One of Humboldt's own has been awarded one of the highest honours in the Canadian military.
Combat Medic Corporal John Adam Nelson has been awarded the Medal of Military Valour, which recognizes an act of valour or devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.
Only 55 such medals have been awarded in Canada.
Cpl. Nelson, who goes by Adam, attended Humboldt Collegiate Institute (HCI) while his mother, Debra Gess Nygren, was a guidance counsellor at the school. He played football with the Humboldt Mohawks, was on the high school rugby and wrestling teams. He also played AA hockey in Humboldt.
He graduated in 1997 and moved to Saskatoon, completing his training as an Emergency Services Technician and Paramedic, and attended the University of Saskatchewan, before enlisting with the Canadian Armed Forces.
He now serves in Petawawa, Ontario, where he lives with his wife, Able Seaman Deborah Nelson in the Canadian Navy, who is formerly of Bruno, and their three children.
The actions for which he received this medal occurred in Afghanistan during his seven-month tour in that country.
According to an official document from National Defence shared with the Journal by Gess Nygren, "On 16 June 2010, Private Nelson's foot patrol came under attack on three sides by insurgents in Afghanistan. Upon hearing of a casualty, Private Nelson, under his own initiative, rushed headlong into the raging battle to reach his wounded comrade. Providing first aid as bullets impacted all around them, he displayed an uncommon level of courage, composure and selflessness. Despite not being ordered to do so, Private Nelson risked his life to save the life of a fellow Canadian soldier."
"I was surprised," Nelson told the Journal when he heard he was receiving this medal. "I didn't know a nomination had gone in."
It was his sergeant on that patrol and his platoon captain who put him up for the award, he said. And it was an award he wasn't aware even existed until he was awarded it.
How does he feel about it?
"It's an honour," he said.
Nelson has yet to receive the award, due to scheduling conflicts. The Governor General, presents the award.
