Andrew had wanted to be a soldier since he was a little boy. After graduating from St. Johns High School in 2005, that dream became a reality. On July 12, 2005 Andrew left for basic traing to become a Combat Engineer in the Army. Andrew graduated from basic training/AIT class at the end of October 2005, then on November 5, 2005 Andrew married his high school sweetheart Kristi Rewerts. At the end of November Andrew left for his permanant duty station, Schweinfurt Germany. Andrew had to leave for Germany without his new bride, and spent the first 4 months of their marriage apart. Kristi was finally able to join Andrew in March of 2006. After Kristi finally joined her husband they were ablt to take a one week trip to London England and Paris France. In September 2006 Andrew was deployed to Kuwait and then on to Iraq. Andrew spent about six weeks in Kuwait doing acclimation training, then in mid October 2006 he left for Baghdad Iraq. Andrew spent about two and a half months in Iraq until December 25, 2006 when he was killed instantly by an IED in Baghdad. Andrew will be missed by all, and he is truly St. Johns' Hometown Hero! We love you and miss you Andrew! To learn more about Andrew go to www.andrewnelsonmemorial.com .