Remembering Andy Olmsted

by hilzoy

As before, my thoughts are with Andy's wife and family, and the families and friends of CPT Tom Casey, who was killed with Andy, and SFC William Beaver, who was wounded.

Here's a picture of Andy and his unit, from their last newsletter*:

CPT Casey is in the back, second from the left; SFC Beaver is beside him, holding the Merry Christmas sign; Andy is fifth from the left, holding the other end of the sign and smiling.

I think Andy would be astonished at the amount of attention his last post received. He could be pretty self-effacing that way: he was about as far as it's possible to be from the sort of blogger who writes because he's convinced that the world is just waiting for his pearls of wisdom. Andy was never sure what kind of impact, if any, what he wrote had. I think he wrote partly because he liked it, but partly because he thought: even if you don't know that anyone will read what you write, all you can do is try your best to put reasonable arguments out there, in the hope that somehow, somewhere, they might do some good.

That was the kind of person Andy was.

He'd be embarrassed by all the fuss, and genuinely surprised, but deep down, I think it would have meant the world to him. I just wish he could be here to see it.

[Update: I meant to include this comment from one of the men in Andy's unit, who was with him on his final mission:

"Major Olmsted died while attempting to get the enemy to surrender so we would not have to kill them.

Captain Casey could not leave his commander on the ground.

They are the bravest men I have known. They are both heroes. We will carry their example and continue the mission."

And while I'm at it: I should have included links to the post Andy wrote on his reasons for going to Iraq; and to his old blog, where you can read a lot of his earlier writing. You can find some more of his work on this blog, both under his own name and as G'Kar.

Some of you have wondered why he blogged here under both names, and why we weren't clearer about that fact. Andy stopped blogging here (and on his old site) because he discovered that by doing so, he was violating a DoD regulation (as he describes here.) He loved blogging, though, and so, some months later, he asked whether he could post under another name. I think I made some feeble attempt to talk him out of it, but my heart wasn't in it: I loved what he wrote, and I always wanted to see more of it.

On the day he died, he was planning to write a post when he returned from his mission, on Edwards' proposal to terminate all training missions in Iraq. I had no idea what he planned to say, and I couldn't wait to read it.

Also: in comments to the last thread, Gary mentioned Andy's silly side. Here, for what it's worth, is a little memorial to his silliness. It's not by miles the best I have, but I don't have the heart to go looking for better ones; this one leapt to mind since it's from the day before he died. The relevant background: Andy and I were chatting on Adium; some calamity had befallen the heat in Andy's room, and he had mentioned being quite cold; I had gone to put my laundry in the dryer, and had just returned.

Andy: *waves to laundry*

Me: *laundry would wave back, but has been trapped in dryer*

Andy: *runs to free laundry*

Me: *laundry thinks: our saviour!*

Me: *laundry offers toasty warmness to Andy*

Andy: *hugs laundry*

Me: *laundry hugs Andy*

Andy: *smiles*

Me: *though, in fairness, laundry would hug anyone who let it out of horrid dryer*

The fact that no one will ever, spontaneously, write *hugs laundry* to me again seems unimaginably sad.]

[Further Update: From the Rocky Mountain News:

""They were pursuing some insurgents," Casey's brother, Jeffrey, said. "Major Olmsted got out of his vehicle and was pleading with these three individuals to stop and surrender so that the team would not have to fire upon them and kill them."

"Unfortunately, there were snipers in the area, and apparently that's when Major Olmsted was hit," Jeffrey Casey added. "He didn't want to kill these individuals. He was trying to save their lives."

After the gunfire erupted, Thomas Casey went to help Olmsted, thinking that the three suspected insurgents were responsible for the shooting, his brother said.

"That's when he took his bullet," Jeffrey Casey said. "The fact that a sniper round caught him in the neck . . . that's just one of those fluke one-in-a-million shots.""

*Note: I used this picture because I wanted one that had not just Andy, but also CPT Casey and SFC Beaver in it, and also because, of the recent pictures I have of him, this is one of the few that seems to me to be in some sense usable. At any rate, it was sent out in a newsletter, unlike some other pictures I have, which were never published in any way (nor do I know who took them.) If there is any objection to my using it in this way, just let me know; I will of course take it down.

Comments

[Peter]

There are people, which we only here from, if it is to late already. Andrew was one of them. Nothing more to say about it. A big loss.
Our thoughts are with his family.

Peter
LTC (reserve, German Army)

[Bayod]

In the Spanish Army we say: la Muerte no es el final (Death is not the end)

Cuando la pena nos alcanza
por un compañero perdido
cuando el adiós dolorido
busca en la Fé su esperanza
en Tu palabra confiamos
con la certeza de que Tú
ya le has devuelto a la Vida
ya le has llamado a la Luz

(When grief strikes us
because of a lost comrade
when the hurting goodbye
looks to Faith for hope
in Your word we trust
certain that You
have already given him Life again
have already called him to your Light)

Rest in Peace

[Lyric]

Dear Andrew's Mom,

My thoughts are with you and with your family at this time. I found it overwhelmingly touching that you'd try to keep up with the condolence messages that pour in, even while suffering so horribly your own loss.

Many will remember your boy with love and sadness, and will think of you and your pain when they do.

I will be one of them.

[Patrick Luckey]

As the father of Sgt. Bryan Christian Luckey, KIA in Mosul, Iraq on June 29th, 2006, I offer the family of this fine soldier heartfelt condolences. I very often look on the Washington Post, Faces of The Fallen page, and happened to come across the Majors' entry. To say the least, tears were quickly flowing as I read his last post. We need to pray for all of our armed forces and their families daily due to the many sacrifices they make to maintain our way of life and freedoms to which we all share. God has blessed our family since our sons death, due to a snipers bullit, by giving us a grandson born on October the 12th, 2006. He is now 15 months old and has brought us much joy. Our daughter in law Catherine became pregnant when Bryan came home from Iraq on R&R in January, 2006. He last spoke to her on her birthday, a day before he was killed. He told her how much he loved her and their new baby, and that he was looking forward to coming home. The day after Bryan left for heaven, Catherine learned that they were having a boy. God is so good!

I'm sure that Andys' family is proud of his service as well as his contribution in their lives. Our family will remember yours in our prayers and know that many others will be as well. If you need to contact us for any reason, you may email me at [email protected]

[GT]

Andy's words ring on in my mind like the ringing in your ears that just wont go away. They invoke the prose written by civil war soldiers in letters home to their loved ones. Committed, intelligent, aware, and provocative. Our world is better for Andy and the millions like him, yet at the same time our world is worse off because they no longer leave footprints. Sad. If as Andy wonders, there is an afterlife, and I am fortunate enough to make it there, may I be fortunate enough to have the slightest glimpse of such a good human being. Peace.

[blogapotamus]

I came to this site through the link on MSNBC. Andy sounds like someone I would have liked very much and I've ever so sorry that I'll never have the chance to meet him. My condolences to his friends and family.

[Hulagirl]

While I never knew or have heard of Andrew Olmsted I was sent his final words by someone who did know him or of him. I can only note how sad it is that he did not give any credence to an afterlife or even to a higher power, which is the reason he actually existed. I will pray for his family but it is too late to pray for his soul as he already made his choice and is wherever he is supposed to be and I cannot presume to judge where that might be. If I had known him and knew that he would be fighting in Iraq, I would have tried to speak of Jesus Christ with him before he left. Blessedly I am able to do this with others that I do know, to at least give them an opportunity to make the right choice before it is too late, to accept Jesus as their Savior. Based on what He has done in my life, it is something I try to do as often as I get the opportunity. May God Bless each and every one of you that reads this comment.

[Jim Potts]

All I can say is "Thank You".
You and your family have made the ultimate sacrifice for me, my family and our way of life. Your story is inspiring and wrenching all wrapped into one, and something I will remember forever.
I didn't know you but, somehow I am filled with pride of you.

[hilzoy]

Hulagirl: thanks for not presuming to judge Andy's fate after death. If there is a God, then presumably all our fates are in His hands; and while He is omniscient, we who are not cannot presume to speculate as to what He will do in any particular case.

Since Christians are told that God is merciful, and that He loves the righteous, there are surely abundant grounds for hope. (See also the parable of the sheep and the goats.) And since God is outside time, there is, as best I can see, no reason for Christians to think that their silent prayers now would be futile.

[Nikadi]

I have never stumbled across this site before today. I was linked from Skippy's List and was honestly not expecting this.

I have shed a tear not because I knew him myself, but because it is obvious how respected this man was and is in his death still, and it is obvious that he is held in high regard to those that loved him. I'm sorry I never found this site before today. By what others have said, it looks like he was worthy of a good debate :)

[Bob Durak]

Thank you Andy for your service and sacrifice. I have deep admiration for you and I pray that God may rest your soul.

[James A. Sargent STSCS(SS) USN Retired]

I never knew this man, but after reading his final post I wish I could have. I am at work and it is a good thing I am, otherwise I would be in tears. God bless you and may you rest in peace.

[Molly]

Andy spoke his personal words, but they are words that represent all the soldiers lost in battle throughtout history and forever in the future.

[Leah Hackney]

In my 90 year life span there have been far too many wars, police actions, the gamut. Seldom have I seen such an outpouring of anguish over not only Olmstead's death but the sheer frustration with war and death. No, not frustration - anguish that we spend these lives and still keep going back to keep freedom alive, again. But for Olmstead, to paraphrase Rupert Brooks, who also expectd his own demise: "If I should die, think only this of me/ That somewhere in the corner of a foreign field -(new) there is one spot where freedom once again planted its banner and would not die." Vale, Olmstead; condolences, all of his loved ones. Leah

[Rene]

I am saddened by the loss. My prayers and thoughts to all. Thanks to all the soldiers for what they have done and are continuing to do. May there always be a road...

[Ed Briseno]

A good writer. A thoughtful man. Prayers to his family. A soldier left with his friend that day - fare well.

[Tawnya Gregory]

I thank Andy for his ultimate sacrifice so that I may have the freedoms that I enjoy. My prayers and thoughts go out to all of his friends and family. God Bless you all.
Tawnya Gregory
MI CTL
Soldiers Angels

[Randy]

Good night, little Bro. Sleep well.

WannaBeRSC

[jaynee]

An inspiration, God bless.

[julius]

Farewell MAJ Olmsted. You will be missed. I have dedicated a memoriam for you on:

Inmemoryofonline.com

[U.S. Army JROTC cadet]

My deepest sympathies to the family.I almost cried reading the post.

[Jim]

With the death of Andrew Olmsted we have lost a quality human being. Thoughtful and sensitive, he gave his life for his country. And the most impressive thing is that his own personal doubts did not sway him from his duty as a soldier. Honor, bravery, decency and conscience. What more can one ask for in a human being? I miss a man I never knew.

[N. L. Valler]

Though I did not know Andrew in life, I am proud of him, and all those like him, who so selflessly serve, whatever their reasons. I have made room for him in my heart, and will keep him, and all those who love him, in my thoughts and prayers for a very long time.

God Bless you Andrew. You have given us all more than you know.

My father's hand is on your shoulder.

N. L. Valler
Admin
ThankYourSoldiers.com

[Mark Medina]

Thank you Andy.

[sgt1/66]

I served with Maj olmsted,then a band new 2nd lt, for 3 years in 1/66 ar bn 4th infantry.I was a PVT in his platoon and he was an excellent leader and lead by example. His soldiers were lucky to have him.

[Terry Hussey]

A deeply moving and fitting tribute to what must have been a fine, honorable human being. I am not a religious person but I truly hope that he has found peace.

[andy d]

My sympathies go out to Maj Olmsted's family and friends. I didn't know any of you, and never heard of Andy before his death. However reading his last post, and the comments I feel truly touched by him and his friends.

[bint alshamsa]

Rest In Peace Andy,

I hope your next life be even more wonderful than this one was.

[Rich]

Major Olmsted was a true American hero. God be with him and his family. They are in my prayers.

[Mary]

Hulagirl - I am sure you were endeavoring to be a comfort to those of us who knew and loved Andy but let me assure you as someone who is a Christian, your words were taken as preachy and rather condescending. In the future, if you come across such a line of postings again I hope you will refrain from your mini sermon and instead, offer words of condolence only. Andy's loss is neither a political podium nor a religious one.

[Christopher Allen]

Bravo to his service, bravo to his eloquence, bravo to his foresight in leaving his own final words behind. Bravo to you for the forum for it all, and the class with which you've conducted it. And bravo to all the US citizen soldiers, cops, firemen, EMTs and other ground pounders who *do* instead of just talking. We are in his--and their--constant debt.

[yankeegirl]

RIP, Maj Olmstead and Cpt Casey. I pray that SFC Beavers can recover from his wounds. Thoughts and prayers for the families as well. ((hugs))

[nancy]

I have 2 sons, 16 and 11. Since the war began, we have had many dicussion about the war and the brave soldiers who protect us. Somehow I must have said the right thing at the right time,(hard to do with children) because my youngest son has taking on a small mission of thanks to the soldiers. Anytime we see a soldier he goes right up to them, shakes their hand, and says, "Thank you for protecting me, my family, and our country." We travel frequently and he always seems to meet soldiers in the airports. I'd like to think that Major Olmsted got a thank you from my son, but if he didn't, thank you Major Olmsted for protecting me, my family and our country, and for making the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom! God bless you and your family.

[withheld]

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. I want to Thank his family also for their sacrifice. It has not gone unapprciated or un-noticed.

[midcoast girl]

Maine sincerely mourns for your family, Andy. What a prolific writer and truly fascinating man you were.

Whatever our political affiliations, we truly appreciate the sacrifice you and your family made for our country.

[Dieter Dreyer]

Today the story of Andrew Omsted was published in the "Aachener Nachrichten" in Germany. I am a German officer and was deeply moved. Although I did not know him in life, he expressed the thoughts of so many soldiers which are serving their countries and mankind all over the world. I was deeply moved, and my thoughts are with his famiy. We all should be proud of Andrew, and as a soldier I thank him not only for his dedicated service, but also that he made his thoughts public, helping people to understand soldiers much better. I will light a candle tonight and will send a very special prayer to him.
Andrew, I will be proud to meet you sometime in the future.

[Katharina]

I am from Germany and the story about this brave soldier is in every German newspaper. We cry about him like you do. And we feel helpless and sorry for his family.
My mom gave me the newspaper in the morning with tears in her eyes and said: go read it, you will learn so much for your live. I did and now my brother and I are sitting here and cry for an American soldier, we don`t even know.
The sacrifice you and your family made be truly appreciated all over the world.
Thank you for writing this and touching peoples heard and soul everywhere.

[liberal japonicus]

I couldn't find the online article for Andrew in the Aachener Nachrichten, but I did find articles about Andrew in
Kölner Stadt-Unzeiger and the
Welt Woche. I like that they described Andrew as 'Major, Blogger'. There's a joke there about a damned comma that I imagine Andrew would make.

[Canadian who came across this post.]

Thank you for posting this.

My condolences to the many, many people who knew Andrew and grieve for their, and his familiy's loss.

It matters not what you take with you. What you leave behind lives on forever, in the hearts of those lives you have touched, some in small, and some, in large ways.

[Katie]

There are obviously no words. I am so thankful to this man, for his service to our country. I am so grateful to his family, for the ultimate sacrifice that they have made for all of us. May God Bless this dear soldier and his loved ones.

[Paul in Delaware]

I read what Andy wrote for his own last words.
Amazing sentiments and a warning to all those who want to politicize our Soldiers.

Men like him are sorely missed, I take heart in reading his thoughts and I appreciate his sharing a soldiers sentiments.
It is truly remarkable, all those he has touched. And all those who responded.

A real Hero, writer and statesman.

Truly as stated above, Major Blogger.
.

[Ben Bjostad]

I read an edited version of Major Olmsted's final blog in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution yesterday and wanted to pass on my condolences to all who knew him. Anyone who would quote Babylon 5 in a blog written in case of their death must have been a great person to know. My condolences to all those who were fortunate enough to know him.

And my thanks for helping to protect our country, and our freedom. Whatever else you may think about this war, those who give their lives to America are heroes. They fight so that we are free.

[Marianna]

I received the blog link from a friend last week & I have not been able to type anything until today. As someone who's going to Iraq in a few weeks as a civilian contractor, it does scare me to go there.

Andy has touched many people's lives from what I see here. I had never read his blog or even knew who he was, but his words are very powerful.

Rest in peace & condolences to his family... my heart goes out to y'all.

M~

[Miss Cassandra]

To Marianna (who is commented above me) - you and all those like you are in my prayers every day. Although my time for those calls home with "don't worry, babe, that's just outgoing fire" have concluded just over a year ago... My heart will always be with the troops. F--- what anybody thinks, you ARE all out there doing what you can for the rest of us. Heck, without you and heroes like Andy others wouldn't have the free right to bitch. period.

I never Knew Andy personally, but I had lurked on the blog for sometime. My vision has cleared enough for me to just leave a little remark regarding his final post: On the topic of judgement, any God who couldn't see the size of his heart and was blind to his truly ultimate sacrifice for all of us is no god at all. And that's simply an observation

----Andy, I'm sure you can see this, if you're not too busy having a laugh at all the weird things people do when they think no one is looking.

"They will see us waving from such great
heights/
'come down now,' they'll say/
but everything looks perfect from far away/
'come down now,' but we'll stay/"
---Death Cab For Cutie

May heaven welcome you with open arms. Thank you for everything you are a hero in more ways than some can see.

~*~

[msouth]

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

But you laid down your life for your enemies--I'm thinking there's got to be some kind of bonus for that :).

Hoping I live a life worthy enough to see you on the other side.

[Jennye]

I just want to say that this is truely sad. I'm in the U.S. Army and am currently deployed to Kosovo, which is no where near as bad as Iraq. Andy's family and friends are in my prayers. And I hope he led a good life.

[Mark Salowitz]

I never knew him. But I wish I did. A very powerful and moving message.

Thank you for your service: in life, and in death. God welcome you home.

[Phil-USAF-RET]

Another bright star extinguished before it´s time.
Condolences to the Major´s and his companions family and friends.

[Phil-USAF-RET]

Another bright star extinguished before it´s time.
Condolences to the Major´s and his companions family and friends.

[MIKE KURMAN]

No sleep this last night. Drugs the docs give me to keep me kicking made me into an on insomniac. A friend of mine in Oregon sent me Andy's blog. Oddly, it felt good to cry about something other than not sleeping.
A cousin of mine just returned from Iraq unscathed. I cried when I heard the good news. Who said guys aren't supposed to cry? To the point of my comment.

I've had more than my share of near death experiences. I've concluded that God put us on earth for specific purposes. When we have successfully fullfilled those goals, we die. The fact that you are reading my thoughts, means that you still have work to do. Me, too, by the way.

Andy fullfilled his goals. Those of us who care will spend valuable time trying to figure out what he accomplished and what we can learn for his short life. More importantly, what are we supposed to be doing with our lives that will prompt family, and friends to try to learn from what we accomplished?

[Bill Calkins]

Andy, Thank you for your service. You have made the ultimate sacrifice. Bill

[Mark]

Andrew, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family .. you were a person of integrity and wonderful values ... as a fellow soldier who has lost many friends these past years .. know that your spirit will never be forgotten as you sleep in the arms of the lord. God Bless and Keep You

[rachel]

today i came across an article in my local paper about Andrew's passing (he's a former resident of my town) and the link to his blog:

http://www.wickedlocal.com/northborough/homepage/x531360562

I did not know him but if the last words he's put out there for the world to see are any indication of what an interesting, intelligent and funny person Andrew was, then I wish I did.

I wish his family well and I hope our soldiers come home safely soon.

[dave rogers]

may god blessandy & his proud family. his words will never be forgotion . my deepstthank you to you and your fellow trooups dave

[Eric Niksch]

I think we did you proud today Andy. Your compatriots were standing tall...

so..

"And Forever Brother…Hail and Farewell."

Rest in Peace, Andy…in the place of no shadows.

My humble regards,

EJ Niksch

[Therapeutic Ramblings]

Though I'm sadly late to the game on this, I wanted to share my condolences and gratitude for the work Andy did in blogging and in Iraq.

[another army wife]

hilzoy can you please didplay the info on Cpt Casey' children fund again?

[Trueblue1776]

Very Moving! Having lost my son in 06 I am very moved emotionally by this man!

I have heart felt sorrow for both men's families and friends!

Rest In Peace!

God Bless!

W. Fayling
US Army 69-75

[Trueblue1776]

Very Moving! Having lost my son in 06 I am very moved emotionally by this man!

I have heart felt sorrow for both men's families and friends!

Rest In Peace!

God Bless!

W. Fayling
US Army 69-75

[Chad Lamb]

I offer my condolences and deepest sympathy towards the family and friends of Andy Olmsted. I didn't know the man, and I never read his work. But I found this link searching for something, and I read his note. Without even knowing anything about him, I cried. I cried and my heart ached. I will say this, Andy sounded like an incredible man, and I hope no one ever forgets him. His love for his family and people seemed to me to be overwhelming. I mourn the loss of a brother. For that is what every man is, and every woman is my sister. I am struck by silence now. I hope, that he will be remembered till everyone who knew him has past, and hopefully even longer that. God Bless him.

Chad Lamb

~ A man is not killed by a gun or a cannon. The only way someone can truly die-is if they're forgotten.

[K. Mitchell]

-I ran across this article today. It has left me speechless. My heart goes out to his family. May he never be forgotten and let the American people remember what our military is over there.

Kara-Wife of Iraq War Veteran

[L.Cooney]

Ej Niksch,
Sir you did do Andy proud and his family is very appreciative of the difficult job you had. Thank you for your service and thank you for the friendship you gave Andy. May Andy rest in Peace knowing the respect and care you all showed his family.
Lisa Cooney
One of Andy's cousins

[Laurie]

i read about Andy in the metrowest daily news, and thought i was incredibly sad that another one of our locals has died for his country.

i'm sure his death has touched a lot of people, including me.

[C. Conelly]

Another American son has fallen. More will fall before this occupation/War is over. My Son came home 40% disabled, he could have came home 100% dead. I think about other Son's and Daughters of other Americans everyday. I weep for them. Andy did make a difference, whether he knew it or not. My deepest sympathy to his Wife, Family and Friends.

[Mary]

The hard part now is I have no idea where to go from here. It has now been 15 days since we lost Andy and I am supposed to go back to work tomorrow and pretend that it is all okay now but it isn't. It never will be.

Eric Niksch : You did a wonderful job at the service and I know you did Andy and his family proud.

I have never been to a military funeral before and it was, not only moving, but heart breaking. Thank you for your friendship to him and all you did for my Aunt & Uncle. I wanted to tell you that while I was there.

Gary & Hilzoy : I heard you were there but I didn't get to meet you two. I want to tell you that you are greatly appreciated for what you have done and are doing. Uncle Wes said so several times.

[Mary]

The hard part now is I have no idea where to go from here. It has now been 15 days since we lost Andy and I am supposed to go back to work tomorrow and pretend that it is all okay now but it isn't. It never will be.

Eric Niksch : You did a wonderful job at the service and I know you did Andy and his family proud.

I have never been to a military funeral before and it was, not only moving, but heart breaking. Thank you for your friendship to him and all you did for my Aunt & Uncle. I wanted to tell you that while I was there.

Gary & Hilzoy : I heard you were there but I didn't get to meet you two. I want to tell you that you are greatly appreciated for what you have done and are doing. Uncle Wes said so several times.

[marti kirkpatrick]

Our son Sgt. Scott Lange Kirkpatrick was killed in Iraq 8/11/07. I have just read Major Olmsted's piece to be posted in case of his death. In so many ways his voice sounds like Scott. That these remarkable men have been taken from us all is so painful it physically hurts. My deepest sympathy to his family.

[Wayne]

This world is not a darker place because Maj. Olmsted is gone. It is brighter place because he was here. To honor him live in such a way as to make the sacrifices of others worthwhile. Rent Saving Private Ryan, watch it all the way to the end, you'll see what I mean.
My thoughts are for SFC Beavers. It wasn't your time sarge. I didn't see the after action report but I know you did all you could. Sometimes you roll a 7 and, sometimes you make the point.
Cpt. WLV US Army retired

[Gary Farber]

"My thoughts are for SFC Beavers."

"Beaver," I believe, rather than "Beavers." (Just as it's "Olmsted," rather than the frequently misspelled "Olmstead.")

I still haven't heard who the fourth person wounded in the incident was.

My understanding is that the report of the official Army investigation into the incident is not yet complete.

Just as a reminder to anyone who may have missed it, the full set of news story links and blog links is in this thread.

(This thread remains the appropriate one for posting your thoughts about Andy.)

[Ben]

My sincere condolences to the Olmsted family. As a Chinese American, I thank you for your courage and commitment to protecting the freedoms of our country. You came forward when others would not. I will never be able to understand how you do it; I simply cannot comprehend how you commit to the selfless act of being a soldier. But that's what makes you a much bigger man than I'll ever be. While I will never be able to fill your shoes or carry your boots, you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you again.

[Tiandu]

Just wanted to say "Thank you." My Prayers and Condolences go out to all those who knew and loved Major Olmsted and Captain Casey.

[Darin]

My thought go out to the family and friends of Andy Olmsted. From a retired Soldier, You will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Soldier, your work here is done, let us take over for you now.

[diordna]

To the family of Andrew and all the friends of his, I am really sorry.
Thanks Andrew Olmsted. Rest in peace.
I have no further words, lost.

[chris mclaughlin]

Rest in peace Andy.

My prayers and condolences go to amanda and your family.
Im terribly sorry for your loss.

[Andrew]

I've forwarded Major Olstead's last blog posting to a lot of people in the UK who have a lot of often seriously differing opinions with each other on the issues he discusses. RIP.

[NikiC]

Thank you, Andy.

[MargoS]

Dirge Without Music

I am not resigned to the shutting away of loving hearts in the hard ground.
So it is, and so it will be, for so it has been, time out of mind:
Into the darkness they go, the wise and the lovely. Crowned
With lilies and with laurel they go; but I am not resigned.

Lovers and thinkers, into the earth with you.
Be one with the dull, the indiscriminate dust.
A fragment of what you felt, of what you knew,
A formula, a phrase remains, -- but the best is lost.

The answers quick and keen, the honest look, the laughter, the love, --
They are gone. They are gone to feed the roses. Elegant and curled
Is the blossom. Fragrant is the blossom. I know. But I do not approve.
More precious was the light in your eyes than all the roses in the world.

Down, down, down into the darkness of the grave
Gently they go, the beautiful, the tender, the kind;
Quietly they go, the intelligent, the witty, the brave.
I know. But I do not approve. And I am not resigned.

-Edna St. Vincent Millay

[Lainey]

I just wanted to offer my condolence to all those effected by the loss of all 3 of the soldiers in the above picture...as a soldier's wife going through a current deployment to Iraq I am left praying and asking God to keep all of our soldiers safe in their respective warzones...I hope that these families will find solace in each other and the knowledge that he died doing a job that he loves....although I hope to never be in the same situation, God willing, I know that if my husband loses his life over there it is for something that he believes in and he loves...

I am deeply touched by the post that was left by Major Olmstead, it is something that will touch my heart for a long time...he was doing waht he loved and the fact that he was gracious enough to share his views with us and think about others while he was serving over there is a tribute to him as a person....

Again my family offers it's deepest condolences to the families of these 3 soldiers...and we offer our respect to you as a fellow Army family...May God bless you and be with you in this time of sorrow

[Lainey]

I just wanted to offer my condolence to all those effected by the loss of all 3 of the soldiers in the above picture...as a soldier's wife going through a current deployment to Iraq I am left praying and asking God to keep all of our soldiers safe in their respective warzones...I hope that these families will find solace in each other and the knowledge that he died doing a job that he loves....although I hope to never be in the same situation, God willing, I know that if my husband loses his life over there it is for something that he believes in and he loves...

I am deeply touched by the post that was left by Major Olmstead, it is something that will touch my heart for a long time...he was doing waht he loved and the fact that he was gracious enough to share his views with us and think about others while he was serving over there is a tribute to him as a person....

Again my family offers it's deepest condolences to the families of these 3 soldiers...and we offer our respect to you as a fellow Army family...May God bless you and be with you in this time of sorrow

[Craig in NJ]

Condolences and apologies to you Andrew. You are a very thoughtful, insightful, and -- self-effacing jokes about your ego aside -- humble man indeed. You died doing noble work. Small consolation, sure, but as you say, we'll all die at some point. By the way, I am sure you'd find this interesting: I only stumbled onto your blog because it showed on the default page on www.msn.com which internet explorer so graciously set as it's home page and I've just been too lazy to change it because i use firefox generally. At the moment I'm downloading something on bittorrent and because vista sucks so badly and has crippled this otherwise fast laptop, i can't run firefox because it starts up with about 20 tabs that I have not yet gone through. So, internet explorer it was -- and there you were :) So your story is getting out there my good friend, into the ether and into people's consciousness. To what end is not yet known, but it puts an irrefutable weight to the loss of your life.

I should add that the man who murdered you was not fit to shine your shoes and i suspect he'll find and end worse then yours. Here's to hoping.

In any case for what it's worth I enjoyed your blog very, very much. God speed Andrew.

[Dee]

I never read any of Andy's Blogs before today. I came upon his last post purly by accident. I read it 4 times. I cried. I have not cried in years. I feel such an emptyness inside. It is hard for me to believe I feel this way. I have the most respect for Andy as I have ever had for anyone and I never met him or read his posts before. I have a nephew who did 3 tours in Iroc and each time he cake home I pleaded with him to stop...that he had given enough. He was blown out of his truck the first tour and lost hearing in his one ear. He was blown out of his humvee on the second tour. On his third he was wounded in his lower leg. But his worst wound is his mind and soul. He is no longer my nephew Christopher that left to go to war. He is a very nervous and tense and scary person now. Particularly to his wife and children. He blows up at the drop of a hat. But he is my hero. I value him above all others. I felt no one would ever stand equal to him in my heart. I was wrong. Now Andy stands beside him on my hero pedistal. I am so proud of all the soldiers serving our country, but these two in particular. I feel like I lost someone very special to me...more than that I know the world has lost a very special man... I regret the loss of such a precious soul as Andy. They may be able to one day help my nephew come home...They can never return Andy. I hate war and the pain it causes. I hate the pain it made Andy's wife and family and friends feel. But I agree with Andy that some times you have to fight. I faught also. Mine was the last useless war. It has been over 30 years and I am still trying to come home. I do believe in the after life though and I know that one day not to far away I will get to meet Andy. He will be easy to spot. Souls like his have the brightest glow. My most heart felt codolences to his wife and family,and to his friends aswell. He is missed.......

[Johann Coetzee]

Hi all

I am writing this from my desk at work in Johannesburg, South Africa. I don't know Andy, but by God what a waste. Know that Andy's blog was not just read in the US, he had some non-posting readers in South Africa too.

jeesh... wordless. Unfucking real.

Thing is, I don't visit often enough to be up to date with the latest. Now this. Read the post on the first page about the "blue-berry pie" and always being late. Fitting.

awwww god dammit what a waste. :-(

[Michaela Ison]

God bless you Andrew! My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
And I thank you, from the bottom of my heart for selflessly serving our country. I know your family is proud.

[Gary Farber]

Johann Coetzee, what Andy wrote:

[...] 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.

[...]

On a similar note, while you're free to think whatever you like about my life and death, if you think I wasted my life, I'll tell you you're wrong. We're all going to die of something. I died doing a job I loved. When your time comes, I hope you are as fortunate as I was.

[mom]

I have spent a lot of time reading the comments on this blog site, some from people I know and many more from strangers.
Each comment takes a small weight from my heart for the loss of our son. I am glad his last blog touched so many people. Thank you for your messages.
Mom

[Gary]

This was a guy I really wish that I'd had a chance to have a beer and a few laughs with. Smart but self-effacing, deep but hysterically funny. Godspeed, Andy.

Gary

[SabineM]

What a hero and an amazing human being! I did not know Andrew and had never heard of him until today when I stumbled upon his last post. His Last post left me speechless. I will remember this post and this man.
Sorry for your loss!

[Joyce]

I stumbled on Maj. Olmsted's last post from another random blog I was reading and found myself crying.

Words like "honor" and "noble" and "sacrifice" and "hero" seem to be tossed out so frequently in politics-speak that they seem almost meaningless.

Andy lived with honor, wrote with heart, and his death is an enormous sacrifice for those he was forced to leave behind. I ache for those who have lost him and Captain Casey.

His writing and his death have indeed put a human face to this war, and reminded me to use the freedom he and Captain Casey signed up to defend wisely and well.

[sean cheah]

im from singapore. 20 years of age ive felt like ive never lived until reading this post. it just struck me that life is an opportunity, you follow your heart or you'll end up dead, in the blink of an eye.

Andy followed his heart and withered, but he guided us to do the same. why cry and mourn a man who inspires us , why not follow in his footsteps. He is not lost if we live his words, live his thoughts, remember the consequences.

Im not a fan of religion so i wouldn't know where he'll end up if there was an afterlife, but in my heart that's for sure. Long live the blogger whose message went across oceans to reach everybody. And for that, i can't thank you enough, andy.

[ZenWarrior]

Thank you, Captain Casey.

And Mom, I saw your post. Please know you raised your child to be a "man" in every positive sense of the word. And in doing so, both of you made this world a better place to live. You have my condolences. I cannot begin to imagine the magnitude of your loss.

[ZenWarrior]

Please forgive my mistake--of sorts. I did not wish to forget the man killed along with Andy.

So once again--Thank you, Major Olmsted. Thank you, Captain Casey.

Mom, may you find peace.

[Pat Casey]

The Merry Christmas sign in the last newsletter was made by Tom's sister-in-law Charlotte. We were happy to see it used that way! Pat Casey

[hilzoy]

Pat Casey -- I'm so sorry for your loss. Please let me know (email near the top of the page) if there's anything we can do.

[wes]

This is just to let those interested in knowing that And's Final Post is now listed in the Congressional Record. Senator Kennedy was kind enough to do this for Nancy and I. You can find it by googling "Congressional Record" and then searching for Andrew Olmsted.

[wes]

Happy birthday Andy.

[Catherine]

Happy Birthday Andy,I love You! Cathy

[jurassicpork]

Andy Olmsted was one of those vaguely familiar names that you hear in the blogosphere from time to time.

I ran across this news, rather belatedly, obviously, while researching something else then got sidetracked by something else which sidetracked me to something else...

I'm embarrassed and astounded that I never heard about this earlier, since I pride myself on being on top of things as they happen.

Andy, dude, you will be missed. We can't keep losing guys like you and Steve Gilliard.

[jurassicpork]

Andy Olmsted was one of those vaguely familiar names that you hear in the blogosphere from time to time.

I ran across this news, rather belatedly, obviously, while researching something else then got sidetracked by something else which sidetracked me to something else...

I'm embarrassed and astounded that I never heard about this earlier, since I pride myself on being on top of things as they happen.

Andy, dude, you will be missed. We can't keep losing guys like you and Steve Gilliard.

[Jim]

I just stumbled across this while surfing the interweb.

My god, the most touching thing i've ever read.

That's some kinda guy right there.

[SGT Pernice]

My heartfelt condolences go out to the Major and Captain's families. I cannot fathom the pain of your loss.
Sir,
Wherever you may be, your last blog is a masterpiece. It speaks the words that we all search for here. Your words also made me look at myself and doing what is right. With that, I am making changes in my life for the better. With that Sir, I thank you. I'm sure my soldiers, my wife, and my children thank you. Here's one for you sir.
HOOOOOAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!