Our window to the war, closed far too soon
The Rocky
Published January 9, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.
Diligent, thoughtful, committed, eloquent, genial, self-deprecating. These qualities and more are evident to readers of Maj. Andrew Olmsted's "From the Front Lines" blog at RockyMountain News.com.
Since May 21, 2007, Olmsted had filed more than 40 regular reports on his preparations for and service in Iraq as a U.S. Army adviser training Iraqi police and military forces.
In this, Olmsted was a pioneer - a member of a small cadre of U.S. soldiers who have also taken on the duties of journalist, recording their impressions of the war they are fighting as they are fighting it.
American solidiers have always done this in their letters home, but Olmsted and others like him reported directly to the American people through their blogs. Unlike some, however, Olmsted appeared to have no ax to grind and his entries were keenly observed models of the reporter's art.
We at the Rocky have been privileged to have been a part of Olmsted's groundbreaking adventure.
On Thursday, Olmsted, 37, was killed by an insurgent sniper in Diyala province northeast of Baghdad, the war's first U.S. casualty of 2008. Because he died trying to get three suspected enemy combatants to surrender rather than be killed, one other quality can be ascribed to the major: compassionate.
On learning of his death, more than one reader of Olmsted's blog quoted Gen. George S. Patton in tribute to him: "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived."
Amen.
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January 9, 2008
12:44 p.m.
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ItsJustme writes:
My brother who was working with both of these fallen heroes sent me the following email the day after their deaths:
"Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2008 11:52 AM
Subject: One hundred soldiers with their unit colors, ...
from two countries and a dozen units stand at present arms in two rows facing a broad strip of asphalt as the flag draped body bag containing the mortal remains of a young officer are marched slowly to the awaiting helicopter... . It is displays such as this that bind those who bear arms so close that forty years from now they will still mourn as they sit in wheelchairs or stand with walkers as taps is played for fallen comrades long dead but never forgotten. Two officers who I have worked with on missions outside our own team died today while assisting the Iraqi Army in clearing an area of insurgents. The names and team are not important, but the cause they advanced remains to be completed. The blood of the dead at the Bay of Pigs and the blitzkrieg fallen Poles who died when their allies deserted them on the battlefield screams to us to complete our mission. History will judge us as harshly as it does the quislings of France and the "peace at any cost" cowards of England during the Second World War should our resolve fail."
January 9, 2008
2:22 p.m.
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jay writes:
another poster confusing support for our soldiers and support for the war...or vice versa
January 9, 2008
4:17 p.m.
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ItsJustme writes:
I'm sorry, Jay. You must not have read the post and just reacted out of your own entrenched opinion. Which do you think my Master Sergeant brother (who is and was there and knew these two soldiers) is supporting in his email - the soldiers or the war?
January 9, 2008
5:56 p.m.
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jay writes:
he implies that those who don't support the war don't support he soldiers...which of course couldn't be more incorrect.
January 9, 2008
6:31 p.m.
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Gary_Farber writes:
Andrew Olmsted's last wishes: "I do ask (not that I'm in a position to enforce this) that no one try to use my death to further their political purposes. I went to Iraq and did what I did for my reasons, not yours. My life isn't a chit to be used to bludgeon people to silence on either side. If you think the U.S. should stay in Iraq, don't drag me into it by claiming that somehow my death demands us staying in Iraq. If you think the U.S. ought to get out tomorrow, don't cite my name as an example of someone's life who was wasted by our mission in Iraq. I have my own opinions about what we should do about Iraq, but since I'm not around to expound on them I'd prefer others not try and use me as some kind of moral capital to support a position I probably didn't support. Further, this is tough enough on my family without their having to see my picture being used in some rally or my name being cited for some political purpose. You can fight political battles without hurting my family, and I'd prefer that you did so."
March 25, 2008
11:06 a.m.
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EdLane001 writes:
Our deepest sympathy to families of Major Olmsted and Capt. Casey. We had read Major Olmsteds notes on Anysoldier.com, also his blog and had sent some packages to his team late last year. Yesterday we were putting a package together and I found a customs form and address label with his name on it. Today I checked to make sure he was still receiving packages and I read the news. I have also read his last blog and was very moved by his words and amazed at his movie quotes. Some of the quotes such as the one from, The Cowboys, brought back forgotten memories. I must apologize for not getting that last box out sooner and for not being more supportive of Major Olmsted and his Team. Once again please let us express our sincere condolences to the families of Major Olmsted and Capt. Casey.