Nelson is a decorated navy veteran who rose from enlisted sailor to captain by way of graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy. During a first career that spanned more than thirty years, he commanded five naval organizations including a guided missle cruiser. He served four tour of duty in the Vietnam War, one of which was ashore in the delta as Senior Advisor of the Rung Sat Special Zone. In his second career, Dr. Nelson is professor of international business and an author.