Page 118 - michael-ollis-album

(Update) Mom 'proud' as tributes pour in for fallen Staten Island

soldier Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis (video/photos)

silive.com/news/index.ssf /2013/08/governor_mayor_honor_f allen_st.html

Staten Island soldier Michael Ollis killed in Afghanistan
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - "We are so very proud of Michael," said the mother of Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis of New Dorp,
whose body will arrive at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware Saturday afternoon.

Linda Ollis made the comment to the Daily News as the family waited at Dover.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is ordering flags flown at half-staff next week in honor of the fallen soldier.

"Along with all New Yorkers, I extend my sympathy to the friends, family and fellow soldiers of Staff Sgt. Ollis," Cuomo
said. "We mourn the loss of this young soldier but we will remember and honor his service to our nation."

He directed flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, Sept. 4, in honor of the soldier.

Ollis, a 2006 Petrides graduate, died Aug. 28 after being wounded in an attack in his unit in Ghazni Province,
Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division's 1st Brigade
Combat Team at Fort Drum.

Mayor Michael Bloompberg also issued a statement on Ollis' death.

"A native Staten Islander, Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis volunteered to serve our country after graduating high school and
was already a decorated member of the U.S. Army at only 24 years old," Bloomberg said. "Tragically, he gave his last
full measure of devotion in protecting his country, and our freedoms, in Afghanistan earlier this week. As New Yorkers, we
owe a special debt of gratitude to those who serve in our military, because New York City is in many ways America's
greatest symbol of freedom."

He is the 92 nd New Yorker who has died serving the country since the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, Bloomberg said.

"As long as the ideals they fought and died to protect are threatened, we will continue to rely on the bravery and
sacrifice of young men and women like Staff Sergeant Ollis to preserve and protect them," Bloomberg said. "Our
prayers are with his grieving family and friends, and may God bless Sergeant Ollis and all those who continue to serve
our nation."

Ollis' body is expected to arrive at the air force base at 4:50 p.m. Friday, according to an Air Force public affairs office.
His parents were vacationing in Paris when Army personnel arrived at their Burbank Avenue home Thursday to notify
them of their son's death. U.S. officials later reached the couple in Paris, neighbors said, and they are believed to be on
their way to Dover.