Three Years: Remembering LCpl Travis Nelson
August 18, 2014
Today marks the three year anniversary of the death of local Cpl. Travis M. Nelson. LCpl. Nelson gave all on the battlefields of Afghanistan on August 18, 2011.
A world was shattered at the Nelson home in Bratt as three men in military uniforms stood at the door. “I just screamed and said no,” Beckie Nelson of Bratt said shortly after she learned that her son, LCpl Travis Nelson, was shot and killed while conducting combat operations in in Helmand province, Afghanistan. “I just went to my knees and said don’t let them come in. I knew right away that he was gone.”
It was a tragedy that began a wave an emotions and events that touched the entire North Escambia area and a nation. The community grieved as hundreds if not thousands changed their Facebook profile pictures to a single image in honor of Nelson. Tears flowed as powerful photos were published that showed an honor guard removing Nelson’s flag-draped coffin from a plane at Dover AFB in Delaware.
The rain poured down at Pensacola Naval Air Station a few days later as the final leg of Nelson’s journey home began. The rain did not send them running; they stood silently — many holding American flags — as the hearse carrying an American hero departed on a 55-mile journey to Atmore. Along the way, some of Pensacola’s busiest roadways came to a complete standstill as the motorcade passed. Many motorists stood outside their vehicles and paid their respects. In Walnut Hill, just a few miles from Nelson’s boyhood home in Bratt, the motorcade slowed as it approached Ernest Ward Middle School. Nelson was Golden Eagle, attending Ernest Ward in the sixth and seventh grades.
Hundreds of Ernest Ward Middle School students and teachers dressed in red, white and blue lined Highway 97, American flags in hand, waiting for the arrival of the motorcade.
As the procession passed, the students stood with their hands over their hearts, waving Old Glory. The thunder of 127 Patriot Guard motorcycle riders vibrated the ground and echoed across the country fields near the school.
Six Florida Highway Patrol trooper vehicles led the hearse past the school. Many students broke down in tears at the sight of a flag draped coffin. Others cried as they made eye contact with Nelson’s parents and their daughter — a sixth grader at Ernest Ward.
The motorcade continued into Atmore, where crowds stood along the route, waving Old Glory. At a local bank on Highway 31, people stood with large flags as the Northview High School NJTROC stood steadfast at attention. Across the way at the iconic Atmore train station, a group of local veterans stood proudly and saluted as Nelson’s remains passed.
Nelson’s funeral was held in Atmore where, again, hundreds paid their final respects.
Nelson was not forgotten. His name was added to the Walnut Hill Veterans Wall of Honor and other area memorials. A scholarship was announced. The Bratt Community Park was renamed the LCpl. Travis M. Nelson Park. Nelson’s family was honored at the annual Veterans Day program at Ernest Ward Middle School.
LCpl Travis Nelson left behind a short, simple note just in case he did return from the battlefield in Afghanistan.
“Dear friends and family, if you are reading this, I didn’t get to come home. I love each and every one of you. I have no regrets, I died for a meaningful cause.”
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Send Us Your Back To School Photos!
August 18, 2014
It’s the first day of school, and we want to share your photos.
Send us your back to school photos along with the name of your child, grade and school. Submit the photos to news@northescambia.com or upload them to our Facebook page. On Tuesday, we’ll publish as many photos as we can.
Pictured above and below: Two of our submitted back to school photos from last year. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Back To School Forecast: Chance Of Rain
August 18, 2014
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Monday Night A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Tuesday Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Wednesday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.
- Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Thursday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
- Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Friday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95.
- Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
- Saturday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.
- Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
- Sunday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95.
Escambia Sheriff’s Office: Top Five Back To School Safety Tips
August 18, 2014
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is offered the follow five back to school safety tips:
- More cars will be on the road – leave the house earlier than normal to give yourself extra time, and be a patient driver!
- Watch for children walking to and from school – be extra cautious as you approach, sometimes kids get distracted, or while playing with friends may veer onto the roadways.
- School crossing guards will be out in force – please pay attention to them!
- School buses have precious cargo on board – obey the school bus right-of-way laws!
- Obey school zone speed limits – law enforcement will be patrolling these areas!
Mr. James E. (Buddy) Robinson
August 18, 2014
Mr. James E. (Buddy) Robinson, age 95, of Atmore, passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2014.
He was born in Repton, AL, to the late Ernest N. and Margaret Straughn Robinson. He was a Coast Guard/Navy veteran of WWII and was a devoted member of St. Robert Bellarmine
Catholic Church. He co-owned Atmore Recap Shop for 32 years with his brother Babe.
During his lifetime, he donated over 10 gallons of blood to The American Red Cross, was a past commander of the American Legion, and an avid community volunteer and leader.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Linda Pavonne Robinson, his parents and two siblings, Henderson Robinson, and Edward “Babe” Robinson.
Mr. Robinson is survived by four children, Margaret (the late Keith) Russell of Orange Beach, Sherry (Mike) Roberts of Atlanta, Kathy (Gary) Heacock of Talladega, and Karl (Alison) Robinson of Atmore; 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
The family held a private memorial on August 8th.
Donations may be made to the Atmore Chapter of The American Red Cross, American Legion (Atmore Post), or St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church.
Wahoos Shut Out 4-0 In Series Opener
August 18, 2014
Despite a strong start from Daniel Corcino, the Wahoos were shut out by Jose Urena and the Jacksonville Suns 4-0 on Sunday night at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
The Suns took the lead in the third when Austin Barnes doubled home Austin Nola from first base with one out. They cruised from then on adding an insurance run against Corcino in the seventh and scoring two more in the eighth to put the game away.
The Wahoos biggest threat came in sixth. Pensacola put runners at second and third with only one, out but couldn’t score.
Corcino kept the Wahoos in the game over his seven strong innings on the mound. He allowed just three hits with two walks and seven strikeouts. The right-hander retired the Suns in order three times but Pensacola couldn’t provide him any offensive support.
Urena was outstanding on the mound for the Suns. He held the Blue Wahoos to just one hit over his first five innings. Yorman Rodriguez led the game off with a single for Pensacola, and the Wahoos didn’t get another hit until Brodie Greene’s double with one out in the sixth inning. Urena earned the win after working 7.0 shutout innings. He allowed just three hits and two walks with five strikeouts.
Pensacola will try to even the series on Monday night in Jacksonville. RHP Tim Adleman (3-6, 3.10) is expected to start for Pensacola against Suns starter RHP Jay Rogers (6-5, 4.06). First pitch is set for 5:05 p.m.
by Tommy Thrall
Richard Hardy Rhyne
August 18, 2014
Richard Hardy Rhyne went to meet with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, August 14, 2014.
He began his journey on November 5, 1937, in Bonifay, born to Hardy and Evelyn Rhyne. He later moved to Ft. Walton Beach, where he attended Choctawhatchee High School and received the football “Top Player of the Year” award in 1956 and graduated in 1957.
Richard served in the United States Army as a paratrooper for six years, and was dedicated to his God and Country.
Richard began a dedicated career as a Florida Highwaypatrolman in 1962. He moved to Pensacola in the early 60’s serving Northwest Florida, where he was honored with awards such as the Gordon Smith Award for Outstanding State Trooper in 1974, and State Trooper of the Year twice, as well as many other accomplishments and awards. He served as a homicide investigator for many years, and retired as a sergeant in June 2001 with 39 years and four months service.
Richard is known best for his passion for life and spirited personality. He is described by many as a lifelong friend, always dancing through life, generous, never meeting a stranger, always smiling and laughing with a hug for everyone. He was a great story teller, avid hunter, fisherman, boater, and still loved to jet ski at the age of 76. He coached his sons in little league football for the Brent Raiders and had been a member of the Grand Lagoon Yacht Club for many years. No matter what Richard was passionate about, he gave it his heart and soul, making a lasting impression on everyone he encountered and affecting their hearts and lives like no other, without even realizing it.
He is survived by his love of 12 years, Sandra “Kaye” Enterkin; two sons, Richard “Tim” (Marcella) Rhyne and Randall A. Rhyne (Nancy Balk) both of Pensacola; one stepdaughter, Dana (Ken) Whitton of Mobile; nine grandchildren, Brandon (Jenna) Rhyne of Pensacola, Whitney Rhyne (Cody Bunten) of Summerdale, Peyton and Bailey Rhyne of Pensacola; Brian, Deven, Nathan, Ayden and Brendalyn Whitton of Mobile; two great granddaughters; three brothers, Gordon (Vickie) Rhyne, Mark (Connie) Rhyne, and Glen (Pam) Rhyne; one sister, Judy (George) Vilardi and many nieces, nephews and close friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 22, 2014, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Bro. Chris Hendrix, officiating. Burial to follow in Barrancas National Cemetery.
Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2014, at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be David Karasek, Dewayne Williamson, Marque Hendrix, Nick Carter, Ray Danielson and Ray Dykes.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North entrusted with arrangements.
Mary Frances Miller
August 18, 2014
Mary Frances Miller, 93, formerly of Flomaton passed away on August 14, 2014,at Rock Creek Health and Rehab Center in Sulphur Springs, TX. She was born on October 16, 1920, in Morvin, AL, the daughter of Houston and Ora May Armstead McNider. She was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Flomaton. She married Fred C. Miller in 1944 (who preceded her in death) and together they ran Miller’s Clothing Store in Flomaton for over 30 years (1948 to 1979).
She was also preceded in death by daughter, Glenda Miller Summerford, brothers; Sydney Elliot McNider, James McNider, and Magnus McNider.
She is survived by son, Fred M. (Jean) Miller and of Sulphur Springs, TX, son-in-law, George Summerford of Charleston, SC, grandchildren, Melanie (David) Miller McGee of Heath, TX, Valerie (Chad) Miller Moniz of Yorktown, VA, Ginger (William) Summerford Gorrell of Apex, NC, Grant (Priscilla) Summerford and of Charleston, SC, Ginny Summerford of Charleston, SC.
Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 20, 2014, at Flomaton Cemetery with Rev. Dustin Stockstill officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Flomaton Cemetery Fund, Escambia County Bank, P.O. Box 601, Flomaton, AL 36441.
Farm Share Provides Food For Families In Need
August 17, 2014
A free food giveaway was held Saturday in Century.
Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida, the AmeriCorps Coalition of Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties and Farm Share hosted the free food distribution event for residents of the Century and North Escambia areas.
Assisted by volunteers, Farm Share distributed fresh produce and food for about 300 families in need. As the event opened, the line of vehicles waiting for food stretched as far as could be seen down Pond Street. Some people even arrived on foot, pulling wagons.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Bethany Reynolds, click to enlarge.
Young Marines Honor The Memory Of LCpl Travis M. Nelson
August 17, 2014
A young Travis Nelson of Bratt grew up in a military family and had two things on his mind — fishing and growing up to join the military.
He lived that dream, spending many days at his favorite fishing spots. At 14, he joined the Young Marines of Pensacola. By age 19, he had made it from Bratt to the front lines in Afghanistan as a United States Marine. It was there in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, that LCpl Travis M. Nelson lost his life in August 2011 defending the freedom of his family, friends and the America he loved so much.
Saturday, the Young Marines of Pensacola gathered at the LCpl Travis M. Nelson Park on Highway 4 in Bratt, near Nelson’s childhood home, to honor one of their own that paid the ultimate price.
The Young Marines, boys and girls ages 8 to 18, stood silently at attention as a wreath was placed at the park’s memorial to Nelson. Then they posed for a photo, the Young Marines and the memorial to a fallen Marine.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
