Fargo Shanley High School in 2003. He also attended St. Joseph's Catholic School in Moorhead.
Valerie Ritland, principal of St. Joseph's and Nelson's cousin, said Thursday that she was shocked after hearing of his death.
"It was so hard to believe," she said. "I just totally miss him."
Ritland said she remembers Nelson as being compassionate and being dedicated to Eagle Scout and church activities. He was an altar server at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Moorhead.
"He was such a person of character who showed respect for others," she said. "His mom did a good job of raising him."
Nelson is survived by his mother, Suzanne Nelson, and sister Jessica, both of Moorhead.
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Taylor, a former neighbor, said he had known Andrew Nelson since he was a toddler.
Ritland said Nelson earned several merit badges as an Eagle Scout.
"That was just perfect for him" because he loved being involved with helping others, she said.
Taylor said Thursday it is unknown when funeral services will be held and when Nelson's body would be returned to the States.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Benny Polacca at (701) 241-5504
