I would have preferred to say this in person, but since I cannot, let me say it here

And the same from me so I will say it here : RIP and Thanks

RIP to another Brave American... God be with you and yours.

re: #1 Shug

Ditto...

Saw this yesterday. Crap. The guy walked the walk.

RIP and thank you for your service, Andrew.

Associated Press - January 5, 2008 12:44 AM ET

FORT RILEY, Kan. (AP) - The Defense Department says two Fort Riley soldiers were killed in Iraq when their unit was attacked by insurgents.

Major Andrew Olmsted and Captain Thomas Casey were assigned to the 1st Infantry Division's Military Transition Team as advisers to Iraqi forces.

Casey was a graduate of the University of New Mexico and had left the Army three years ago after his first tour in Iraq. His family says he rejoined last spring and was deployed to Iraq in the summer.

Olmsted was from Colorado Springs, Colorado, and wrote a blog about his experiences in Iraq for the Rocky Mountain News of Denver.

News editor John Temple says Olmsted provided a perspective on Iraq that would have been impossible for a journalist.

Some gave all. Rest in peace. We will not forget.

And my condolences to the family.

God bless you, soldier. And thank you.

Olmsted is the absolute opposite of a phony soldier calling it in.

Alert: Alert Dems have been asked a question about nuclear terrorism and OBL.

re: #7 inkling

God bless you, soldier. And thank you.

Amen, and Amen.

Attention!
Hand Salute!

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.

Too bad Casey Sheehan's Mother can't grasp the import of the above.

There's just gotta be hope for this country and this nutty world, what with people like this.

Right?

G_dspeed, Major Olmstead, we'll miss you and be immeasurably diminished by your absence...

Another good man done gone, Lord...

Thanks Pal. Get rested up in the big mead hall. Valhalla gets rowdy.
I know you'll fit right in.

Love and prayers to you and yours.

After reading this, it's hard to go back and listen to politicians "debate."
America exists because of the sacrifice of men such as Olmsted.
Thank you to him, and to his family, from me, and mine,

Who was He and how old? Does anyone know? Bio?

/sorry, I'm clueless but not wanting to be disrespectful

His last full measure. God bless his soul. I have chills from reading his last post but as a mere citizen, I'm required to do so.

Scrap

I wonder how he died? Is that revealed anywhere?

One word.

Hero.

I cried reading the headline. THANK YOU Maj. Olmstead.

We salute your service and will miss your insights. RIP

I agree. I am not worthy to read this man's words, but I feel as I must try

But if there is any way possible, Amanda, then I will live up to Delenn's words, somehow, some way. I love you.

May you be there, both of you.
May your love live.
You have touched us, now touch each other for all eternity.

re: #16 FightingBack

After reading this, it's hard to go back and listen to politicians "debate."
America EXISTS because of the sacrifice of men such as Olmsted and Casey.
Thank you to him, and to his family, from me, and mine...

Slight alteration, FightingBack!

all gave some
SOME GAVE ALL

may G-D bless your soul.

Andrew Olmsted

re: #19 zombie

I wonder how he died? Is that revealed anywhere?

No official military report has been posted yet - but here is a piece from the Rocky Mountain News, with picture.

[Link: blogs.rockymountainnews.com...]

Just listened to John Edwards...

"We need to get RID of Nuclear Weapons".

(Cracking the Liberal Code)

..."We in America must get rid of OUR nuclear weapons to PROVE to the world that we will have the Moral High ground.." (Then we get our trash handed to us by all foreign entities.)...

*spit*

re: #16 FightingBack

After reading this, it's hard to go back and listen to politicians "debate."
America exists because of the sacrifice of men such as Olmsted.
Thank you to him, and to his family, from me, and mine,

I don't want to hear one more word from a stinking polician. They all disgust me.

Amongst the current crop of candidates, only McCain should even have permission to open his mouth, the only war hero out of 15 freakin' candidates. And yet, even McCain has become a lost politician. Which is sad.

A Great American. Thank you and Rest in Peace.

re: #27 solomonpanting

I am so sorry.

RIP Major Olmsted. Thank You.

Thank you to all our Troops that give their lives that we may live free.
Some Gave All.

We all die sooner or later. Its how we lived our lives that counts. My deepest respect and thanks to a man who lived a life the way it should be lived; Decently, bravely, and unselfishly. May he inspire those who do not know the meaning of living and prefer to be the "Last Man" to change their ways.

How did he die?

sorry again... someone post.

God bless your soul, Andrew.

re: #36 Allah al Fubar

see #28

re: #36 Allah al Fubar

How did he die?

.

a hero

Forgive, O Lord, the sins of those who have died in past ages, and receive them into habitations of light and rejoicing, and open Thy fatherly embrace to them in mercy, and hearken unto us who celebrate their memory and sing:

O Lord of unutterable love, remember Thy servants who have fallen asleep!

_{-Kontakion 1, "Akathist for the Repose of the Departed", Book of Akathists, Holy Trinity Monastery: Jordanville, NY, 1994}

Here is a website where you can see casualties in OIF. It is updated when the military releases their official information.

I feel so sad.

This is a great tribute song and video. Do I Make You Proud.

re: #38 mama winger

Thank you.

A lot of emotion when looking at that photo.

re: #36 Allah al Fubar

How did he die?

sorry again... someone post.

See link in mama winger's #28. That's all we've got so far.

Listening to these buffoons makes you realize how important and dangerous this election really is for us. Richardson is clueless, as are the rest. Edwards is such a bad actor, and so smug. Hillary is saying what she thinks people want to hear. Obama is the closest thing to a statesman they have up there and Charlie Gibson is very taken with himself.
Go Rudy!

So if we do get attacked with nuclear weapons - and we've already given up our own, then what would we do?

John Edwards will be our psychoanalyst in chief - "calming" the American people after a nuclear attack on our soil. Maroon.

Hillary looks depressed.

Godspeed sir and thank you.

re: #41 mama winger

My G_d. Just when I think I'm all cried out...

"Every part of the government needs to work together." - Hillary

Like that ever's gonna happen. hahah

I'm not going back to listen to the debate ... not after this thread.

It'd seem like some sort of sacrilege. Just how, I'm not sure.

These Dems are dangerous.

Edwards is afraid about "ratcheting up the rhetoric" after a nuclear attack that kills millions. Can you effing believe this?

Forget looking at her face, if I have to listen to Hillary's voice for 4 years..just shoot me now.

re: #45 surrounded

Listening to these buffoons makes you realize how important and dangerous this election really is for us. Richardson is clueless, as are the rest. Edwards is such a bad actor, and so smug. Hillary is saying what she thinks people want to hear. Obama is the closest thing to a statesman they have up there and Charlie Gibson is very taken with himself.
Go Rudy!

Is there some kind of debate happening? You gotta be kidding me.

re: #42 newsjunkie_ky

Outstanding. Thank you.

God Bless You, Major Andrew Olmsted. My deepest sympathies to your family and friends.

re: #53 zombie

[Link: www.wmur.com...]

re: #51 Canadian Guy

These Dems are dangerous.

Edwards is afraid about "ratcheting up the rhetoric" after a nuclear attack that kills millions. Can you effing believe this?

That's what I meant when he said he would have to calm the american people because it would be even more dangerous if the American people became upset. Is that nuts or what?

Thank you Major Olmstead! May you rest in peace.
The Dash

re: #11 jcm

Attention!
Hand Salute!

A special place for these at the table of G*d.

re: #44 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Boomer - is your Avatar the Southern Cross?

Richardson thinks that global environmental issues are just as important as a nuclear weapon going off in this country? did I hear that right?

re: #51 Canadian Guy

These Dems are dangerous.

Edwards is afraid about "ratcheting up the rhetoric" after a nuclear attack that kills millions. Can you effing believe this?

This is the same audience as was for the Repubs? If so I can't wait to hear them comment on the diffs between the Repubs and the pansies.

RIP Olmsted

Requiescat in Pace, Major Andrew Olmstead.

Hero who died believing in the principles of his country. Unlike some folks we know...

I had to shut off the DEM debate. Without the gratuitous shots of Kucinich's wife, all thats left is listening to Hillary and watching Richardson look for a buffet table

re: #48 Sifty

re: #41 mama winger

My G_d. Just when I think I'm all cried out...

I know ......

I usually try to read the stories of these brave men and women as they are posted. Sometimes it is just hard. Like the soldier who died the day after Christmas - he had just gotten married.

It puts things in perspective. There are only a few things that truly matter. The rest is just stuff and nonsense.

I so hate those fu*king democrats that will sell out these brave men and women that are fighting so those f*cking dumba**es can stand on a stage and talk about how to ruin our Country.

What a beautiful blog entry! To his family and friends my deepest condolences. After reading his blog it's obvious that Andrew was a fun, funny and intelligent man with a huge heart.

Stories like this are too painful for me, my oldest boy is joining up in August and I just can't fathom losing him.

Whats worse is that a majority of our boys are killed by IED's...killed in the most cowardly way by a cowardly race that refuses to stand up and fight like Men.

My prayers to all his family.

Maximu§
3/11 ACR

re: #53 zombie

re: #45 surrounded

Listening to these buffoons makes you realize how important and dangerous this election really is for us. Richardson is clueless, as are the rest. Edwards is such a bad actor, and so smug. Hillary is saying what she thinks people want to hear. Obama is the closest thing to a statesman they have up there and Charlie Gibson is very taken with himself.
Go Rudy!

Is there some kind of debate happening? You gotta be kidding me.

Zombie, think of the symbolism: "RIP Andrew Olmsted" posted just before the Democrats "debate".

Was Charles making a subtle statement? I'm new here. I don't know.

Even if it wasn't intentional, it's powerful.

re: #53 zombie

Is there some kind of debate happening? You gotta be kidding me.

They may be time-shifting for the west coast. The thread below this has the highlights if you don't want to watch.

Rest forever in peace, Andrew.

Salute.

God Bless you Major Olmstead and may you and rest in peace!

Many give nothing, some give some, and you gave everything!

re: #61 chicagodudewhotrades

Richardson thinks that global environmental issues are just as important as a nuclear weapon going off in this country? did I hear that right?

Richardson is an idiot.....but you've figured that out already.

re: #58 theparson

Thank you Major Olmstead! May you rest in peace.
The Dash

re: #62 VegasRick

re: #51 Canadian Guy

These Dems are dangerous.

Edwards is afraid about "ratcheting up the rhetoric" after a nuclear attack that kills millions. Can you effing believe this?

This is the same audience as was for the Repubs? If so I can't wait to hear them comment on the diffs between the Repubs and the pansies.

They flashed on Chelsea in the audience so I think it is a different audience

re: #60 Watuschskie

re: #44 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Boomer - is your Avatar the Southern Cross?

No. It doesn't represent any particular constellation. It's also a VERRRY long story.

God bless him and may he Rest in Peace.

re: #53 zombie

re: #45 surrounded

Listening to thesebuffoons makes you realize how important and dangerous this electionreally is for us. Richardson is clueless, as are the rest. Edwards issuch a bad actor, and so smug. Hillary is saying what she thinks peoplewant to hear. Obama is the closest thing to a statesman they have upthere and Charlie Gibson is very taken with himself.
Go Rudy!

Is there some kind of debate happening? You gotta be kidding me.

I agree....I was not aware of any other debates either and I checked Drudge Report and here it is ! [Link: www.abcnews.go.com...]

Guys, let's not turn this tribute thread into a Dem debate thread. Take it back one, huh?

Hillary lost her bid for her perceived and much anticipated Coronation.

Barack Hussein Obama leads young Americans.

John Edwards has really great hair!

The one to watch is Obama... The republicans can win the White house if Hillary wins the Dem Nomination. If Obama wins, it's ... well. That's an issue.

Edwards? Great hair!

re: #57 DistantThunder

I firmly intend to hold on to my right to get excited if a nuclear bomb goes off.

re: #79 Noam Sayin'

Guys, let's not turn this tribute thread into a Dem debate thread. Take it back one, huh?

Thank you.

An inspiring last word. Thank you, Andrew, for serving our country. Thank you for the freedom that my family and I have, because of your selfless devotion to our country. RIP brother.

This has been posted before.
It will be posted again.

Remember Me.

Warning hanky alert.

re: #82 mama winger

re: #79 Noam Sayin'

Guys, let's not turn this tribute thread into a Dem debate thread. Take it back one, huh?

Thank you.

Point taken and agreed.

Let's not muddy up the water.

Richardson just stated that he would immediately begin negotiations with the Soviet Union! I kid you not.

Sorry I was off topic.

I weep for the fallen heros, every one.

re: #76 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Boomer - I only asked because your Avatar is very close to my old Americal Div Patch from Viet Nam, and it also is very close to our 1st Marine Div's patch.

Thank you kindly

re: #79 Noam Sayin'

Guys, let's not turn this tribute thread into a Dem debate thread. Take it back one, huh?

Amen!

Don't let terrorists suspend our democratic process. Read his final post. I think Olmstead would have wanted us to keep on keepin' on.

I've always found these words of Lincoln's to be particularly moving and, sadly, they may now be applied to the families of Major Andrew Olmsted and Captain Thomas Casey...

I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.

I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

From the bottom of my heart: Thank you.

re: #81 Sifty

re: #57 DistantThunder

I firmly intend to hold on to my right to get excited if a nuclear bomb goes off.

Remember all those articles by the MSM after 911 on not overreacting?

They are cowards.

may he rest in peace an for his family know it wasn't in vain and he was a true patriot

By democratic process I mean discussing the debate and the candidates.

John Edwards has a very irritating accent. Don't they have speech coaches.

re: #49 DistantThunder

"Every part of the government needs to work together." - Hillary

Like that ever's gonna happen. hahah

Is she thinking that once she is acclaimed empress, everyone will answer to her—or is this just unrealistically optimistic rhetoric?

re: #82 mama winger

re: #79 Noam Sayin'

Guys, let's not turn this tribute thread into a Dem debate thread. Take it back one, huh?

Thank you.

Yes indeed. That was the Major's wish.

I posted this here on LGF yesterday on a spinoff link and I think it's very appropriate that Charles has started this thread.

R.I.P. Major Olmsted.

re: #84 jcm

Got through 2minutes.

Oh no!

God bless Andrew Olmsted.

re: #79 Noam Sayin'

Guys, let's not turn this tribute thread into a Dem debate thread. Take it back one, huh?

With all due respect to everyone, I agree.

HIllary on a rant - and it aint pretty.

Barf alert about 37 minutes into the debate.

Richardson just got a huge laugh and applause saying that he'd been in hostage negotiations that were more civil.

re: #84 jcm

This has been posted before.
It will be posted again.

Remember Me.

Warning hanky alert.

Tears.

Thank you.

Thank you Major Olmstead. We will remember you.

Maj. Olmsted, RIP. May God support your family, friends, and Brothers-in-Arms. You were a fine example of selfless, intellectual, and professional warrior, the the USA is proud to have produced.
Thanks!

re: #98 Drained Brain

re: #82 mama winger

re: #79 Noam Sayin'

Guys, let's not turn this tribute thread into a Dem debate thread. Take it back one, huh?

Thank you.

Yes indeed. That was the Major's wish.

I posted this here on LGF yesterday on a spinoff link and I think it's very appropriate that Charles has started this thread.

R.I.P. Major Olmsted.

We're trying to save the republic from radical liberals - we're taking over his place on the freedom line. (metaphorically of course.)

Major Olmstead and Captain Casey, Godspeed.

And for them and their families:

The Lord bless thee and keep thee;
The Lord make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee;
The Lord lift up His countenance on thee,
And give thee peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

My own words would be woefully insufficient, so I'll leave it there.

re: #97 David IV of Georgia

She will be defeated en masse. She is unelectable, cold, and a puppet... who if you pull the string, it'll spout whatever you'd like to hear.

Sorry to sully this tribute thread with Hillary.

re: #46 DistantThunder

So if we do get attacked with nuclear weapons - and we've already given up our own, then what would we do?

John Edwards will be our psychoanalyst in chief - "calming" the American people after a nuclear attack on our soil. Maroon.

Hillary looks depressed.

They are killing me! A 'calming' response...

Ok, Mr Edwards, fool. San Fran is off the map, now what?

Edwards, "Hello people of America, a good thing out of this is how the nuclear winter that is about to set in will stop global warming in the western hemisphere. I have signed on with Kyoto in advance of this and it will make my legacy look great in the revisionist history books. Now be sure to not panic and just go about your business as usual, we are in the process of writing a 'calming' yet strongly worded letter to our fellow constituents in the U.N. along with a forming a series of committees to investigate the Military, FBI, CIA, and Homeland security in order to determine where we were structurally unsound enough to thwart this bad, yet much deserved event. Also, we are going to take to task our foreign policy, for when we go pointing a finger at someone three more are pointing at ourselves! What did we do to deserve this? Another silver lining is that in terms of economics on the macro level, we now have a zero unemployment rate! Now that we are going to have forced deportations to ground zero to help rebuild and clean up over there, we really do not see in the future to ever have a lack of job opportunities. Thank you, and my the diety of your choice bless you!"

Thank you Andrew, God bless you.

re: #107 DistantThunder

Charles provided a new thread. Do it there. Reading through this thread, it looks like we stopped giving a shit about Andrew Olmstead about 20 minutes after the thread went up.

I am in tears after reading that final entry. I can't remember ever having read anything more sad.

I will pray for Andrew, Amanda and their extended family and friends. I hope you will all do the same.

Andrew, may Almighty God accept you with open arms into His kingdom, and may He grant you His eternal Peace.

I saw and read this post yesterday. Read all of the comments as well. Took well over an hour to get through all. At that time, only 3 a-holes had anything negative to say, and were beat down severely by other posters.
May God, in His mercy and wisdom, comfort the family and ease their pain. Blessings on them all.

re: #89 Watuschskie

I understand.

God Bless Andrew Olmsted and watch over his family and friends.

You might want to check this site: [Link: www.andrewolmsted.com...]
Also this one for background info: [Link: www.rockymountainnews.com...]
More info at: [Link: obsidianwings.blogs.com...]
Believed to be an article about his death: [Link: news.yahoo.com...]
Also: [Link: blogs.rockymountainnews.com...]

re: #42 newsjunkie_ky

I feel so sad.

This is a great tribute song and video. Do I Make You Proud.

That's great.

My son joined the IDF in 2004. I was so proud!

He finished his tour of service, and he volunteered to rejoin his unit for the 2006 Lebanon war, but was turned down because he had the shit kicked out of him at Amona.

I'm still so proud of him.

re: #84 jcm

This has been posted before.
It will be posted again.

Remember Me.

Warning hanky alert.

Made it all the way through -- tears rolling down my cheeks at the end.

Thank you x several orders of magnitude

re: #118 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Here's the author of Remember Me.
Name: Elizabeth
Age: 16
I'm a junior in high school, and I play the flute/piccolo. I plan on joining the U.S. Army after I graduate. I only hope I can make America as proud as our troops today have, and I hope I can honor them in the way they deserve with my videos.

At she 16 she gets it.

re: #119 jcm

WOW !

From his blog post:

I'm afraid I can't really offer any deep secrets or wisdom. I lived my life better than some, worse than others, and I like to think that the world was a little better off for my having been here.

It is, Andrew. It is.

Thanks from me and my family.

May we all honor the Major and his fellow Heroes, by ensuring, to the best of our ability, the completion of his mission.

God bless Andrew and his family. Semper Gratus.

Damn the Islamic fascists.

Thank you, Major Olmsted. Rest in peace. May God comfort your family and friends.

Major Olmstead died two years to the day after my niece's husband, and Army tanker, was killed in Iraq.

Your last words speak volumes, Sir, and Godspeed to you and your family.

re: #122 USS Ben

May we all honor the Major and his fellow Heroes, by ensuring, to the best of our ability, the completion of his mission.

God bless Andrew and his family. Semper Gratus.

Well said, Ben. I haven't been posting much anywhere these days- seem to be stuck in lurk mode. Glad to see you here among the lizardoids. (Just keep scully away until there's an open thread ;) )

JWM

re: #67 newsjunkie_ky

I so hate those fu*king democrats that will sell out these brave men and women that are fighting so those f*cking dumba**es can stand on a stage and talk about how to ruin our Country.

You are definitely not alone in those thoughts. I hold similar animosity toward those who support these scum as well. They should thank their creator that I believe in G_d myself as well as hold a belief in an afterlife. Were it not for my belief, and fear of G_d's disapproval, I would seek payback toward all those who denigrated all Vets, past, and present that endured the harassment, abuse received when coming home.

Those such as the Phelps family who abuse the memory of those who gave all , any payback they deserve would by rights be considered unspeakable in its ferocity.

for those who knew me well enough to be saddened by my death, especially for those who haven't known anyone else lost to this war, perhaps my death can serve as a small reminder of the costs of war.

Dammit, Andrew... I didn't know you at all, but you've made your point to me a thousand times over. Your last post was my introduction to you and your blog, and, having read it, I feel as if I've lost a friend. No, correction: I realize I have lost a friend, just one I never met among the living.

Years ago I saw these words inscribed on the walls of the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh -- so here they are for you, Andrew. May you rest in peace.

They shall not grow old as you and I grow old.... From the rising up of the sun to the going down of the same, we will remember them... Their name liveth for evermore.

re: #127 afdad

re: #67 newsjunkie_ky

I so hate those fu*king democrats that will sell out these brave men and women that are fighting so those f*cking dumba**es can stand on a stage and talk about how to ruin our Country.

You are definitely not alone in those thoughts. I hold similar animosity toward those who support these scum as well. They should thank their creator that I believe in G_d myself as well as hold a belief in an afterlife. Were it not for my belief, and fear of G_d's disapproval, I would seek payback toward all those who denigrated all Vets, past, and present that endured the harassment, abuse received when coming home.

Those such as the Phelps family who abuse the memory of those who gave all , any payback they deserve would by rights be considered unspeakable in its ferocity.

The very philosophy behind a group of which I am proud to now be affiliated.

We ride with respect

!

re: #129 FlyingTigress

As an old biker myself, were my health better, I would gladly join you, and the others in that endeavor. Since I can't join you in feeling the wind in my face, I can only thank you, and the others for standing up for the families.

G_d Bless!

My Son is being deployed again this next July. This will be the fifth time since 2001, when hostilities began. Going all the way back to GWI, he's been in, and around the sand box almost thirty times.

An American Hero Andrew and to all the American soldiers who have died before you too.
May G-d's Perpetual Light shine upon you.

R.I.P., my brother.

re: #69 Maximu§

Stories like this are too painful for me, my oldest boy is joining up in August and I just can't fathom losing him.
Maximu§
3/11 ACR

For me, the biggest lesson of this, my second war, is that it is far easier to be a soldier than the parent of one. No prayers will help the bastard who dares to harm my son. Welcome to the sleepless soldier club. Until they come home..........

Andrew:

"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

You have shown this, the greatest of loves: your love for Amanda, your love for this country, and even your love for the people of Iraq. I believe in a God that rewards those who BECOME love in such a way as you have.

"All is well; safely rest. God is nigh"

There's too much to quote, so I'll single this sentence out and leave it at that:

Because it is pretty clear that the average American would not have supported the Iraq War had they known the costs going in.

4,000 dead. 30,000 plus wounded. And we've only created a dent in ridding the world of Islamofascist scum. Who would want to make the decision to go to war knowing that horrible outcome?

I would have more respect for the "peace" crowd if they would acknowledge reality: Why do 98% or so of the population of this country (including me) have the right to live in comfort, knowing that our kids and grandkids will be safe when we are gone when we sacrifice nothing? Why should military families, and military families alone, bear the brunt of the awful consequences of going to war?

I've run out of superlatives to describe the men and women who sacrifice all knowing that they are doing so in order to create a better world for future generations. G-d bless you, Andrew Olmstead. Good night, sweet prince.

God Bless you Andrew Olmstead, and your family and friends. Thank you, and to Mr Casey as well.
i need a box of kleenex now and some ear plugs as ron paul is screeching about something,

From the Rocky Mountain News: [Link: www.rockymountainnews.com...]

Many prayers for all...

My words just can't express ...

Courage
For no man ever proves himself a good man in war
unless he can endure to face the blood and the slaughter,
go close against the enemy and fight with his hands.

Here is courage, mankind's finest possession, here is
the noblest prize that a young man can endeavor to win,
and it is a good thing his city and all the people share with him
when a man plants his feet and stands in the foremost spears
relentlessly, all thought of foul flight completely forgotten,
and has well trained his heart to be steadfast and to endure,
and with words encourages the man who is stationed beside him.

Here is a man who proves himself to be valiant in war.
With a sudden rush he turns to flight the rugged battalions
of the enemy, and sustains the beating waves of assault.
And he who so falls among the champions and loses his sweet life,
so blessing with honor his city, his father, and all his people,
with wounds in his chest, where the spear that he was facing has transfixed
that massive guard of his shield, and gone through his breastplate as well,
why, such a man is lamented alike by the young and the elders,
and all his city goes into mourning and grieves for his loss.
His tomb is pointed to with pride, and so are his children,
and his children's children, and afterward all the race that is his.

His shining glory is never forgotten, his name is remembered,
and he becomes an immortal, though he lies under the ground,
when one who was a brave man has been killed by the furious War God
standing his ground and fighting hard for his children and land.

But if he escapes the doom of death, the destroyer of bodies,
and wins his battle, and bright renown for the work of his spear,
all men give place to him like, the youth and the elders,
and much joy comes his way before he goes down to the dead.

Aging, he has reputation among his citizens. No one
tries to interfere with his honors or all he deserves;
all men withdraw before his presence, and yield their seats to him,
the youth, and the men his age, and even those older than he.

Thus a man should endeavor to reach this high place of courage
with all his heart, and, so trying, never be backward in war.

}:(     [Libations to Leto's Son & the Daughters of Memory for you Major Andrew Olmsted and Captain Thomas Casey ... ]

i second that for sure
re: #30 zombie

re: #16 FightingBack

After reading this, it's hard to go back and listen to politicians "debate."
America exists because of the sacrifice of men such as Olmsted.
Thank you to him, and to his family, from me, and mine,

I don't want to hear one more word from a stinking polician. They all disgust me.

Amongst the current crop of candidates, only McCain should even have permission to open his mouth, the only war hero out of 15 freakin' candidates. And yet, even McCain has become a lost politician. Which is sad.

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
the rains fall soft upon your fields, and,
until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of his hand."

re: #19 zombie

I wonder how he died? Is that revealed anywhere?

Well with any luck, Zombie,
it would go down pretty much like he himself said; leading men in battle, preferably saving their lives and went down surrounded by hundreds of insurgents defending a village composed solely of innocent women and children, and knee deep in empty shell casings.

He must have been a hell of a soldier to fight two fronts like that, Islamofascists by day and the leftard ignorance and apathy at home when ever he could.

Even though he was prepared for this possibility, it is very sad. RIP, Andrew Olmsted. Thank you for your sacrifice. I hope that where you are now is more peaceful and happy than this troubled world.

Maximu§ post 69 May God bless you and your son and watch over him.And for Andrew Gods speed thank you for your service.

Very sad - RIP, and thanks for your sacrifice

I have no words.

May his enduring legacy be a blessing for his family.

Condolences to his family. Here is a man who did what he believed in and died a hero.

G'Kar: It is said that the future is always born in pain. The history of war is the history of pain. If we are wise, what is born of that pain matures into the promise of a better world, because we learn that we can no longer afford the mistakes of the past.

God Bless Andrew Olmstead and his family.

I suddenly wish very much that I had known this man.
At the risk of sounding silly, maybe we could all go out and rent some Babylon 5. It was an awesome show that explored many facets of war, and the fight between light and darkness.
Rest In Peace.

sobbing by the end and so very thankful for the hope of the future in this girl and those like her espicially in light of the loss of two such HEROS

em>re: #119 jcm

re: #118 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Here's the author of Remember Me.
Name: Elizabeth
Age: 16
I'm a junior in high school, and I play the flute/piccolo. I plan on joining the U.S. Army after I graduate. I only hope I can make America as proud as our troops today have, and I hope I can honor them in the way they deserve with my videos.

At she 16 she gets it.

RIP

re: #109 Allah al Fubar

She will be defeated en masse. She is unelectable, cold, and a puppet... who if you pull the string, it'll spout whatever you'd like to hear.

copied and expanded to 20 point type then printed and taped on the wall of my bar.
ty

At Ease Soldier, Mission Accomplished.

Thank you for your sacrifice and service - you will be SORELY missed.

PV

"And the angels said...HOOAH!"

Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue:

Major Andrew Olmsted
Rest in Peace Brother
Semper Fi.

re: #132 American Soldier

R.I.P., my brother.

re: #69 Maximu§

Stories like this are too painful for me, my oldest boy is joining up in August and I just can't fathom losing him.
Maximu§
3/11 ACR

For me, the biggest lesson of this, my second war, is that it is far easier to be a soldier than the parent of one. No prayers will help the bastard who dares to harm my son. Welcome to the sleepless soldier club. Until they come home..........

Amen, I know my wife and I won't sleep well for the next (4) years. I tried everything to talk him out of serving...between my (2) brothers and I we have 15 years of military service, I thought that as enough, but he is carrying on where we left off.

The Wars will never end, each generation has its own Demons to take down.

Thanks also to MES41067 for the kind words and prayers.

Maximu§
3/11 ACR

Rest in peace--may the Lord give you the highest blessings--you, and all your comrades who lay down your lives for us.

This is the greatest gift.

No one is born brave, ability begets confidence, confidence begets courage - Lord Baden-Powell

RIP

Words. Won't. Do. It.

God bless Andrew Olmstead, his wife, and his family and friends. God bless those with whom he has served; watch over them, Lord...please.

I will respect his wishes and not make his death political; I will keep that promise.

I owe him that much.

God Bless you and your family, sir. I salute you proudly. Rest in Peace.

I want to think of some brilliant comment. I can't. I'm speechless.

Rudemeister

C'mon folks, lets keep this thread about the man, not about politicians. Just knowing men like Maj. Olmsted exist makes me glad to be an American. His stunning levels of personal patriotism and bravery are enough to bring tears to your eyes and his intelligence and ability with words made his site a gem in the slag heap of the internet.
This world is smaller without him.

My sincere condolences to Andrew's wife, family and his friends.

Reading about Andrew and reading his blog, he comes across as a very nice person with a great s.o.h. to boot.

R.I.P. Andrew - the world will be a sadder and emptier place without you.

Very sad indeed.

Major Olmstead - I just have no words, except to say that we will not forget you or your sacrifice for your country, for us, and for freedom.

Major Olmstead,

Thank you for a job well done. Your service and sacrifices serve a higher purpose.

RIP

{Maximu§ }

re: #84 jcm

This has been posted before.
It will be posted again.

Remember Me.

Warning hanky alert.

That is just an awesome video. Thanks for linking it here.

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived."

- Gen. George S. Patton

"When I was young, I was smart, but the older I got, the more I realized just how dumb I was in comparison to truly smart people. But, to my credit, I think, I was at least smart enough to pay attention to the people with real brains and even occasionally learn something from them."

Having read his last post,I can only say Mr. Olmsted had no need to bow his head in the presence of anyone. In fact,I will bow mine and offer prayer for his family and friends. He had to be one heck of a guy to write a final post like that. I wish to God we had leaders in office around our nation with just one tenth the understanding as was evident in that post. Our nation has truly lost a very fine man and a true hero. May Andrew Olmsted rest in peace from his troubles and may his family find Divine comfort in this terrible time in their lives.

Thank you Major Olmstead. RIP.

Why do I have such a hard time logging in here?

A major and a captain killed in an ambush while on patrol with the Iraqi Army? This stinks.

re: #29 Oh no...Sand People! NO...then we get our ASSES handed to us.............

re: #23 shug

If you don't read his words it would be disrespect.

Do they have sitemeter on the other side?

re: #171 M. Simon

He was a blogger after all. Used to blog a lot at Winds of Change. I had discussions with him there. Ruined my day when I found out. I was crying for hours.

re: #129 FlyingTigress

I WISH to God I had a bike because I would ride 10,00 miles with these folks to preserve the sanctity of a military funeral.

The fallen will always be remembered as America’s finest.

Thank God there is nothing here left for me to read. I can' cry anymore. I do know the pain of losing someone to this war and it SUX real bad.

re: #173 UberInfidel67

You can join anyway, they can always use support vehicles. My bike isn't running either.

Despite his request that we not mourn him, I'm finding it difficult not to have tears. It makes me angry that we lose good, strong men like him. It is hard to even grasp the courage that a man must have to be able to write a post like that, knowing in a few minutes he will have to leave the computer and go out to face the war another day. And I tell you something -- this loss has stoked my hatred of shiftless, no-count moonbat "youths" who parade signs saying stupid things and who think that by doing so, they are contributing something important to the world. They really could learn a few lessons from Andrew on how to make the best use of the time they have in this sphere.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Can someone explain why posts #51 and #57 are getting dinged with red marks? I don't see the problem with them.

Do not injustice to another,
Defend the weak and innocent.
Let truth and honor always guide you,
Let courage find a life within.
Stand up when no one else is willing,
Act not in hatred or in spite.
Be to this world as a perfect knight,
Even if it means your life.

--"Sophia" by the Cruxshadows.

It is not for Maj. Olmsted that I mourn; he is beyond pain and fear and regret now. It is for us that I mourn, for we have lost a man who set an example for us all.

--TR

re: #112 Noam Sayin'

re: #107 DistantThunder

Charles provided a new thread. Do it there. Reading through this thread, it looks like we stopped giving a shit about Andrew Olmstead about 20 minutes after the thread went up.

Oh, got it (why some posts are getting dinged). I agree -- we can always talk politics. Let's keep this thread on Andrew, on his short but important life. It's the least we can do right now, right here.

Mr. Olmsted's last words were very difficult for me to read, even though I've never known the man.
He knew what the possibilities were. I don't know how he managed to write all this so well. I couldn't have done it.

I will show it to my children when they graduate from high school years from now. I want them to know who this Officer and Gentleman was. If they choose to join the US military, I'll be proud of them. If they choose not to, I'm not going to let them off the hook that easily.

This man should serve as an example to us all of what true patriotic behavior in a democratic society is.

re: #181 blangwort

Exactly - Andrew was an example for all of us to follow. His death was a great loss. I was only an occasional reader of Andrew's posts, but I always admired his sharp insight and good humor. He was a man of integrity, and he expected the same of others, regardless of their political persuasion.

Rest in peace, Andrew. You will always have my admiration. A truly great American.

Major Olmsted and Captain Casey, rest in peace. We will remember you.

And, may your buddies find the scum who did this and bring them quickly to justice.

B5’s link to Rocky Mountain News report on MAJ Olmsted

Heartfelt condolences to both families. Thank you, Major Olmert and Captain Casey for your service and sacrifice for our country. You will not be forgotten.

All the way, Sir.

Glorified and sanctified be God's great name throughout the world which He has created according to His will. May He establish His kingdom in your lifetime and during your days, and within the life of the entire House of Israel, speedily and soon; and say, Amen.

May His great name be blessed forever and to all eternity.

Blessed and praised, glorified and exalted, extolled and honored, adored and lauded be the name of the Holy One, blessed be He, beyond all the blessings and hymns, praises and consolations that are ever spoken in the world; and say, Amen.

May there be abundant peace from heaven, and life, for us
and for all Israel; and say, Amen.

He who creates peace in His celestial heights, may He create peace for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen.

Amen, Babba.

Thank you, MAJ Olmsted.

All of my respect and a big, fat HUA to you, sir. Rest in peace.

"Into Paradise may the angels lead you."

Olmsted was a J'kar in the flesh. He did with his life what many men only dream of doing.
He will be sorely missed for his strong demeanor and wit.
Now he is a twinking star in the heavens which will illuminate and shine down on us. All we need to do is look up to pay him homage and to remember him always.
My heartfelt prayers go out to his family and closest friends at this time of loss of their brave loved one.

re: #165 Vinnie

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived."

- Gen. George S. Patton

Thank you -- I'd not heard that one before this.

God bless you, Major!

simply and sincerely, thank you

The Lord God bless and keep you Andrew Olmsted. The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and give you peace.

My heart and prayers are with your family, friends, and comrades still in the battle zone.

Heartbreaking - what a fine young man he was. I am reminded of my late father's regret, well into his 60s, that he could not serve in the 2d gulf war as he did in the first (army medical corps), due to poor health.
- Flavius

"Freedom isnt free...theres a hefty f##king fee

but if you just put in your buck o five"

Thank you for your buck o five major.

Gone but not forgotten, I salute you, sir! God Bless you and yours.

Andrew was an exceptional man by any standards.

His wife and family have the love and prayers of the entire nation.

"They shall grow not old, as we who are left grow old
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning
We will remember them."

Rest in peace, Major.

RIP Soldier!

Strength and comfort to his family. He lived his life with integrity and honour.

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 glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!

re: #67 newsjunkie_ky

I so hate those fu*king democrats that will sell out these brave men and women that are fighting so those f*cking dumba**es can stand on a stage and talk about how to ruin our Country.

You shouldn't. They are family. We are a nation. Right now, they are in the grip of invincible ignorance. But facts come along from time to time that even democrats cannot ignore. They'll come around. Partway. Enough of them.

Anyhow, even on our own side, hard as it may be to imagine, some of us are wrong on some points. Possibly, most of us are wrong about something or other. We mortals aren't nearly as good at figuring things out as we think we are. We tend to settle into certainty even when the problems are shockingly complex. Just look at how often wheelers and dealers in the stock market bet the company. Some fine day, their opinion zigs and reality zags, and down goes the company.

Why oh why do the good ones have to leave us so soon?
God Bless him and his family.

I'm no 16 year-old girl yet my eyes too were wet as I read through it.

Godspeed, Sir. Thank You. And thank you too, America.

Tribute

The American soldier is the last crusader of civilisation.

Sad to hear, but he will live on in our hearts.
So sorry family of both soliders. They were amazing young men I'm sure.

Does anyone know of anything that is being done for his family? A memorial fund or anything like that?

I wish like hell we didn't have to lose such good people.

Major Olmstead, Capt. Casey, sirs,

Requiem

Under the wide and starry sky
Dig the grave and let me lie.
Glad did I live and gladly die,
And I laid me down with a will.

This be the verse you grave for me;
"Here he lies where he longed to be,
Home is the sailor, home from sea,
And the hunter home from the hill."

Robert Louis Stevenson

Godspeed, brave Sirs. Godspeed to all who love liberty more than life.
His truth is marching on!

JAFLW

RIP, sirs.
My condolences to their families.

To paraphrase a line from "Mister Roberts"

"Thanks for the wisdom, Major Olmsted. Thanks for everything!"

I just realized this is the same Andrew Olmstead that was 3 years ahead of me at my high school. What a shock. Rest in peace.