The Early Years of American Soldier Network

In 1996, seeing a need for companionship for children fighting for life in hospitals as well as seniors confined to convalescent homes alone, Annie Nelson and friends created Angels Within Inc. a 501c3, because we believe everyone has their own Angel Within! This was a organization of donated time and not funds. We remained small, until our founder Annie Nelson had an epiphany while visiting Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio Texas almost 10 years later. You are about to experience the transformation in pictures below. We still believe everyone has their own Angel Within, now it is up to each of us to tap into that and spread an attitude of gratitude across our amazing country and say Thank You and Welcome Home to our nations brave heroes! Join US!

09/11/2001 the United States is devastated. The years that follow, like many other Americans Annie Nelson feels compelled to do "something" but not sure what.

2004 USMC Jesse Schertz of Illinois is deployed to Iraq, along with cousin USMC Adam Schertz and USMC Tyler Ziegel, they become Annie's first 3 pen pals.

Jesse Schertz

Adam Schertz & his Mom

2004, USMC Jesse Schertz & pen pal Annie Nelson become buds through letters!

12/2004 USMC Jesse Schertz, Tyler Ziegel & 6 others are in a convoy when a suicide bomber hits their truck!

Annie learns of Jesse Schertz bombing and arrival at Brook Army Medical Center, San Antonio TX.

Spring 2005 Annie travels to Brook Army Medical center to say Welcome Home & meet her pen pals. A truly life changing experience and the American Soldier Network is born, the seeds for Project Welcome Home are planted.

At Brook, Ted Nuget shares healing music.... Jesse, Tyler & other heroes listen on.

Summer 2005 Dave Weiderman joins our crusade & encourages music great Steve Miller to send his support!

Fall of 2006 Frank Wheaton & Paula Schertz attend a American Soldier Network function.

Fall 2006 Carol Nelson, Frank Wheaton, Matt Mc Mahon & Annie support the wives of our fallen special forces men. Fund raising at it's finest?

Winter 2006 Michael Bolton joins us and hosts the Bob Hope LAX USO golf tournament.