Community Corner
EP Resident, Former Paratrooper Picked as Twins' 'Hero'
Patrick Nelson spent over three years in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.
On Wednesday, the Minnesota Twins announced former Army paratrooper and Eden Prairie resident Patrick Nelson would represent the team at "Tribute for Heroes" events during the All-Star Game festivities.
Nelson fought for over three years—39 months in total—in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, and served in the army for seven years. In 2005, he was wounded in a rocket attack in Afghanistan, and in 2008 he was awarded the Bronze Star.
After leaving the army in 2012, he started the nonprofit Real Combat Life, an online forum where current and former soldiers can connect and share their experiences and receive support. He has also helped raise money for wounded veterans and their families, and currently works to end veteran unemployment.
Nelson and the 29 other winners representing other MLB teams will be fêted in a pre-All-Star Game reception at the New York Met's Citi Field, and at a red carpet reception aboard the USS Intrepid museum.
Follow us on Facebook | Sign up for our free daily newsletter
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
