Lance Cpl. John Nelson, a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, performs during a Friday Evening Parade. Nelson, who suffered a traumatic brain injury, is now supporting veterans groups with his company, Deltacom Coffee.  Cpl. Joseph A. Cabrera photo

TURNER — With the precision and discipline he learned as a member of the elite Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, John Wayne Nelson successfully fought his way back from a severe traumatic brain injury 10 years ago.

A fall left him in a coma for 2½ weeks. He was hospitalized for a year and was treated for 15 hematomas.

“I had to teach myself how to walk, talk, speak, think,” Nelson said. “I had to learn how to do things again.”

Along that difficult journey after the injury, Nelson, 35, started to dabble in roasting coffee. Working with a roaster, he learned the entire process of how to make coffee.

“It’s an incredible process,” he said. “I worked with a master roaster, learning the ins and outs of coffee. How coffee works.”

As a disabled veteran, coffee became a huge part of Nelson’s recovery. He turned his love of coffee into a business – Deltacom Coffee – to help other veterans. Besides his online store, Nelson sells his bags of coffee in 10 locations in the area, including Greenwood Orchards and Ricker Hill Farms in Turner, Bakery Barn in Lewiston, Blackies in Auburn and Tilton’s Market in Buckfield.

Sgt. John Wayne Nelson of Turner during his tour of Afghanistan. Contributed photo

Nelson has not taken a penny from his business for the sale of his coffee, and everyone who helps him is a volunteer. Proceeds either get redirected back into his business or are given to veteran groups. He is donating money to Operation Reboot, a Turner-based organization that helps veterans heal by bringing them on outdoor adventures.

Born in Concord, New Hampshire, Nelson was raised in Turner. He graduated from Leavitt Area High School and participated in hockey and cross country.

Nelson signed up for the Marine Corps as soon as he became eligible, the same week he turned 17. He left for basic training two days after graduation in 2006.

“The Marines are the first to fight,” Nelson said. “They’re very driven. I believe in the ethos of the United States Marines. I was really hard charging to make a difference as much as I could. So I chose the Marines. After Sept. 11 happened, that’s what drove me.”

He spent nine years in the Marines and rose to the rank of sergeant.

Hoping to go fight for his country right away, Nelson was training for the infantry when his path took an unexpected turn. Meeting certain size and weight requirements, Nelson was sent to Washington, D.C., as one of 100 Marines invited to try out for the prestigious Silent Drill Platoon.

The unit performs a unique silent drill to showcase the discipline and precision of the Marine Corps. It includes the spins and tosses of their M-1 rifles with fixed bayonets as part of their inspection while marching in formation.

Only a few would join the 24-man unit. He described the program as an intense, four-month school.

“It’s all about perfection, showing the discipline of the United States Marines,” Nelson said. “I pushed myself the best that I could.”

Not only was he selected for a two-year session, Nelson earned a third year in 2010 as a rifle inspector.

“It’s a silent drill sequence that uses hand slaps and hitting our rifles in cadence with each other, showcasing the discipline of the Marines,” he said.

The platoon performs throughout the United States and abroad, often at sporting events and veterans ceremonies.

Nelson said he is proud that he never once dropped a rifle, which includes his year on the inspection team when he would toss the rifles back-and-forth during the inspection drill.

Marine Corps Sgt. John Wayne Nelson training in mountainous terrain. Submitted photo

Following his drill team tenure, Nelson reenlisted, went back to infantry school and served in Afghanistan from 2011-12, mostly searching for improvised explosive devices and other security issues.

After his tour, Nelson was stationed in California, where he would train Marines on dealing with rugged, mountainous terrain. He was among eight trainers selected to climb Mount McKinley, also known as Denali, the highest mountain in North America at 20,310 feet, more than three times the size of Mount Washington. Of the eight chosen, only four made it to the top, including Nelson.

He suffered his brain injury a year later.

Still receiving treatment for his injury, Nelson was in Florida this week receiving further treatment, while overseeing his Deltacom Coffee business from afar. His mother, Catherine Kent, serves as his business manager.

He met with a team of entrepreneurs to learn how to grow his business. The business has helped him to move ahead and to make a difference for other disabled veterans.

With his team of volunteers, Nelson attends various craft fairs, festivals and farmers’ markets, getting exposure to his blends of coffee, one sip at a time.