LtCol Nelson graduated from The University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Relations and was commissioned a second lieutenant in August 2004 via the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program. After completing The Basic School and Basic Communications Officer, she was transferred to 3d Force Service Support Group.
In December of 2005, she reported to Communications Company CLR 37. In July of 2006, she reported to 3rd TSB where she served as the S-6. There she helped establish the Communications Platoons for CLB 4 and CLR 3. In 2007 she deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Battalion S-6 and as a Lioness Officer with RCT 2.
In July 2008, LtCol Nelson was transferred to Communications Officer School where she served as an Instructor at the Basic Communications Officer Course. She also served as the Enlisted Platoon Commander and Academics Officer. In April 2010 she was selected to serve as an Advisor to the 32 Georgian Infantry Battalion. She spent two months in the Republic of Georgia training and evaluating Georgian Communicators for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.
In July 2010, LtCol Nelson executed orders to Marine Wing Communications Squadron where she served as an Operations Officer, Company Commander and Staff Secretary. She deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom as the Detachment Operations Officer. At the end of her deployment she was selected as the Staff Secretary for LtGen Davis and then continued in that billet for Gen Glenn Walters.
In July 2013, LtCol Nelson was selected for the Congressional Fellowship program. She worked for Senator Corker on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee where she worked Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Arms Sales. Upon completion of the Fellowship she served her payback tour in the Pentagon as the Marine Joint Action Control Officer.
LtCol Nelson was then selected to attend Air Force Command and Staff in 2016. She graduated in 2017 and earned a Master’s in Strategic Operational Art and Planning. Upon completion of Command and Staff, LtCol Nelson reported to 2d MarDiv where she served as the Deputy AC/S G-6 and then as the Communications Company Commander. She then executed orders to NORAD/NORTHCOM J6 as the Information Dominance Team lead. Her team led efforts for COVID Response, Operation Allies Welcome and All Domain Awareness.
She is currently serving as the Commanding Officer of MWCS 38. Her personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.