Don Nelsen receives Rockwell Collins Good Citizenship Award

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - In the Nelsen home, they give new meaning to “there’s always room for more.”

Don Nelsen and his wife, Jane, have touched the lives of more than 70 abused and neglected children during their 15 years as foster parents. In recognition for his extensive efforts to help provide children with a safe and loving environment, Don Nelsen has been presented with the 2007 Rockwell Collins Good Citizenship Award.

The award is given annually to a Rockwell Collins employee who exemplifies the company’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life in its communities.

In 1992, the Nelsens decided to make the 24-hour, 7-day-a-week commitment to become foster parents in their Bossier City, La., home. They specialize in children ages 3 and younger with special needs.

“Knowing that I am making a positive contribution to so many children brings me more joy than anything else,” said Don, a software support supervisor for Rockwell Collins at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City.

Finalists for the 2007 Good Citizenship Award are Ian McLean, technician, Tullamarine, Victoria, Australia, who is deeply involved in fauna habitat restoration; Dennis Flynn, senior mechanical designer, Cedar Rapids, an active school volunteer; and Marla Schiess, production operator, Manchester, a dedicated volunteer at Camp Courageous, which is a recreation facility that serves people with disabilities.

Rockwell Collins makes a monetary donation to the recipient’s and finalists’ charities of choice.