Petty Officer 1st Class (PO1) Caleb Nelson, 26, strongly felt that God had directed him into the SEALs and had given him the skills to excel in that capacity. The Omaha, NE, native joined the Navy in 2005 after graduating from high school and completed SEAL qualification training in November 2006. PO1 Nelson was assigned to the Naval Special Warfare unit based in Norfolk, VA. His first deployment was to Iraq in 2009 and then to Afghanistan in March, 2011, with SEAL Team 10. PO1 Nelson died October 1, 2011, in Qalat, Afghanistan after his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device while his team was conducting combat patrol.

One of ten children, PO1 Nelson was a man who was driven to succeed in everything he did. He didn’t like mediocrity and was always striving to be the best he could possibly be. He was also a mentor, always challenging those around to improve themselves. PO1 Nelson had a magnetic personality and a contagious enthusiasm, inspiring and captivating everyone he met. He received numerous awards and decorations for his military service, including the Bronze Star with Valor and Purple Heart.

Capt. Tim Szymanski, commodore of Naval Special Warfare Group Two, offered his condolences to the Nelson family.

"Caleb Nelson was a cherished teammate, a gifted SEAL operator and a loving husband and father," Szymanski said in a recorded statement. "We are deeply saddened by this tremendous loss and yet comforted knowing that Caleb died serving beside the people he loved. ... We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice that Caleb made while protecting our nation and his teammates."

Honor and Remember Nebraska Chapter is pleased to present this flag, sponsored by UNO Theta Chi Fraternity Alumni, to the family of P01 Caleb A. Nelson.