Patricia Nelson

I joined the Navy out of high school in Omaha, NE. I started my class "A" CTT school at Corry Station Naval Base in Pensacola, FL where I learned to operate computers, peripheral equipment, and Morse Code. I was stationed at the San Vito de Normanni Air Station in Italy where I gained knowledge of radio wave modulation, signal multiplexing, and we collected and decoded transmissions. I was stationed at the National Security Agency in the National Signal Operations Center where I used my knowledge Naval Cryptology in National Security and provided support to the service branches. I went to school for the Classic Wizard course at the easternmost listening post during the Cold War. My last duty station was at the US Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station where we provided Western Pacific and Indian Ocean support. I held a Top-Secret security clearance with sensitive compartmented information.

I earned a Bachelor's in Social Work degree, Community Counseling and School Counseling.

I worked with veterans leaving the services in Colorado Springs, CO to assist with their transition to civilian life as a DVOP and LVER/Team Lead, taught social welfare and parenting skills, implemented the Compensated Work Therapy and Supported Employment programs at the Cheyenne VAMC and provided emergency and individual counseling. I retired from the Lincoln Regional Office as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor where I assisted veterans in finding and obtaining their next career.

I am honored to work as the Deuel County Veteran Service Office, have a private counseling practice with referrals from Veterans Affairs, and am owner/operator of a campground on the Arkansas River in Colorado. I am in my second year as the Commander of Post 217 in Chappell.