I was born in Sioux Falls and am a proud 4th generation South Dakota Nelson.  My first 8 years of life were in the town I have always loved above all else, Salem.  Dad was a public servant, a SD Highway Patrolman, and unfortunately his duties required we move from our beloved Salem to Sioux Falls in 1976.  We lived there for several years where we were members of the Peace Lutheran Church and I attended Jane Adams elementary. In 1980, dad was transferred to the Mitchell area where I graduated from high school in 1985.  We only had a very small family farm so I followed my uncles', as well as dad's patriotic military service, and I enlisted in the Marine Corps before graduating from high school.

"Once a Marine, always a Marine..."  I made a difference for our country and my fellow Americans as a Marine and a cop for over 23 1/2 years combined federal service.  I am blessed to be the father of six wonderful people, a grandfather, and the husband to my beautiful & kind bride Aiza. 

I am happy with who I am.  I am an honest man who accepts his mistakes, asks forgiveness when he is wrong, and strives to always do the right thing in life no matter the price.  I am not perfect and I do not have all the answers.  I do have the courage to accept that and the wisdom to look for the answers needed to do the right thing.  I am who I am today because of my relationship with God.  He has blessed, guided, and carried me through my whole life.  With your support, and His hand on my shoulder, I will serve your interests and protect your rights in the South Dakota House of Representatives.  God bless, & Semper Fidelis.