Andrew Olmsted's Final Post

"I am leaving this message for you because it appears I must leave sooner than I intended. I would have preferred to say this in person, but since I cannot, let me say it here."
G'Kar, Babylon 5

"Only the dead have seen the end of war."
Plato*

Andrew Olmsted began the final blog entry of his life with these two quotes. Andy was killed in Iraq on Thursday, and he left this devastatingly beautiful and profound final piece with a friend, to be posted in the event of his death. Please take a moment to honor his memory, and to read the last post of this life. It is linked above and here. I read it last night, and it crushed me. And I think every single person in America should read it.

A very good man is gone. His death is a terrible loss for his family, the Army--and for our country. Andy was the epitome of the American citizen-soldier, and a hell of a good writer. He was honorable, thoughtful and incredibly articulate. And he served America not only as a soldier, but also as voice of conscience in these incredibly turbulent times.

I never met the man, but wish I could have. After you read the piece, I think it will be hard not to feel the same way. And my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. But I hope you will join me in doing what Andy asked us to do:

"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.*"

Rest in peace, Andy.

(If you comment, please respect Andy's wish that his death not be politicized, and refrain from any political rants.)

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Comments

[paulrieckhoff]

Thanks for these sincere and thoughtful comments. I really appreciate everyone being respectful about this posting.

If you look around the web, you'll see how far Andy's influence reached. Folks everywhere, (and milbloggers especially), have really been hit hard by Andy's passing.

Thanks again.

[Aaror]

Hooyah-well, Hooah since he is in the Army. I read his post and I can only say that that is what it is to be a soldier. That is what it means to serve your country. "Ours is not to reason why, ours is but to do or die."
I salute Andy, and my heart goes out to his family.

[factanonverba]

It is sad that we are losing so much talent for nothing. I am simply moved to tears and I had never heard of this man. To cry for someone you don't know is quite is a bit surreal but on this cold and windy Sunday San Francisco night, I'll put on some Johnny Cash, some Weavers, some Arlo Guthrie and whatever vintage 80s music track that fits his request and drink some fine Kentucky bourbon with a dash of Coke and honor this man's memory.

How does the President sleep at night? How can we be so callous to such a loss of life, of hope, of promise? This war must simply end.

[envirossf]

Thanks for posting this Paul. Whatever you think of this insane war in Iraq,(and I will respect Andy's wish to not politicize) I was amazingly proud to find out someone of his depth of character represented me in uniform. I am conflicted though, because I am also deeply saddened by his loss. Wherever he may be now, please let him find peace.

[SamThornton]

No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manner of thine own
Or of thine friend's were.
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.
-- John Donne (1573-1631)

[goofticket]

I read Andrew's final letter, and his earlier blogs.

A first class human, in every respect.

He will have left a space in many hearts, but they certainly are not empty.

[KSH]

Much love and respect to Andy and his family. We so appreciated his bravery and his sacrfice. Rest In Peace