Hartselle native Jonathan Nelson was recently promoted to the office of Petty Officer First Class Damage Controlman in the U.S. Coast Guard on June 1.

Hartselle native Jonathan Nelson received a promotion to Petty Officer First Class Damage Controlman in the U.S. Coast Guard on June 1. He is shown with his family, wife – Martina Rigoni Nelson and children – Emmalyn and Brody.

Nelson, a May 2002 of Hartselle High School, entered the U.S. Coast Guard in May 2003 and graduated from boot camp in Cape May, N.J., in July 2003.

His first duty station was in Galveston, Texas, aboard the UCG Dauntless and was later stationed in Alexandria, Va., at Tiscom Facility Engineering.

His next assignment was in East Peoria, Ill., aboard the UCG Clamp and is currently serving in Galveston, Texas, aboard the UCG Clamp.

Schools attended include Small Cutter Damage Control School, Advanced Steel Welding, Aluminum Welding, Advanced Firefighting School, Repair Locker Leader School, CM-Plus Maintenance School and A School

Earned awards include Permanent Cuttermen’s Award for 5 years of Sea Service, three Good Conduct Medals and Sharp Shooter.

He also earned the Silver Star while in Virginia. Along with visiting father in-law, Keith Rigoni, and brother in-law, Patrick Wright, Nelson was instrumental in saving a local man’s life when his tractor turned over on him.