News | SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation

Register Today for the 2024 SSG Ollis Memorial 5k!

May 12, 2024 Author: Kelly Manzolillo
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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

December 22, 2023 Author: Dave
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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

December 21, 2023 Author: Dave
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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.

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

December 21, 2023 Author: Dave
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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
PS 56 teams up with Operation Ollis to send supplies to military

November 2, 2019 Author: Dave
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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

June 13, 2019 Author: Dave
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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
3rd Annual SSG Michael Ollis 5K Run & 2-Mile Walk set for June 9th

April 21, 2019 Author: Dave
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Hello Runners, Walkers and Volunteers,

We wanted to remind everyone that registration is open for the 3rd Annual SSG Michael Ollis 5K Run & 2-Mile Walk which will take place on Sunday June 9 at 8:30am in New Dorp. As a reminder to those who have yet to register, the registration fee will be increasing to $35 on May 1 so we encourage you to sign up now.

https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/StatenIsland/Ollis
We encourage you to please share race this registration link with friends and relatives who may also be interested.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a sponsor for the race, please see the flyer below and reach out to the Race Committee by email.

SSG Ollis 5k Race Brochure

Looking forward to a wonderful event! Thank you for your support.

-SSG Michael Ollis Race Planning Committee
America’s VetDogs Visit

February 10, 2019 Author: Dave
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The SSGMOFF has had the honor of sponsoring a dog run at the kennel at The America’s VetDog facility in Smithtown, NY. A plaque was unveiled yesterday commemorating this donation. Thank you to all our donors for making this possible thereby helping us help our disabled veterans!
We also got to meet Ranger again (the Foundation’s second service dog) and see his progress with training.
5K Results and Recap

June 13, 2018 Author: Dave
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Reposted with permission from the Staten Island Advance:

https://www.silive.com/sports/index.ssf/2018/06/lewis_kraker_win_2nd_annual_ss.html

By Jason Paderon

The spirit of patriotism was in the air as New Dorp’s typically busy streets were filled early Sunday with nearly 1,000 runners, walkers and supporters for the Second Annual SSG Michael Ollis 5k Run/walk.

The NYPD, FDNY, U.S. Armed forces and local politicians were also on hand as they honored Ollis, the New Dorp-raised Army veteran whose life was cut short five years ago at the age of 24 while shielding a wounded Polish soldier from a suicide bomber in Afghanistan.

Assemblyman Ron Castorina, who was among the dignitaries, perhaps said it best as he cited John 15:13 which reads, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” The passage, he said, embodied Ollis’ selflessness and sacrifice.

CLICK HERE FOR RACE RESULTS

As for the race, former Monsignor Farrell and Villanova University star Dan Lewis emerged victorious in the men’s portion for the second straight year, clocking in at 16 minutes, 56.1 seconds. Lewis, a childhood friend of Ollis who now hails from Flourtown, Pa., said he loved the atmosphere.

“There’s tons of energy in the crowd, it definitely pushed me,” described Lewis. “I used to run these streets when I was in high school so to see it transformed into a great event to honor a hero is a really cool thing.”

10th Mtn Soldiers participating in the 2nd Annual SSG Michael Ollis Foundation 5k.

The women’s race winner, Melissa Kraker, also shared a connection to the Ollis family.

Working for the NYC Parks Department at the Ocean Breeze Track complex, Kraker came in contact with Michael’s parents, Linda and Bob, who were members.

“They are the most kind, generous and sincere people,” said Kraker. “Michael’s spirit really lives through them and this is a great tribute. I felt the love through this community and it carried me through the race today.”

Sixteen-year-old Farrell sophomore Paul Sicolnolfi took second overall in 17:24.0. Forty-year-old road-racing mainstay Jose Davilafinished third in 17:44.1.

New mother Isabelle Cammayo took second in the women’s competition in 20:23.1 while Juliette Goulet rounded out the top three in 20:29.4.

MEN’S TOP 5

1. Dan Lewis 16:56.1

2. Paul Siconolfi 17:24.0

3. Jose Davila 17:44.1

4. Vincent Agostino 17:53.2

5. Artur Tyszuk 18:01.3

WOMEN’S TOP 5

1. Melissa Kraker 19:21.5

2. Isabelle Cammayo 20:23.1

3. Juliette Goulet 20:29.4

4. Patricia Mulligan 21:29.0

5. Mara Cohen 23:03.9
2nd Annual 5k weekend has arrived

June 4, 2018 Author: Dave
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RACE WEEK HAS ARRIVED!

2018 SSG Ollis Run Flyer

The 2nd Annual SSG Michael Ollis 5K Run & 2-Mile Walk is THIS SUNDAY, June 10. Purchase your tickets online at https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/StatenIsland/Ollis to avoid the race-day price increase and long lines to register/collect your bibs.

IMPORTANT INFO:

Runners/walkers will have an opportunity to pick up their race bibs from the SSG Michael Ollis VFW Post #9587 at 575 Mill Road Staten Island, NY 10306 during the following dates/times:

· Thursday, June 7, 5pm – 9pm
· Friday, June 8, 5pm – 9pm

Online registration will remain open until 11:59 PM on Saturday, June 9. However, those who register after the Friday June 8 bib pickup or fail to collect their bibs by Friday must pick up their bibs on race day at the registration table at the corner of New Dorp Lane and New Dorp Plaza between 7:00 AM and 8:15 AM. Same-day registration will also be available at that time, but we cannot guarantee entry on race morning due to heavy demand and long lines.

Therefore, you are STRONGLY encouraged to register online and acquire your bib prior to race day at the SSG Ollis VFW Post on Thursday June 7 or Friday June 8.

Runners/Walkers can pick up bibs for other participants, as long as they provide that person’s order confirmation number and an e-mail message from that person giving permission.