Robert Arthur Nelson

Robert A. Nelson Jr. "Bobby" was a 20 year retired military man who went on to Washington DC to become a Congressional Liaison. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 227 of South Seattle for many years as well. Bobby greatly enjoyed history, sports and music. Robert A. Nelson Jr. (Bobby) peacefully passed on to join his father on Tuesday, November 24, 2009.Bobby is survived by his family, Mother Shirley, Sister Susan and her husband Tim, Sister Joni and her husband Bill and his Brother Terry. He is also survived by his wonderful Uncle and Aunts, Earl and Phyllis Moselle, and Peggy Moselle along with many cousins, nephews and nieces. The Family would like to also acknowledge and send their deepest thanks to Bobby's second family in Washington DC for their love and support during this tough time. We truly appreciate all that you have done.

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY

OFFICE OF CHIEF OF LEGISLATIVE LIAISON

House Liaison Division

IN MEMORY OF OUR FRIEND AND BELOVED COLLEAGUE

Mr. Bob Nelson

Bob, a retired, Sergeant First Class from U.S. Reserve worked in the House Liaison Division of Army's Office of Chief of Legislative Liaison as a Congressional Liaison representative for more than 10 years. In this capacity he was responsible for assisting Members of Congress and their staffs with a wide range of issues that positively impacted thousands of Army Soldiers and their families.

Bob was highly respected by Members of Congress and Congressional Staff in U.S. House of Representatives and by his friends and colleagues in the Office of Chief of Legislative Liaison. Because of this, he often would be requested by name to participate as an expert panelist on Congressional Casework at events such as the District/Staff Institute sponsored by the Congressional Research Service.

His work touched many people over the course of a decade. He had a profound and lasting impact on his "work family" in Army's House Liaison Division at the U.S. House of Representatives and at the Pentagon.

Here are their memories:

From Dr. Dale Jones, Deputy Chief, House Liaison Division

I still see Bob sitting at his desk across the aisle from mine. He has his usual look of bemused detachment, as if he knows things none of the rest of us knows--and he does. He knows how to put himself in another's place so that he always acts with empathy and compassion; he knows how to put an irate Congressman or Congresswoman at ease and calmly explain the options available for resolving their concerns; he knows how to help others--from the" average Joe" to four-star generals and Members of Congress--with their problems, large and small; he knows how to act with grace under pressure; he knows not to take himself seriously, how to laugh at life and himself; and he knows his job and knows he's good at it. Over time, I know Bob's image and voice will fade from my memory, but his example of quiet professionalism, selfless sacrifice, and courage will not. I know I don't yet know just how much I'll miss him; I know I miss him already.

From Ms. Deb Billington, Chief, Support Division, Office of Chief, Legislative Liaison, The Pentagon

Bob was an amazing employee, his work ethics were tremendous, he amassed six months of sick leave and every year he had many hours of use or lose annual leave. While Bob was a very private individual he was also a very caring person who always put the needs of others above his own. Bob was well respected, not just among Members of Congress and staffers, but with his peers. I will miss Bob and will always remember him fondly.

From Ms. Gail Warren (note: Gail and Bob started work in HLD on the same day)

I will always remember when I first meet you in 1998 driving your red pick-up. Thanks for 10 years of being a great co-worker. Thanks for the moon pies you gave me once a week not knowing that I didn't like them. Thanks for the little things you gave me over the years. Thanks for all the times you treated me to lunch. These things may not seem important to other people but they showed me what a caring and compassionate person you were. Your dedication in helping soldiers and their families will be miss. I will miss you.

From Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Schwind:

Bob- you were an example to us all on how to work with Member offices and Soldiers. Always calm and measured in your advice, you handled the toughest inquiries with ease. Away from the phone you were the go-to guy in the office for countless projects. You are loved and missed.

From Major Lou Kangas:

When I first moved into the office this past summer, I didn't know how to get from point A to point B without getting lost. Some of my first missions in the office were to escort people and set up rooms for briefings. On one occasion, without being asked, Bob came in at 5am to make sure that I knew how to find all the secret tunnels in the building. From that day on, Bob opened up to me and I made it a point to try and make him laugh every day. I was proud and cocky about the fact that I could crack a smile out of Bob almost at will.

From Major Jennifer Reynolds:

It is so difficult to put into words just how much Bob meant both to me, and his Army family. Bob was truly a wonderful and genuine person. Thoughtful and hardworking to a fault. We always talk about "quiet professionals, Bob absolutely epitomized the ideal co-worker...as well as friend. I will forever feel the loss created by his too early passing, but am so honored to have called him a friend. I will never forget him and his wonderful family and cherish the times that we shared at the Army Liaison office on Capitol Hill. I truly believe that he is watching over us all and will take comfort in that.

From Major Alex Shaw:

I reported to the office Jan 21, 2009 and Bob was there ready to assist me with everything I need to function. He was the office's "go to guy" on almost every issue in the office and how to get things done quickly. He had that institutional knowledge that keep an organization moving....and OMG... how he and LTC Schwind talked hockey during the hockey season. But make no mistake....thousands and I mean thousands of Army Soldiers and their families have better lives because Bob's outstanding work with the Congress and the Army. His workspace is still the way he left it...neat, organized, clean. Bob we will miss you and may you rest in peace with the great Soldier up above.

From Ms. Deb Billington, Chief, Support Division, Office of Chief, Legislative Liaison, The Pentagon

Bob was an amazing employee, his work ethics were tremendous, he amassed six months of sick leave and every year he had many hours of use or lose annual leave. While Bob was a very private individual he was also a very caring person who always put the needs of others above his own. Bob was well respected, not just among Members of Congress and staffers, but with his peers. I will miss Bob and will always remember him fondly.