Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Staff Sgt. Todd D. Olson

36, of Loyal, Wisconsin.
Olson died in the 67th Combat Support Hospital in Tikrit, Iraq from wounds sustained in Samarra, Iraq on December 26, 2004, when an improvised explosive device detonated. He was assigned to the National Guard's 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry Regiment, Neillsville, Wisconsin. Died on December 27, 2004.

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"Think about you today, you were with my old battalion and a bunch I served with, including Ryan Johnson who was there with you. RIP SSG Olson, god speed."
Rob Frank of Newark, OH

"Thinking about you today SSG Olson. Memorial Day 2020"
Michael Dosland of Cedarburg, WI

"Thank you Todd and your beautiful family for your service and sacrifice for our country. I will never forget you and your friendship with my husband. Peace to all who knew you.
December, 27, 2016"
Jill Davis of Lancaster, wI

"We have not forgotten you or your brave leadership. It was a priviledge to have known you, even for a short time."
George Wheelock, MAJ, USA, (Ret). of Chadwick MO

"8 years ago today. I served in the 128th INF with you and although we only met once I think of you and your family often. Your sacrifice and that of your family are not forgotten. May you be at peace in the arms of the Lord."
SGT. Sean DeKok 1-128th INF of Minneapolis, MN

"Thank you. The USA is safer because of you."
Karen Burrell of Chippewa Falls, WI

"Thinking of you and your family today brother. I remember the night vividly. It was your Platoon's turn to patrol, giving mine a much needed break. As squad leaders, we patrolled in the point position, to better assess the situation as it developed and to lead from the front. It was a tactic our entire company used. If it had been my night to patrol, it would have been me.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten."
SSG (then) Justin Sabo of Brooklyn Park, MN

"To the family of:Todd D.Olson
I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015.
Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga""

"To Family and friends and SSG Todd D. Olson:I apologize for being so late to respond to leaving a message.But with you gone really hurts and there is'nt a day that goes by that I put this uniform on I don't think about you. Especially the time you and Tim taught me how to ride that Yamaha 80cc motorcycle and the laughs, and fun, we had togather.So when I get on my Harley now it alway's reminds me of us guy's back at the farm out riding and doing crazy things. But I will never forget you for teaching me how to ride that Harley and thank God for having a great cousin as you.I'll remember that bad morning 0300 being woken by my first sargeant to tell me the bad news.I was shocked and confused and a eye opener for me due to I did'nt even leave the base yet.So the next day I broke down but,I could'nt tell my friends do to I had to be strong.But they all new it and felt as sad as I did.So 1158th Trans Co. also sends there sad feelings.So here I sit on my 4th tour of duty still thinking of you right know here in Tallil,Iraq. Can still picture you with that smile a person will never forget and laugh.I will never forget you till the day I pass away.I also apologize for the night in church when they had a memorial service for you.And I showed up and they asked anybody to come up to the podium to speak.I wanted to but, I know when I got up there I would make it through half way of my speech and brokedown and would'nt of finished it.I just want you to know you are are hero.May God bless you!
Cousin
SFC Molle"
SFC Molle of Tomah,Wisconsin

"SGT Olson, Thank you for making me laugh my first morning in Iraq. I was so nervous of things to come. I enjoyed breakfast with you and SGT Randall and I will never forget you."
SPC Robert J Keopple HHC 1-128 INF of Wisconsin

"I miss you uncle Todd, not a day goes by that I dont think of you...you're my hero"
Kinsey of Loyal

"December 21, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Todd D. Olson:
Todd gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"I miss you 1#daddy"
kasey of loyal

"Memorial Day 2007. I didn't know you Todd, although I served in the same battalion in Iraq. I think of your sacrifice often. I visited the Highground in Clark County today. You were mentioned in an article in the Eau Claire Leader Telegram today. I visited the Marine Corps Association Hotel in San Francisco last Memorial Day and saw your name on a Memorial Wall that they have constructed there.

I will never forget.

SSG Troy Stoneberg, Medics, 1-128th INF"
Troy Stoneberg of Altoona, WI

"You were a great inspiration in our little town. We miss you."
Heidi of Loyal, WI

"I will never look at the American Flag the same way. I think of Todd each morning when I say the pledge with my second graders. I am proud to say we were friends!"
Margie of Sheboygan Falls, WI

"Hello, I am a Platoon Leader at Patrol Base Olson. In Iraq, Samarra."
1LT

"Nancy, God Bless you and your family. We think of Todd often, and will never forget what he did and the sacrifice he made for others, Todd was truly a hero. God Bless!"
Patty Luey of Tomah Wisconsin

"In your honor and with gratitude to you, Todd Donald Olson, I’ve planted a daffodil in your name, as have others across the United States as part of Project LIVE ON, a not-for-profit program founded to memorialize each U. S. military who has died in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Thousands of beautiful daffodils across the country will come up each Spring, and, like your Spirit, will LIVE ON...and ON. Blessings to you, the family, as you grieve, and heal. For details, contact projectliveon@aol.com. Jan. 23, 2006."
Gretchen Forbes of the northcentral mountains of Pennsylvania

"I have planted a daffodil for you Todd along with 49 more bulbs to represent other soldiers who were killed in Iraq. Your flower will be seen every year and sacrafice remembered. Projectliveon@aol.com"
Ruth Anderson of Mountain View , California

"Todd,

May God bless you and your family. I am sorry I could not save you that night while you were in my care. I will never forget your sacrifice.

Sincerely,

CPT Jeffrey P. Conroy
Nurse Anesthetist"
CPT Jeffrey P. Conroy of Fort Sam Houston, TX

"Sergeant Olson, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"To the Family of SSG Todd Olson:
We have constructed a memorial to the service men and women from Wisconsin and Illinois who have died in Iraq which includes, as of 6/20/05, 111 crosses and Stars of David. We would like your permission to put SSG Olson's name on one of them. We have called our display "Arlington MidWest." It is our expression of mourning for the indescribable loss you have suffered for our country.

If you would like us to do this, please email martypres33@yahoo.com.

We invite you to come to visit Arlington MidWest. I can send you directions and some pictures by email.

"As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them." Anonymous"
Marty Preston of Wisconsin Dells, WI

"To the family of Todd D. Olson:

The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 29 May. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain, LTC Kenneth L. Beale, Jr. will preach a message entitled “Remembering Our Freedom.” A former Soldier and country music songwriter and performer “Rockie” will pay a special musical tribute. At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:info@fortsnellingmcf.org
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org"

"To Nancy and Kids, May God comfort you and give you peace knowing that Todd is an American Hero. He will not be forgotten."
The Johnson's of Wisconsin

"To the family and friends of Todd Olson,

Our hearts go out to you, and our prayers are with you. We pray that God's love and grace will provide you with comfort. I didn't know Todd personally, but I grew up in the Neillsville area, and I share in the values that Todd lived out on a daily basis. My family and I feel privileged to know that he added so much to the Loyal community, and we appreciate his ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Because he lived and died, we are all more free.

Robert Ratsch Jr, and family"
Robert and Stacy Ratsch and family of Mather, California USA

"To Todd's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.com"

"To the family of Todd,
My God be with you during this great time of sadness. Thank you for raising such a fine young man who ended up paying the ultimate price for my freedom. My prayers are with you each day. E-mail me if you ever want to talk crk9551@hotmail.com"
Candy of Poynette, WI

"There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Thank you Todd Olson, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Todd Olson:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Todd for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Todd Olson:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Todd, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on