Readers' tributes to Maj. Andrew Olmsted

Rocky Mountain News

Published January 7, 2008 at 11:26 a.m.
Updated January 7, 2008 at 12:53 p.m.

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Photo by Javier Manzano © The Rocky

A sniper killed Maj. Andrew Olmsted as he was trying to talk three suspected insurgents into surrendering, relatives confirmed Sunday.

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January 7, 2008

1:39 p.m.

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Military_mom writes:

My deepest sympathy to the families of Maj. Olmsted and Cpt. Casey. May we always remember the sacrifice these courages men and their families have made.
January 7, 2008

2:07 p.m.

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CrmsnTide writes:

Sincere condolences. God bless.
January 7, 2008

2:13 p.m.

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gburgrebelrose writes:

MY PRAYERS GOES out to both families and all in the armed forces.Just read this blog and feel I know each families.My God Bless and keep y"all in his loving care

Geraldine
January 7, 2008

8:45 p.m.

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blounta writes:

I met MAJ Olmsted and CPT Casey at Fort Riley during MITT training. I just wanted to say two great Americans are gone, but will never be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to both families and may god guide you through these times.

SFC Blount
January 8, 2008

12:34 a.m.

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genesis writes:

I was not born an American but I have chosen to be an American. This life changing decision was hard but I was comfortable making the decision because of men such as Major Olmsted and Capt. Casey and all those that they represent. I do not know them personally but they are the individuals that assure us of our freedom for greater good.

They remind me of two quotations, the first one from the Lord Jesus and the last one from Edmund Burke:

“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”. John 15:13

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”. Edmund Burke

Major Olmsted, Capt. Casey and all the fallen soldiers are the good men who elected to do something so that evil will not triumph, even at the cost of their lives, so we can all thrive. We are very fortunate to be the nameless friends that they laid their lives. I am very grateful for their sacrifices that I could never find the right words to express my gratitude and pain.

God bless all the families of all the soldiers that served and currently serve for USA especially those who have given their lives as an ultimate sacrifice. They deserve to be honored and remembered in the highest way possible.

For the secular, please do not be offended for this is my personal hope to bring comfort to those who are grieving: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all encouragement, who encourages us in our every affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encourage by God”. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
January 8, 2008

1:17 a.m.

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SFC_Mac1964 writes:

My deepest prayers are with you Mrs. Olmstead and your family. I had the honor of serving with your husband when he was the Brigade S-1 (MILPO). We had spoken on many occassions. MAJ Olmstead was all about the soldier and doing the right thing for the soldiers in his charge. As soldiers regardless of rank or position we do what is best for our great nation without hesitation or reservation. As a combat veteran myself (Somalia) we as soldiers go into any mission knowing that we are there in the defense of freedom. I as many others will miss your husbands witt as a friend but as a soldier his leadership and talent will be missed by the ARMY. Godspeed to you Sir.
January 8, 2008

3:05 a.m.

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Drifter5 writes:

I am truly sorry to read about the loss of MAJ Olmsted and CPT Casey. I will say a prayer for both of these fine soldiers, their families, and their team. MTT teams are small, usually no more than about 10 Marines or soldiers. They just lost about 20% of their personnel, their brothers-in-arms. Say a prayer for the members of that team, still in combat, and having to deal with this loss.

Semper Fi,

LtCol Erik Peterson, USMCR
XO, MTT "Drifter"
Habbaniyah/Ramadi, 2005-2006
January 8, 2008

5:16 a.m.

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Debera writes:

A hero of American's that is who this is, MAJ Olmsted and CPT Casey and all of our troops fighting this war. Thank you for giving us true hero's so our children may look up to you all and feel safe in their beds at night. Thank you for putting us all first, before you own lives, your family and friends. My prayers are with you and all the troops that leave this world before their time. God Bless America and God Bless you and yours.
January 8, 2008

5:55 a.m.

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Feldjaeger writes:

A silent salute to a comrade and fine person.

I would like to express my sincerest condolences to the families and friends of Major Andrew Olmsted and Capt. Thomas John Casey - two fine men and brave soldiers who paid the ultimate price for what they believed in.
Having served many years in the military, although in a different country (Germany), the death of a comrade hurts immensely, although I just knew him from reading his blog.
Luckily I did not have to go to war in Iraq but would have done so if my government decided it that way.
I profoundly believe that Maj. Olmsted was acting the same way.
It is not a soldiers task to judge his government's politics but to respond to it's call of duty!

I would have been proud to serve under his command.

The only thing that is left for me to do is to salute, bow my head and say a prayer - for Major Olmsted and Capt. Casey - as well as for all the other brave soldiers who lost their lives during the course of their duty.

Major C.J.Molle (Reserve)
January 8, 2008

5:59 a.m.

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Amir writes:

Now that my tears have subsided, I still don't know what to say. Ive never really given much thought to this war. I never really took the time to let the reality of it set in, what it means, what its for, and what its costed. I'm genuinely ashamed to say that. Reading his blog really put things into prospective for me. I'm floored.

To his family, friends, and especially his wife... My prayers are sincerely with you all.
January 8, 2008

7:58 a.m.

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pilesoflaundry writes:

I came across Andrew's blog through a yahoo news link about his final post. I wish I came across it sooner, I think I would have enjoyed reading him all along. His final post moved me. I'm a military wife and when I got to the end about his wife I choked up. My thoughts and many condolences go out to the family.
January 8, 2008

8:27 a.m.

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papajohn writes:

I read only one of his blogs- his final- and wish I had seen them sooner.

Thank You for your service and God Bless
January 8, 2008

9:08 a.m.

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ktcrsnsct writes:

It is unfortunate that the dead oftentimes speak louder than the living. Major Olmsted in death speaks for many of us who know firsthand the horrors of the conflicts our politicians sometimes seem so eager to force upon us. Yet he also personifies the reason why we accept the fate of these decisions without question. Freedom isn't free Major Olmsted may have paid the ultimate price but in doing so perhaps he will give everyone who is fortunate enough to read his "Final Post', reason to consider the consequences of rushing to hostilities before exhausting all other avenues.
I stand in honor and respect for his life and regret that I never met him but feel that I have known him all my life.
Joe
USMC Viet-nam 1968
January 8, 2008

11:45 a.m.

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Gman writes:

From a brother in arms: Your death was not in vain. You were a true gentleman. May God give peace and comfort to your loved ones. "We, the ones who are about to die, salute you". May you rest in peace.
January 8, 2008

7:02 p.m.

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Ana writes:

My deepest respects to the families of Major Olmsted and Captain Casey. Both with words and actions these men have personified honor, integrity, courage and compassion.

Major Olmsted's posts have provided us a window for education, experience and depth that would have been unheard of twenty years ago. We are priveledged to be able to think, feel and share his experiences. Thank you also to the Rocky Mtn News for providing the coverage and giving all of us the opportunity to understand.
January 8, 2008

8:40 p.m.

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Shadowslance writes:

As it seems that the Major was a fan of Babylon 5 I think that this is best said for his family and friends:

My God be between you and harm in all the empty places where you must walk.
-John Sheridan
January 9, 2008

10:46 a.m.

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RShores writes:

As a Desert Storm vet, my hat is off to the Major, his family and friends. A truer hero has never existed than the warrior who gives his (or her) life in support of his (or her) country.

In Iraq Pt I, our ship was fortunate enough to only have lost 2 pilots, but no one got to hear their last words. Andrew had the opportunity (and foresight) to write his own obituary, as it were. What would each of us say if given that opportunity?

Stand at Ease, Major, and Rest in Peace.

*Taps*
January 9, 2008

11:33 a.m.

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Frontier writes:

HERO.
January 9, 2008

1:15 p.m.

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SSGB writes:

Thank You sir for your service and sacrifice.
January 9, 2008

5:51 p.m.

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anastasia writes:

I knew Andy only from the Web. He was funny and sweet and made me laugh. I am fighting cancer right now. So laughter comes as a gift. People from arround the world are with the families in thier grief. I cryed for a long time. He would have made fun of me doing so. I thank him for his funny words and lovely gentel soul. He cared very much for his family and I hope they know we mourn with them. I can't know your pain. I hope you know our love goes out to you.
January 10, 2008

10:19 a.m.

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sgrother writes:

I served with Andy when he was commander of HHC 1-68. I drove for him and worked closely with him everyday. I had a great deal of respect for him and enjoyed our time talking in the HMMWV (although I was never sure he could read a map as we once headed into nowhere at night blacked out and stopped to "orient" ourselves about 100 feet from a cliff). We also got to listen to baseball and grill while he was OC for some 3rd ACR training. I was lucky enough that even though I moved, we were able to keep in contact through email and the Internet. There were many things we disagreed on, but we were able to do so intellectually without making it personal and that is something that is far too rare today.

I think I only met Amanda once or twice, but I am sorry for her loss and for his entire family. Andy's was a voice we need more of and will be greatly missed in serious debates on the issues of the day, Battlestar Gallactica, and baseball.
January 10, 2008

2:32 p.m.

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Flatspin writes:

Andy,

I'm so sad to hear that we lost you. Sadder still it took this loss and CNN for me to learn you existed. I feel that my life will not be what it could have been had we know each other.

You wondered if there is an afterlife, my faith drives me to answer yes, so your wish that you may see your beloved Amanda who we grieve for should come true, but I suppose if I'm correct you already know this.

While I never had he same military experience that you had, a few short months before being injured and discharged, I spent years traveling on business. I remember the slow creeping fear, the question I had each time I pulled away from home and headed down the road, will I return, would they be okay.

I always wanted to leave a last message as you did but always thought in the physical and feared that my letter would be found prematurely. To your wife I say, all good husbands fear to leave their families for the same reason Andy did.

While I had an opinion about the war, I had tremendous respect for those that go now, those that join now for their principals. We have a dear family friend with a daughter who just turned 18, a daughter who has planned to join the Army and become an MP. One side of my heart wonders if she is insane to join during a war. The other side remembers our conversations and has that respect for her conviction to do what is hard and offer herself in service to her country.

She'll likely leave before we can see her again so I asked if she'd do us the favor of sending us a picture when she finishes basic and AIT. I told her that not knowing anyone in the military; we tend to forget to pray for these souls who risk so much for our freedom. A symbol on our mantle to remind us of all the beloved who love us so much to offer themselves at the alter of freedom.

Amanda, our prayers will be with you. Your beloved Andy is finally, truly safe.
January 10, 2008

3 p.m.

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barbara80304 writes:

Our country lost a brave and wonderful man. Andy's family lost even more. My deepest sympathy.

Barbara
January 11, 2008

7:46 a.m.

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toyzharley06 writes:

My most sincerest condolences to Amanda and family. I did not know Andy very well but I did work with him...almost on a daily basis...when I was the Detachment Commander of Det 1, 3/360th, 2/91st, Boise, ID. He was an exceptional officer and human being who, as the 2/91st S-1 (Adjutant), helped me out on countless administrative issues and short suspenses...never telling me "NO"... no matter what I asked. Because of him and his staff, all of my Soldiers got promoted or received their awards/evaluations on time and retirement packets (among other admin issues) expedited. Always taking care of Soldiers. He was a true leader and Soldier and my heart and prayers goes out to his family.

May God bless you and keep you Andy. I am truly honored to have served with you.

MAJ Toy G. Flores
U.S. Army
Fort Monroe, VA
January 15, 2008

8:02 a.m.

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JacksonFamily writes:

To the Olmstead and Casey Families,

My absolute sympathies... nothing more can be said but I am sorry for your loss. As the mother of two children who's father was with Maj. Olmstead and Cpt. Casey on the day of their passing, I can only say they were strong and dedicated soldiers doing what they felt was right. May God bless each and every family member, may he give you the power to be strong and the courage to go on. The families of the MiTT 5011 soldiers salute you and we will always remember you in our prayers.

Jackie, Kaitlyn & Tyler Jackson
SFC Elish Jackson (still in Iraq)
Colorado Springs, CO
January 15, 2008

12:37 p.m.

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RInman writes:

I grew up in Northboro, MA and met Andy when we were in Jr High together. Although we lost touch a few years later, I remember Andy as a smart guy with whom I had a lot of laughs and good times.

I am glad to have known him growing up, but sorry I never met him as an adult. Judging from the posts here, he made a meaningful life for himself and touched a great many folks.

My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
January 20, 2008

9:30 p.m.

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annezook writes:

I'll miss Andy. We didn't always agree, but I respected his opinions and admired his firm, clear way of writing about (and living) what he believed.

My condolences to his family.
December 24, 2008

9:07 p.m.

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David_Pirtle writes:

It has been nearly a year since Andy's demise in Iraq. He was the very first soldier to fall this year, and 308 of his fellow coalition soldiers have followed him. I must confess my complete ignorance of who Andy was or his fate until just this very night, Christmas Eve, when a news report came on Yahoo broadcasting an interview with Andy's father. When his father mentioned Andy's blog, andrewolmsted.com, I decided to read his final entry. It brought tears to my eyes, though I know Andy probably wouldn't have approved. Hopefully he will be consoled by the knowledge that I laughed in equal measure. I dont know anyone personally who has died in this war. I barely know anyone who has served. So Andy's words, that everyone who doesnt know of anyone who was lost in this war should think of him, resonated deeply with me. I suppose I just wanted to mention that. Merry Christmas Andy Olmsted, wherever you may be, and Merry Christmas to all the men and women who are continuing your mission.

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Readers' tributes to Maj. Andrew Olmsted

Rocky Mountain News

Published January 7, 2008 at 11:26 a.m.Updated January 7, 2008 at 12:53 p.m.

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Published January 7, 2008 at 11:26 a.m.
Updated January 7, 2008 at 12:53 p.m.