• Register Today for the 2024 SSG Ollis Memorial 5k!

    Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis embodied the values of courage and selflessness. His heroic act during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, where he sacrificed his life to save others, serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to duty and honor. Through this annual memorial race, we aim to ensure that his spirit lives on, inspiring future generations to embody the same sense of bravery and service.

    Event Details:

    • Date: June 9th
    • Location: Staten Island, New York
    • Race Distances: 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) run and 2 miles walk
    • Registration Link: Register Here

    Why You Should Join Us:

    1. Honor a Hero: Participating in the SSG Michael Ollis Memorial 5K Race allows you to pay homage to Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis and his extraordinary sacrifice. Your involvement helps keep his memory alive and honors his legacy of courage and service.
    2. Support Veterans and Their Families: Proceeds from the race will benefit programs and initiatives aimed at supporting military veterans and their families. Your contribution can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served our country.
    3. Enjoy a Fun-Filled Day: Whether you’re an avid runner, prefer a brisk walk, or simply want to soak up the atmosphere, the SSG Michael Ollis Memorial 5K Race offers an opportunity for participants of all levels to come together for a day of fitness, camaraderie, and remembrance.
    4. Build Community: Join us in bringing together individuals from all walks of life who share a common goal of honoring our nation’s heroes. Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, you’ll be part of a community united in gratitude and respect.

    Register Today: Don’t miss your chance to be part of this meaningful event. Secure your spot in the SSG Michael Ollis Memorial 5K Race by registering here today. Whether you’re running, walking, or showing your support in other ways, your participation makes a difference.

    Mark your calendars for June 9th and join us for a day filled with remembrance, unity, and inspiration. We look forward to seeing you at the starting line!

  • SSG Ollis Foundation & Kiwanis Club lay Wreaths Across America at St. Mary’s Cemetery


    16 December, 2023: The SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation, in a poignant collaboration with The Verrazano Chapter of the Kiwanis Club and Wreaths Across America, recently orchestrated a heartfelt tribute to honor our nation’s veterans at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Staten Island, NY. Notably, Bob and Linda Ollis, parents of Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis, along with Michael’s sisters Kim and Kelly and their families, were present at this touching event.

    On December 16, 2023, a gathering of dedicated members and volunteers from the SSG Ollis Foundation, The Verrazano Kiwanis Club, and Wreaths Across America convened at Saint Mary’s Cemetery. The event, graced by the presence of the Ollis family, was a touching display of reverence and gratitude toward the brave men and women who have served our country.

    Against the backdrop of the cemetery’s solemn landscape, wreaths were tenderly laid at the gravesites of these heroes. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of unity and respect, symbolizing the deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women.

    This collaboration between the SSG Ollis Foundation, The Verrazano Kiwanis Club, and Wreaths Across America exemplifies the power of joint efforts in honoring the memory and significance of our veterans. Together, these organizations stand as pillars of remembrance, ensuring that the legacy of our veterans lives on in the hearts of grateful communities, a sentiment echoed by the Ollis family.

    The December 16th event at Saint Mary’s Cemetery was a poignant reminder that the dedication and valor of our veterans endure, upheld by those who value their service. The presence of Bob and Linda Ollis, along with Michael’s sisters Kim and Kelly and their families, underscored the unity, gratitude, and unwavering respect that the community holds for these courageous individuals.

    Through initiatives like these, the SSG Ollis Foundation continues to illuminate the path of remembrance, ensuring that the sacrifices of veterans are immortalized. Their dedication to honoring heroes like Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis reflects a profound sense of patriotism and admiration for those who have selflessly served our nation.

    As the wreaths graced the final resting places of these gallant souls, they served as visual testaments to the enduring gratitude and respect of a nation indebted to their bravery.

    For more information on the impactful work of the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation, visit their website at ssgollis.org.

    In commemorating our veterans, let us steadfastly honor their valor and legacy, preserving their memory with the utmost reverence.


  • Delivery Day at the Fort Wadsworth Food Pantry

    13 December 2023: At the heart of the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation lies an unwavering commitment to support and uplift communities. Recently, the Foundation had the honor of participating in a profound and heartwarming event at the Fort Wadsworth Food Pantry. Delivery Day emerged as a testament to the power of collective generosity and compassion.

    Amidst the backdrop of camaraderie and goodwill, friends and supporters of the Foundation came together to extend a hand to those in need. Their contributions, whether big or small, illuminated the essence of giving – a force that transcends boundaries and touches lives in profound ways.

    The spirit of giving was palpable as donations poured in, embodying the selflessness and dedication championed by SSG Michael Ollis himself. Each item brought forth symbolized more than just sustenance; it represented hope, solidarity, and the unwavering support of a community united in its resolve to make a difference.

    Volunteers, embodying the spirit of service and carrying forward SSG Ollis’s legacy, worked tirelessly to ensure the seamless organization and distribution of these contributions. Their commitment and enthusiasm were nothing short of inspiring, reflecting the Foundation’s core values of compassion and dedication.

    The impact of this collective effort reverberated through the Fort Wadsworth community. Families and individuals receiving these provisions were touched by the outpouring of kindness. Their smiles and gratitude echoed the profound impact of the Foundation’s ongoing mission.

    Bob and Linda Door Dashing the Ft. Wadsworth Pantry

    To all those who contributed, whether through donations, time, or support, the Foundation extends its deepest gratitude. Your generosity serves as a beacon of hope, lighting the way for a brighter future for those in need. Together, we continue to honor the legacy of SSG Michael Ollis by making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

    As we reflect on Delivery Day at the Fort Wadsworth Food Pantry, let us carry forward the spirit of giving and continue to uplift communities in need. The Foundation remains committed to its mission, fueled by the unwavering support of its friends and advocates. Your dedication ensures that the legacy of SSG Michael Ollis lives on, touching countless lives and fostering a world built on compassion and unity.

    Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey and for embodying the values that define the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation. Together, we create ripples of positive change that resonate far and wide.

    Thank you to all the friends of the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation for their generosity!

  • Unveiling the Michael Ollis Dining Hall: A Symbol of Community and Honor at the US Army Garrison in Poland

    On October 27th 2023, the new garrison’s dining hall at Camp Kosciuszko in Poznan, Poland was named in Michael’s honor. It was a very beautiful, emotional ceremony. Thank you to all US Military and Polish Ministry of Defense who made this possible. The Ollis family were special guests as well as Ret. Lt. Karol Cierpica.

    The Michael Ollis Dining Hall stands as a testament to the commitment and camaraderie within the US Army stationed in Poland. This dining facility serves not just as a place for meals but as a hub for fostering unity, honoring service, and building connections among military personnel and their allies.

    Stars and Stripes Article details more of the ceremony here: https://www.stripes.com/branches/army/2023-10-31/poznan-army-10th-mountain-ollis-11890476.html

  • Sign Up Now for the 5th Annual SSG Ollis 5k!

    Please sign up today for the Race around Michael’s hometown in New Dorp, Staten Island on June 13th: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/StatenIsland/Ollis

    Description:

    Welcome to the 5th Annual SSG Michael Ollis 5K Run & 2-Mile Walk. Since the inaugural event, the Ollis run has grown into one of Staten Island’s largest and running events.  The course is now USTA Certified.  We are excited to welcome everyone back to this year’s race and look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday, June 13 in New Dorp.  

    Race Pricing:

    • Before May 1: $30
    • May 1 – June 12: $35
    • Race-Day Registration: $40

    The Ollis race is organized by the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, and is scored by Richard Re of ScoreYourRace.com.   After payment of race expenses, all proceeds are used by the Ollis Freedom Foundation to provide assistance and support to combat veterans re-entering civilian life.

    COVID Protocols and Back-Up Date

    In these times of social distancing, we will be enacting several measures to ensure the safety of all participants:

    • We will be staggering the start of the race with a maximum number of participants in each wave.  Each wave will have a maximum of 20-30 participants with the first wave comprising of the elite runners (i.e. those runners with a sub-7 minute pace).  We will be utilizing chip timing for the race so in the event a runner is note in the elite wave but ends up running the fastest time, that person will be crowned our champion.
    • All participants will be asked to wear masks at the beginning of the race and as they are approaching the finish line.  
    • We ask that all participants, volunteers and spectators wear masks in the area around registration and starting line.

    In the event we are unable to run the race on June 13, the backup date will be Sunday, October 17.PLACENew Dorp Lane and South Railroad Avenue
    Staten Island, NY US 10306

  • Operation Ollis: Sending hundreds of holiday packages to U.S. troops

    Reposted from SI Live:

    By Erik Bascome | tbascome@siadvance.com

    STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Not everyone can be home for the holidays.

    But thanks to the collaborative efforts of two Staten Island schools, the SSG Ollis Foundation, and the United States Postal Service (USPS), hundreds of U.S. troops will receive holiday care packages as a reminder of the support back home.

    The SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation partnered with PS 56 in Rossville, Paulo Intermediate School (I.S. 75) in Huguenot, and the USPS for the inaugural Operation Ollis initiative, sending over 200 care packages to active U.S. service members in an ongoing effort to show appreciation and give back to those who serve our country.

    “One of the things we try to live by are Michael’s biggest mottos, ‘deeds not words’ and ‘lead from the front,’” said Gerri Hojnacki, Operation Ollis organizer. “He always gave back, in every aspect of his life, so we’d like to continue that message in his honor by remembering the troops.”

    The SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation was established in 2014 in honor of the late Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, a New Dorp native who died at age 24 while saving a Polish soldier in Afghanistan.

    “It gives Bob and I a very good feeling,” said Linda Ollis, Michael’s mother. “Since we can’t do anything for Michael, we can certainly help his fellow servicemen and women by making their Christmas a little bit happier.”

    Both schools collected extensive donations, creating custom care packages that included common toiletries, like toothbrushes, foot powder and Chapstick, as well as cell phone cards, allowing service members to call their families during the holidays, and flash drives, giving them a place to store their memories. Over 175 cell phone cards were provided, free-of-charge, by Cellphones for Soldiers, a fellow nonprofit organization benefiting military members.

    “The schools both got a list of the things that the troops asked for and the donations just kept pouring in. The amount of generosity from the faculty and the children has been really outstanding. More than we could have ever imagined,” said Hojnacki.

    Students also included handwritten letters in each care package, thanking the troops for their service and wishing them a happy holidays.

    PS 56, the Louis Desario School, has a special connection to the late staff sergeant and was the first school onboard to help get Operation Ollis off the ground.

    In the years prior to his untimely death, Ollis became military pen pals with a member of PS 56, sending back photos and letters from his time in Afghanistan that hang in the school’s lobby to this day.

    “We wanted to do something for veterans because our school’s namesake, Louis Desario, not only was he a lifelong educator, but he was a veteran,” said Philip Carollo, principal of PS 56. “In working with his family we came to know that, to him, the best part of his life was his service to the country and we wanted to honor that.”

    “We reached out to the Ollis Foundation and we were happy to work with them to donate care packages to active service members,” Carollo continued. “We’re extremely proud of the generosity that our school community showed.”

    In future years, the Ollis Foundation would like to expand Operation Ollis to include additional Staten Island schools, potentially encompassing the entire district. If your school is interested in participating in future Operation Ollis events, please contact the Ollis Foundation here.

    Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the SSG Ollis Freedom Foudation!!

  • New SSG Michael H. Ollis Ferry Launched in Panama City, FL.

    Governor Ron DeSantis at Eastern Shipbuilding for Ferry Launch
    SSG Michael H. Ollis Ferry Launched on 15 November 2019

    By Erik Bascome | tbascome@siadvance.com

    STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The newest member of the Staten Island Ferry fleet is one step closer to making the iconic trip across the bay.

    The first of three new ferryboats — the SSG Michael H. Ollis — was launched into the water in Panama City, Fla., Friday for the first time.

    The Ollis boat is named after the late Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, a New Dorp native who died at age 24 while saving a Polish soldier in Afghanistan.

    The new storm-resilient vessels, being built by Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc., will replace the John F. Kennedy, Andrew J. Barberi and the Samuel I. Newhouse boats, and will be more capable of operating in a wide range of weather conditions and locations.

    The ships were modeled after the John F. Kennedy boat, popular for its outdoor promenades and extended foredecks.

    The new ship, expected to be delivered to New York Harbor in August 2020, was previously scheduled to arrive in in fall 2019, with the vessel originally set to be commissioned and put in service in early 2020.

    However, the Florida shipyard, operated by Eastern Shipbuilding, where the newest Staten Island Ferry vessels are under construction, was badly damaged by Hurricane Michael last October, delaying the arrival of the new boats.

    The Department of Transportation (DOT) has yet to provided information as to when the SSG Michael Ollis will be commissioned.

    The second new boat, the Sandy Ground, was originally scheduled to arrive in the New York Harbor in summer 2020, with the third new boat, which remains nameless, initially scheduled to arrive in spring 2021. The DOT has not provided updated timelines for either ship.

    Local Coverage of the Launch from Panama City, FL that was presided over by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis:
    https://www.wjhg.com/content/news/Governor-Ron-DeSantis-participates-in-Eastern-Shipbuillding-Group-boat-launch-565006172.html.

    Governor Ron DeSantis at Eastern Shipbuilding for Ferry Launch
  • PS 56 teams up with Operation Ollis to send supplies to military

    PS 56
    PS 56 Teaming up with SSG Ollis Foundation to send supplies to military down range.

    REPUBLISHED from SI Advance.

    By Annalise Knudson | aknudson@siadvance.com

    STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — As Veteran’s Day approaches, students and staff at PS 56, Rossville, are teaming up with the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation’s Operation Ollis to send supplies to military overseas.

    The school has partnered with the family of Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis — who lost his life at age 24 protecting a Polish soldier from an explosion in 2013 during his third deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan — to thank the military for Veteran’s Day, according to Principal Philip J. Carollo.

    Last year, Ollis posthumously received the Distinguished Service Cross, which highlights courageous behavior and bravery against enemy attack, and is the second highest rank — falling right under the Congressional Medal of Honor.

    Families are dropping off items to PS 56 to be sent to soldiers overseas, and care kits will be assembled by students and staff so that each kit has a few items needed by a soldier — from Michael Ollis’ favorite snack, beef jerky, to phone cards for soldiers to call home. Students are also making cards and notes for soldiers, as well.

    PS 56 is collecting new and unused items through Veteran’s Day, which is Nov. 11.

    Those items include:

    • Phone cards
    • Visa and MasterCard gift cards
    • Personal hygiene items: wet wipes, body wipes, disposable razors, deodorant, floss, toothbrushes, feminine products, etc.
    • Socks
    • Current magazines and books
    • Posters and calendars
    • Movies, music CDs, iPods, small earphones
    • USB devices
    • Beef jerky
    • Candy (non-perishable), hard candy, breath mints, gum
    • New UV protection sunglasses
    • Playing cards

  • Distinguished Service Cross Medal Upgrade Ceremony

    Gen McConville presents the posthumous Distiguished Service Cross to Robert and Linda Ollis

    Michael was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross by the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. James McConville, during a ceremony on Staten Island, New York June 8.

    The ceremony and attendees were welcomed to the VFW Hall 9587 which was renamed for Michael on 2 Dec 2013, just a few months after the attack on FOB Ghazni where Michael gave his life in protecting the US & Polish personnel on the Coalition base.

    The video (compiled by DVIDS) offers a few snapshots of what was a moving ceremony that featured Gerenal McConville who serves as the 36th Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army.

    The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military honor that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army.

    “Every generation has its heroes,” McConville said during his remarks. “Michael Ollis is one of ours.”

    Link to the Dept of Defense Video: 

    https://dod.defense.gov/News/Special-Reports/Videos/?videoid=688858

  • I Have Your Back Book Tour information

    Listed below are dates and locations where Tom Sileo will be signing Michael’s book: “I Have Your Back”

    https://read.macmillan.com/lp/i-have-your-back-tour-9781250286116/

    I HAVE YOUR BACK
    BOOK TOUR
    Saturday, May 25:
    Honor Brewing Company
    Sterling, VA, 5 p.m.

    Monday, June 3:
    The BookMark Shoppe
    Brooklyn, NY, 7 p.m.

    Tuesday, June 4:
    Flagship Brewery
    Staten Island, NY, 7 p.m.

    Wednesday, June 5:
    Doc Hennigans
    Staten Island, NY 7 p.m.

    Sunday, June 9:
    SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation 5K
    Staten Island, NY, 8:30 a.m.

    Sunday, June 9:
    Trackside Bar & Grille
    Staten Island, NY, 12 p.m.

    Sunday, June 9:
    Grant City Tavern
    Staten Island, NY, 3 p.m.

    Wednesday, June 12:
    Ross Brewing Co.
    Port Monmouth, NJ, 6 p.m.

    Friday, June 14:
    Ryan’s Pub & Sports Bar
    Spotswood, NJ, 6 p.m.

    Saturday, June 15:
    One Nation 1776
    Galloway, NJ, 2 p.m.

    Friday, June 21:
    Buckingham’s Choice
    Adamstown, MD, 3 p.m.

    Tuesday, July 9:
    Fort Drum Main Exchange
    Fort Drum, NY, 12 p.m.

    Tuesday, July 9:
    1812 Brewing Company
    Sackets Harbor, NY, 7 p.m.

    I Have Your Back, by Tom Sileo

    The Watertown Daily Times recently sat down with Mr. Sileo to detail his efforts to meet with Michael’s family, friends and fellow Army soldiers to capture his heroism and dedication in this article

    https://www.nny360.com/news/fortdrum/book-details-fort-drum-soldier-mike-ollis-s-ultimate-sacrifice-to-save-a-foreign-comrade/article_e1dc3ab8-7d76-5c9e-bafd-2c0eeefd2a0c.html

  • SSG Ollis Ferry Commissioning

    Video from CBS New York when Michael’s ferry was commissioned in October of 2021. After sea trials and training for the crew, the Inaugural ride finally occurred on February 14th, 2022. NYC Gov Article provides additional details of the launch event.
  • Polish School renames military programs after American Hero: Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis

    03.18.2022

    Story by Pfc. Javen Owens 

    Republished from: 113th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment  

    BYDGOSZCZ, Poland –The Garrison Church of the Military Parish of Our Lady of Peace held a Naming Ceremony and Solemn Holy Mass for the Uniformed Classes and the blessing of the Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis Junior Training Corps Colors, March 18, 2022. This event showcased the kinship between U.S. and Polish Soldiers, honoring the heroism of the late Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis.

    Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis from Staten Island, New York was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light) out of Fort Drum, New York. While deployed in 2013 to Ghazni, Afghanistan, insurgents attacked his compound with vehicle-borne explosive devices, suicide vests, indirect fire and small arms.

    After accounting for his troops, Staff Sgt. Ollis checked for any casualties in a building hit during the attack and then moved toward the enemy fighters who entered the base. He managed to locate a fellow coalition Soldier, Polish Army officer, Lt. (ret.) Karol Cierpica and together they moved toward the enemy without their armor, armed only with their rifles. The two stood together to combat the insurgents who breached their defenses, all while under continuous enemy fire.

    During the fighting, an insurgent with a suicide bomb vest rounded a corner and charged them. Staff Sgt. Ollis, without body armor, put himself between the insurgent and Cierpica, who was wounded in both legs and unable to walk. Staff Sgt. Ollis fired on the insurgent and incapacitated him, but as he approached him, the insurgent’s suicide vest detonated, mortally wounding Staff Sgt. Ollis.

    “He died for a great cause: freedom,” Col. Geoffrey A. Norman, the 1st Infantry Division’s Deputy Commanding Officer for Support said. “He followed in the footsteps of millions of Soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their country and spread freedom and democracy throughout the world. Because of his sacrifice, there are fewer terrorists to threaten our countries. He died a hero, and will live on forever in the hearts of our Allies.”

    The Senior Academic High School at the College of Health Sciences received the permission of Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis’ parents, Bob and Linda Ollis, to name the school’s Uniformed Classes in his honor.

    “It is my firm belief that in naming our Uniformed Classes the ‘Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis Junior Training Corps’ will honor and commemorate his heroic deed among current and future generations.” said Tomasz Krajewski, the Director of Uniformed Classes.

    Mr. Bob Ollis, Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis’s father, expressed how grateful he was for Poland and the Polish community and how they have welcomed him and his family since his sons passing. Lastly, Cierpica spoke about Ollis’ heroism.

    “He showed me the true meaning of service, Michael did,” Cierpica said. “My true hero, is an angel in heaven.”

    Ollis and Cierpica family with the Uniformed Class at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Bydgoszcz, Poland