• First Annual SSG Michael Ollis Memorial 5k Run & Festival

    April 11, 2017 Author: Dave
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    For tour tomorrow, he gave his today...

    FIRST ANNUAL SSG MICHAEL OLLIS MEMORIAL 5K RUN & FESTIVAL PLANNED FOR JUNE 11, 2017

    Race Will Commemorate the Memory & Sacrifice of SSG Ollis & Raise Funds for Veterans

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    • Contact: Robert Ollis, President of the Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation P: (646) 379-2295 | E-Mail: fortdrum1988@gmail.com
    • Nick Iacono, Board Member and Race Planning Director P: (718) 887-6522 | E-Mail: Iacono.Nicholas@gmail.com

    (April 10, 2017 – Staten Island, NY) – The SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)3 veterans charity established in 2013 by the family of fallen U.S. Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) Michael Ollis, announced today that it will be hosting its FIRST ANNUAL SSG MICHAEL OLLIS MEMORIAL 5K RUN/WALK & STREET FESTIVAL on Sunday, June 11th, 2017, 8AM – 12PM in New Dorp. The race will serve to commemorate the memory & courageous sacrifice of SSG Ollis, honor all of our nation’s veterans and service members, and raise funds for the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation which supports various veterans’ and philanthropic causes. Members of the media are invited to cover this inaugural event and are asked to please help spread the word. Participants can purchase their $35 ticket or make a donation to the cause at ollisrace.eventbrite.com.

    “Our son Michael gave his life for his country, and the foundation we set up in his honor is dedicated to one purpose: to support his fellow veterans and their families,” said Michael’s parents and foundation cofounders Robert and Linda Ollis. “We hope that this race will allow us as a community to memorialize Michael’s sacrifice, show our appreciation for all our service members, and raise funds to help those who have served.” The event will begin at 8:00 AM on Sunday, June 11th, at New Dorp Lane and New Dorp Plaza South…with the race kicking off at 9:00 AM and a street festival featuring live music, food, entertainment, activities, and various vendors/merchants to follow (10AM – 12PM). The race route will be a total of 5 kilometers and entail a loop around the Staten Island Railway (SIR) between Beach Avenue and Jefferson Avenue.

    After the race, an awards ceremony and street festival will take place on New Dorp Lane between New Dorp Plaza and 10th Street. The foundation is seeking runners/walkers, sponsors, donations, and volunteers…and those interested should e-mail OllisRace@gmail.com and visit www.ollisrace.evenbrite.com.

    “Staten Island is home to both an active running community, as well as a patriotic community that strongly supports veterans and our armed forces,” Mr. and Mrs. Ollis continued. “We thought, what better way to honor Michael’s memory and raise funds for the foundation than by hosting a community run right here in New Dorp where Michael grew up? We especially want to thank all the New Dorp merchants for allowing us to host this event in the neighborhood, and for all the sponsors who have already committed their support.”

    In 2013, SSG Michael Ollis was stationed with the 10th Mountain Division at a forward operating base in Ghazni, Afghanistan when the base was ambushed by insurgents. SSG Ollis heroically gave his life to shield a fellow serviceman from a suicide bomber. He posthumously received numerous honors in recognition of his valor including the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Silver Star, the Audie Murphy Medallion, the Polish Gold Star Medal of Honor, and in January 2016, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) announced that one its new Staten Island Ferry Boats would be named after Michael.

    The race/event, hosted by the SSG Ollis Freedom Foundation, is a partnership among multiple supportive organizations, agencies, and individuals. Special thanks to Councilman Steven Matteo and Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, whose offices worked closely with the foundation and Mr. Daniel Clark of SIBOC to secure the necessary permits and logistical arrangements. Special thanks also to Chief Ed Delatorre, Borough Commander for Staten Island; Detective Kevin Medefint of the 122 Precinct; Daniel Clark, Executive Director of the Staten Island Business Outreach Center (SIBOC); Maria Esposito of the New Dorp Merchants Group, Paul Burdzy and Agnieszka Chwatko of the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union, and Andrew Guido of the New Dorp Central Civic Association.

    *Further details and information regarding bib pickup will be forthcoming*

    Tentative Event Schedule:

    • 8:00 AM Opening Ceremony Begins- National Anthem & Remarks (Participants must be in their corral)
    • 9:00 AM Race Kicks Off
    • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Street Festival/Awards Presentation (Street festival will take place after the race on New Dorp Lane between New Dorp Plaza and 10th Street)

    Partnering Organizations:

    • The Staten Island Business Outreach Center (SIBOC)
    • The New Dorp Merchants Group
    • The Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union
    • The New Dorp Central Civic Association
    • Office of Councilman Steven Matteo (District 50, Mid-Island)
    • Office of Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (AD 64, East Shore/Brooklyn)
    • New York Police Department – Staten Island Borough Command & the 122 Precinct
    • New York City Department of Transportation – Weekend Walks Program ShopRite of Hylan Blvd, Staten Island

    *ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY PARTNERS WELCOME*

    Current Committed Sponsors:

    • ShopRite of Hylan Blvd
    • The Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union
    • Crossfit 103
    • NYC DOT Weekend Walks Program

    ***ADDITIONAL SPONSORS NEEDED***

    Website: www.ssgollis.org

    Facebook: SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation

    Event Details/Registration: Ollisrace.Eventbrite.com

    Questions? E-mail: OllisRace@gmail.com

  • 10 students named to US Military Academies at SSG Ollis VFW Hall

    February 26, 2017 Author: Dave
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    Reposted from SILive:

    Carol Ann Benanti | benanti@siadvance.com By Carol Ann Benanti | benanti@siadvance.com
    on February 24, 2017 at 2:34 PM, updated February 24, 2017 at 2:40 PM

    Congressman Donovan names 10 students to military academies

    STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — New York City students, 10 of them in fact, are indeed proud to have received certificates of honor from Congressman Dan Donovan, nominating them to U.S. military service academies.

    In order to be nominated, each teen was required to undergo a rigorous application process in which a local committee evaluated academic records, extracurricular activities, recommendations, and leadership skills.

    Donovan awarded four nominations to the U.S. Military Academy, four to the U.S. Naval Academy, one to the U.S. Air Force Academy, and one to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

    Congressman Donovan stated: “I’m honored to nominate the brightest students from our district to the U.S. service academies. Each nominee has worked hard and chosen the noble path of serving and defending our great nation. I applaud your patriotism and look forward to seeing your future accomplishments. It’s truly a privilege to help build the next generation of servicemen and women.”

    The ceremony took place on Staten Island at the SSG Michael Ollis VFW.

    The facility is named after hometown hero Army Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis, who stepped in front of a suicide bomber in Afghanistan to save a Polish soldier.

    Donovan has pushed for further recognition of Ollis’ heroism and valor, and he has sent a letter to the Secretary of the Army recommending him for the Congressional Medal of Honor. Ollis’s parents attended the event and addressed the student nominees.

    “Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis embodies the true American spirit. He gave his life for his country and his display of bravery, selflessness, and sacrifice is an example for all of us. The legacy of Staff Sgt. Ollis will live on through your service and dedication to protecting freedom.”

    The nominees must still earn admission to the service academy for which they were nominated. Congressman Donovan’s 2017 Service Academy picks are:

    U.S. Military Academy, Jonathon Carbonella, College of Staten Island, Jonathon Decarlo, Susan Wager High School, Patrick Orlando, Penn State University, Evan Tedesco, Staten Island Tech High School.
    U.S. Naval Academy, Michael Stumpf, Xavier High School, Lauren Casella, Tottenville High School, Najee Jenkins, Coney Island Prep High School and Joshua Maldonado, Xavarian High School
    U.S. Air Force Academy, Caleb Wong, Aviation Career & Technical High School
    U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Matthew Bantis, Poly Prep High School.

  • 1st Annual NY Mets Fundraiser in Memory of SSG Michael Ollis

    March 22, 2016 Author: Dave
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    Join the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation for a fun day at Citi Field​ on Saturday May 21st @ 4:10PM when they take on the Brewers!

    May 21st date set for SSG MOFF Fundraiser at Citi Field. Purchase your tickets before the run out!

    May 21st date set for SSG MOFF Fundraiser at Citi Field.
    Purchase your tickets before the run out!

    Ticket Only ($60) :Use this link to Purchase tickets directly: mets.com/michaelollis   

    NY Mets POC: Andrew Hicks 718­-559­-3029

    Bus Option ($88) : Bus departs at 1:00 from Staten Island Michael Ollis VFW Post (575 Mill Road) available for additional $28 cost.

    Bus POC: Bob Ollis fortdrum1988@gmail.com or call 718­-667­-3204 for info

    Mets Bucket Hat Day Fundraiser for SSG MOFF

    Mets Bucket Hat Day Fundraiser for SSG MOFF on May 21

    The first 15,000 fans will receive a Mets bucket hat upon entry to the ballpark, and a portion of each ticket will be going back to the Foundation.

     

     

     

     

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