Celebrating America Through Local Eyes

Local veterans and heroes will be sharing their thoughts on what makes Marco and America special by answering some patriotic questions. It’s our way to honor those whose dedication and sacrifices make our Island community shine.  

Adam Nelson 
Marco Island Police Officer 

Adam Nelson served in the US Army from 2001 - 2005. He was deployed to Bosnia in 2002 and worked in the US NIC (National Intelligence Cell) at CampButmir in Sarajevo. In 2004, his unit was deployed to Baghdad, where he served for 14 months. He also became a Sergeant while in Iraq.  

Upon his return from Iraq, he was a police officer in North Port for five years. It was during that time that he met his wife and stepped away from law enforcement for two years. He worked in the financial services industry for two years but always knew he was meant to help people and to do the job of a Police Officer. He applied to Marco Island PD, got hired, and is now nearing his 13th year.   

Nelson is a husband to a wonderful woman, Ashtin, who runs her own photography company: Ashtin Marie Photography. He is a proud father to two great boys, Preston (13) and Tyler (six).  

Nelson and his family love to travel and have made memories together all over the world.They are avid cruisers and love waking up to beautiful views of far-off destinations. 

Which historical American figure do you most admire? 

I admire the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Those men basically signed their own death warrants. They signed their names to a document, taking a stand against the most powerful military in the world, for a chance at independence, knowing that they could suffer personal ruin and/or death. Two of those signers became the second and third Presidents of the United States. 

What is one thing that makes you proud to be an American?  

I’ve traveled all over the world, in the military and as a civilian, and I can say without a doubt that the United States, even with all our issues and division, is the greatest country in the world. Nowhere else in the world do people flee oppression, risking life and limb to get to this great beacon of hope. Americans are a tough, patriotic, and resilient people who love freedom, God and the American way. Red, white, and blue flows through my veins. 

If you would like to nominate a Veteran or local hero to be featured in Celebrating America Through Local Eyes, contact Brittany Richards at brittany@coastalbreezenews.com.