Nelson retires after 15 years as Veterans Service Officer

Todd Nelson, the long-time Dodge County Veterans Service Officer is retiring after 15 years of service to Dodge County and its veterans. This follows a 25-year military career in the United States Air Force.
The highlights of his time as the service officer revolve around the veterans he has met and served, he said. He has a fondness for those of “the greatest generation” of which there are now few left, but said he truly respects and admires all who have served. He especially liked being asked to speak at various events such as Memorial Day Field of Flags and Veterans Day programs.
Todd was once asked to give the eulogy for a Kasson veteran who he had worked with through the years. He interviewed the family members and found out many details about his life and his family so the talk was very personal. Those that attended the funeral were very impressed and told him “I should have you talk when my funeral happens”.
During his tenure, veteran benefits (compensation, pension, education, and medical) for Dodge County veterans increased nearly 10-fold, he said. Todd took his job personally ensuring veterans and their families received the benefits that they were entitled to. Meeting and helping people when they were going through problems has been a special opportunity for him to help improve their lives, he said. He has worked with veterans and their families going through severe injuries, illnesses, death, and other family situations, ensuring they know what benefits they are eligible to receive. He estimates there are over 300 veterans that have passed away during his career here and he has helped with arrangements for gravestones, local burials, and burials in veteran cemeteries. Todd has been part of the Kasson American Legion color guard for many funerals for area veterans.
He and his wife Margaret will become “empty nesters” when their youngest child heads off to college this fall. They are looking at doing some traveling stateside and overseas in retirement and the Nelsons will be celebrating their 40th anniversary this year.
Todd said during the COVID pandemic he got into making sourdough bagels using a book recipe and adding some of his own variations and Margaret makes very good scones, so you might see them at the local farmers market at times selling their goodies. Todd also wants to work on his family ancestry as well as golfing, kayaking and fishing more. And, most importantly spending time with family, especially the grandkids.
Todd retires from the Dodge County Veterans Service position on June 23.  There will be a retirement celebration at the Kasson American Legion on June 24 from 4-7 pm. Veterans, family, coworkers, and friends are invited to attend and have snacks and a farewell drink.  No gifts or cards please, just memories!
Brandon Servantez will be taking over the Dodge County Veterans Service Officer position and is already on the job.  He grew up in Albert Lea and spent three years in the Army with the Military Police. He had a tour of duty for almost a year from 2005 to 2006 in the Baghdad, Iraq, region. After his military service, he attended Concordia College in St. Paul and earned a BS degree in Criminal Justice. Brandon and his family live in Kasson and he has made the 57-mile commute to Albert Lea for the past four years working in the Veterans Service Officer position in Freeborn County. He said it will now only be a four-mile commute to Mantorville!
Brandon already has experience working in the Veterans Administration system so now he is getting to know the people and organizations in Dodge County. His wife is the K-M Elementary school nurse and their son attends the K-M schools.
He is a member of the Kasson Legion and wants to become more involved in the K-M community since he is now working much closer to home.
Dodge County Veterans Service Officer position has been in very good hands for the past 15 years and Brandon is ready to fill the “big boots” when Todd retires.
Photo:
Photo by Wayne Hendrickson
Brandon Servantez, the new Veterans Service Officer and Todd Nelson, the retiring Veterans Service Officer for Dodge County.