A Mission That Hits Home
Major Nelson’s connection to asbestos-related disease is personal. His wife’s grandfather, a World War II Navy veteran, developed mesothelioma after serving aboard USS Yorktown (CV-10).
His aunt also battled lung cancer, which may have been linked to her years of federal service with the U.S. Department of Defense.
These experiences gave Major Nelson a deep understanding of how devastating mesothelioma can be — and why families deserve strong support and advocacy.
“So many companies knew that asbestos was dangerous, yet they deliberately hid the truth, choosing profits over the well-being of people using their products. I feel like monetary compensation is insufficient for people with mesothelioma, but at least they can secure a better financial future for their families and loved ones.”
Grounded in History, Guided by Justice
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, and raised near Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, Major Nelson grew up with deep ties to military culture and public service. Inspired by his father’s Air Force and National Park Service careers and his mother’s dedication as a teacher, he developed a lifelong interest in history, writing, and justice.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in English and History from the University of Virginia and his law degree from Wake Forest University. After law school, Major Nelson was commissioned as a Marine Corps judge advocate.
His career included deployment to Kuwait and Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, teaching criminal law and trial advocacy at the Naval Justice School, and serving as the Staff Judge Advocate for the 2nd Marine Division.
In this video, Major Jonathan Nelson (USMC Ret), a VA-accredited attorney and veterans advocate, explains how Mesothelioma Hope connects veterans with trusted doctors, provides emotional support, and helps them apply for VA disability benefits. Visit https://www.mesotheliomahope.com/ or call 877-701-7401 to see how we can help.
Duration: 1 min 39 sec
Serving Veterans Beyond the Uniform
Major Nelson retired having earned the Meritorious Service Medal, four Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Even after leaving active duty, Major Nelson has continued to serve. He has represented veterans through the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program, is a member of the Virginia State Bar, and is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist former service members with their benefits.
“It’s my responsibility to know what a patient’s legal options are, especially within the Department of Veterans Affairs, and to make sure they are able to access benefits to which they’re entitled.”
Major Nelson lives in Central Florida with his wife Amy — a registered nurse and a gifted musician — their two sons, and their dog Eva.
He enjoys playing golf and pickleball, traveling (he’s visited 49 states and has only Alaska left on the list), and watching the fireworks at Walt Disney World, just a couple of miles from home.
