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Last updated on July 2nd, 2017 at 01:27 pm
US Army Major and blogger Andrew Olmsted was killed Thursday in Iraq. Some months ago Olmsted wrote a piece to be published in the event of his death; that remarkable, inspiring and hilarious post is here.
Now, as Maj. Olmsted wished, let’s crank up some ‘80s music.
UPDATE. Further background:
Small-arms fire took the life of a Colorado Springs soldier in Iraq this week.
Maj. Andrew Olmsted, 37, died Thursday in As Sadiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit. Also killed was Capt. Thomas J. Casey, 32, of Albuquerque.
Olmsted deployed in July and served as a reservist with the Military Transition Team, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
Olmsted is survived by his wife of 10 years, Amanda Wilson of Colorado Springs.
She was having trouble with the news on Friday. She said her mother, who flew in Friday to help, was “trying to be brave.”
UPDATE II. Maj. Olmsted and wife Amanda in Colorado last June:
Following Tim’s lead, here’s one I hope helps to speed your way to the place we all hope to earn a spot in one day.
- My condolences to the wife and family of a brave and honourable warrior.
RIP, Major Olmstead.Posted by SwinishCapitalist on 2008 01 05 at 07:19 AM • permalink
- “…those who were beloved and pleasant in their lifetime are not parted in their death.
They were quicker than eagles and stronger than lions to do the will of their Creator’s will and the wish of their Rock.”Andrew has given us much to be thankful for, much to be proud of, and much to consider in weighing up our own lives.My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Vale, Andrew Olmstead…
Posted by MentalFloss on 2008 01 05 at 07:58 AM • permalink
The flame that burns twice as bright burns only half as long, and yours has burned so very, very brightly
RoyAndrew(cant find what Im after so an 80’s film clip will have to do.
Posted by thefrollickingmole on 2008 01 05 at 08:02 AM • permalink
Rest well, there in Heaven, for tasks well done, and a life well lived.
A short life.
A worthwhile life.Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.Vale Andrew.
One of the good guys..Well done pal..you are a hero in the truest sense of the word…I can’t say the rest of what I’d like to but it has something to do with those scumfucks who may demonise his name.. Lavatory P..Dem U…know what I mean!! so STFU..yeah it’s late in Melbourne Vic but I cannot get over the fact that when a good guy goes who contributes so much good…There is silence
#18 Tell me, do you think Melbourne is truly ignorant, or does your brain just switch off after dark?
I live in Melbourne mate, and many of us aren’t ignorant, and many of us have so much support for the military. But, a grand ole’ GROW UP for you, who seems to think that because our fellow Melbournians can’t get online late on a Saturday night means that they don’t support the military.
Now, take note of this, and I’ll even put it boldly… If I’m wrong, and you support our military, I will apologise for my assumption that you don’t. Providing you apologise for your assumption that your fellow Melbournians do not support the military.
Your call, mate.
Well said by all.
Thanks kae – I always think those words are the most appropriate ever written to bring death into a real perspective!
No-one really knows what death brings.
But like so many before him – Major Andrew Olmsted was fighting for something that way too many in western civilisation take for granted – freedom and democracy.
In the history of this planet, he and others like him will always be remembered, as they should.
- There are no words…
Thank you, Maj. Olmsted, and Godspeed.Posted by Not My Problem on 2008 01 05 at 09:24 AM • permalink
I believe that Maj. Olmsted specifically asked that his death not be politicised, and most people on the blogs I have read have done pretty well at respecting that.
Frater, ave atque vale.
My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to his wife and family, and my most sincere thanks to all of the selfless men like Major Andrew Olmsted over there in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Now, as per his suggestion
So if you’re up for that, put on a little 80s music (preferably vintage 1980-1984), grab a Coke and have a drink with me. If you have it, throw ‘Freedom Isn’t Free’ from the Team America soundtrack in; if you can’t laugh at that song, I think you need to lighten up a little. I’m dead, but if you’re reading this, you’re not, so take a moment to enjoy that happy fact.
… throw me another Coke and turn up that 80’s music!
Posted by spot_the_dog on 2008 01 05 at 09:55 AM • permalink
I just sobbed like a baby when I read that last night.
Posted by Mr. Bingley on 2008 01 05 at 10:05 AM • permalink
It is always a waste when a good man goes. Sympathy to his wife and RIP.
Posted by carpefraise on 2008 01 05 at 10:10 AM • permalink
May God bless this brave man who gave his life for his country and for those of Iraq.
Posted by wronwright on 2008 01 05 at 10:30 AM • permalink
- This is one of the many beautiful tributes at
LinkWhen I’m Gone
by Mrs.Lyman HancockWhen I come to the end of my journey
And I travel my last weary mile
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned
And remember only the smile
Forget unkind words I have spoken
Remember some good I have done
Forget that I ever had heartache
And remember I’ve had loads of fun
Forget that I’ve stumbled and blundered
And sometimes fell by the way
Remember I have fought some hard battles
And won, ere the close of the day
Then forget to grieve for my going
I would not have you sad for a day
But in summer just gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay
And come in the shade of evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember only my best.
- I have to concur with the Major. You do read some very interesting and thought provoking stuff via blogging. His last blog may not have been his best, – certainly he made it clear it was one he hoped that was not read, but it must have been right up there.
It’s 5 am Sunday here Sydney time as I write this and the few minutes I took to read his piece were ones I will remember as very worthwhile and while it may superficially seem innapropriate to say it – satisfying.
I am sure the Major would understand the implication .
Congratulations to Major Andrew Olmsted, his wife and family . Deserving of much pride.
P.S. And borrowing the vernacular popular with my teenage kids ; “Early 80’s music Rocks !”
I leave heaven to heaven but I can say this: Though the fallen may be beyond our reach, we are not beyond theirs.
By dedicating ourselves to be better people in their honor, their lives continue to have genuine consequences in the here and now.
Posted by Tai Chi Wawa on 2008 01 05 at 03:17 PM • permalink
We should not ask God why such good men die. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.
Posted by mr creosote on 2008 01 05 at 06:07 PM • permalink
This is a bit late but I’d like to say my bad, I had just read Tim’s post and jumped on the keyboard. I probably could have been a bit more careful with the wording.
I read Andrew’s blog regularly and this is a tragedy as another soldier is fallen and a good man who called it for what it is without spin but without the MSM BS.
I guess that frustration contributed to the previous post.
Apology most certainly accepted and I hope the bub’s cold clears up soon.
MF
- This is terrible news. May his friends and family find peace.
A popular phrase about the 1st. infantry division goes”If you want to be one, be a Big Red One.“Major Olmsted definitely was One. The First infantry division was my dads old outfit. I hope they’re sharing a drink on the other side.
Rest in Peace sir.
Vale, Major Olmstead. You have carried out your duties well.
Posted by The_Real_JeffS on 2008 01 06 at 11:51 AM • permalink
Andrew: I made a best of 82-84 in your honour and whacked it on the iPod. I’ll be wearing pastels and gelled hair all week. My wishes to his loved ones.
Posted by Mr Hackenbacker on 2008 01 06 at 07:07 PM • permalink
War is always a bad thing (though not necessarily the worst option), and one of the worst things about war is that we lose some of our best people. Major Olmstead was certainly one of them.
(It’s taken me days to be able to write about this without expletives.)
Posted by Chris Chittleborough on 2008 01 06 at 11:35 PM • permalink
War is always a bad thing (though not necessarily the worst option), and one of the worst things about war is that we lose some of our best people. Major Olmstead was certainly one of them.
(It’s taken me days to be able to write about this without expletives, so please excuse the sententiousness.)
Posted by Chris Chittleborough on 2008 01 07 at 12:28 AM • permalink
Link not working. Sat 8:45pm