A final photo of Maj. Andrew J. Olmsted, draped with his identification tags and honored with a 1st Battalion, 361st Engineer Regiment coin, stands in silent tribute at his memorial service conducted Feb. 5 at McGregor Range. Photo by Staff Sgt. Lisa M. Litchfield.
5th Armored says goodbye to comrade
Staff Sgt. Lisa M. Litchfield, 5th Armored Bde., 1st Army Division West
With their eyes lowered and faces somber, members of the 5th Armored Brigade said goodbye to one of their own in a remembrance service for Maj. Andrew J. Olmsted at McGregor Chapel Feb. 5.
Olmsted served with 5th Armored Brigade as an observer-controller and trainer detachment commander, brigade adjutant, brigade personnel officer and executive officer for 1st Battalion, 361st Engineer Regiment, prior to volunteering for a return to active duty and a tour in Iraq.
“We are gathered here to do the toughest and finest things as Soldiers we are asked to do, and that is to pay tribute and honor to a fallen comrade,” said Lt. Col. James McArdle, 5th Armored Bde. deputy commander. “Major Andrew Olmstead has done the greatest thing anyone can ask from another human being, and that is to give his life for others.”
In his writings, it was evident Olmstead didn’t want people to waste time in mourning. His final blog, published posthumously by his friend Hilary Bok on the Obsidian Wings Web site, explained.
“What I don’t want this to be is a chance for me, or anyone else, to be maudlin,” Olmstead wrote. “I’m dead. That sucks, at least for me and my family and friends. But all the tears in the world aren’t going to bring me back, so I would prefer that people remember the good things about me rather than mourning my loss.
“We’re all going to die of something,” the blog continued. “I died doing a job I loved. When your time comes, I hope you are as fortunate as I was.”
Speaking at the memorial service, Soldiers described themselves as fortunate to have known Olmsted, worked for him and learned from him.
“Major Olmstead was a professional Soldier, a tanker, a brother, a son, a leader and a warrior,” said McArdle. “His family and friends will miss him, I will miss him … at heart and deed he was an American warrior.”
First Sgt. Arthur Lopez recalled numerous hours of conversations with Olmsted about the mission, people and politics of Iraq. He explained how Olmsted “believed he had a part to play in Iraq and was needed there.” Lopez also noted how Olmsted cared deeply for his Soldiers and lived his life as a reflection of his beliefs.
“He believed in the Army values, the Soldier's creed and the warrior ethos,” Lopez said.
His comrades said Olmstead held an unparalleled dedication to ensure the success of his Soldiers through support and mentorship.
“His mission was to ensure that all Soldiers became the best leaders they could be,” said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Officer, an observer-controller and trainer for the brigade. Officer went on to thank Olmsted for teaching him to be a better leader.
“His wisdom and caring qualities and principles were there without hesitation,” said Officer. “All that I learned will always be instituted in all that I do. This is now my farewell to you, Sir. Thank you very much.”