• 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

  • 3rd Annual SSG Michael Ollis 5K Run & 2-Mile Walk set for June 9th

    SSG Ollis 5k race set for June 9th

    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

    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

    Reposted with permission from the Staten Island Advance:

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

    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.”

    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

    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.

  • Registration Now Open for the 2nd Annual SSG Michael Ollis Memorial 5k Run & Festival

    SECOND ANNUAL SSG MICHAEL OLLIS MEMORIAL 5K RUN & FESTIVAL

    Yes, you can still run the race!!!! SIGN UP NOW:  https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/StatenIsland/Ollis 

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    2018 SSG Ollis 5k Flyer

    Contact:

    • Robert Ollis, President of the Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation

    P: (718) 667-3204 | E-Mail: fortdrum1988@gmail.com

    • Nick Iacono, Board Member and Race Director

    P: (718) 887-6522 | E-Mail: Iacono.Nicholas@gmail.com

    (February 27, 2018 – 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 the SECOND ANNUAL SSG MICHAEL OLLIS MEMORIAL 5K RUN/WALK & STREET FESTIVAL will take place on Sunday, June 10th, 2018, 8:30AM – 12PM in New Dorp! Members of the media are invited to cover this Second Annual Race and are asked to please help spread the word.

    REGISTRATION DETAILS:

    • Registration for the 5K Race or 2-Mile Walk is $30 for all participants who sign up before May 1, after which the fee will increase to $35; same-day registration on June 10 will be $40.  All participants who register prior to May 10 will receive a shirt. 
    •  All additional questions and inquiries about sponsorship tiers/opportunities should be directed to OllisRace@gmail.com. Special discounts for gym/athletic groups and high school track teams will be available. Please inquire atOllisRace@gmail.com.

    HOPING FOR SUCCESSFUL 2nd ANNUAL AFTER OUTSTANDING INAUGURAL 2017 RUN:

    Last year’s inaugural race shattered all expectations, garnering roughly 1,000 participants, numerous community and corporate sponsors, and over $50,000 raised for veterans in its first year. The foundation hopes to have the support of the Staten Island community once again for the second annual race, including participants and sponsors. The success of the second annual event will ensure that the SSG Michael Ollis Memorial 5K Run/Walk becomes a mainstay in the community and one of Staten Island’s most anticipated athletic/charitable events of the year.

    “The Foundation and our entire family were so humbled to see the outpouring of support for Michael and our veterans at the inaugural race last year,” said Robert and Linda Ollis, Michael’s parents and the founders of the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation. “We were blessed with an amazing turnout and incredible partnership from the New Dorp merchants, the Siller Foundation, elected officials, sponsors, the FDNY, NYPD, and multiple branches of the U.S. Military in attendance, not to mention hundreds of runners and participants. With the community’s support again this year, we’re excited to put on an even bigger and better race for Mike!”

    MISSION OF THE SSG OLLIS FREEDOM FOUNDATION & ANNUAL 5K:

    The mission of the Annual SSG Michael Ollis Memorial 5K Run, whose motto is “Live Like Mike, Run for Mike” is 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 programs for veterans.

     

    U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis

    In 2013, SSG Michael Ollis, a New Dorp native, 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.

    TENTATIVE EVENT DETAILS:

    The race route and run-of-show will be virtually the same as last year. The event program will begin at 8:30 AM on Sunday, June 10th, 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, children’s activities including a special Kid’s Race, and various vendors/merchants to follow (10AM – 12PM). The routefor the 5K will entail a loop around the Staten Island Railway (SIR) between Ross Avenue and Jefferson Avenue, with an abridged 2-mile route for walkers. After the race, an awards ceremony and street festival will take place on New Dorp Lane between New Dorp Plaza and 10th Street.

     The race/event, hosted by the SSG Ollis Freedom Foundation, is a partnership among multiple organizations, agencies, and volunteers. Nick Iacono will return as the Race Director for the Second Annual Run and will be joined by Race Co-Chairs Andrew Guido, Daniel Clark, and Michael Ollis’ sisters Kimberly Ollis-Loschiavo and Kelly Ollis-Manzolillo. Returning members of the planning committee include Camille Hoover, Frank Lewis, and Frank Santoro, as well as Angie Chwatko of the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union. Rich Re of ScoreYourRace.com will also return as the official race time-keeper this year. Special thanks to Lieutenant Rafet Awad and Detective Kevin Medefint of the 122 Precinct for their assistance and support.

     *Further information regarding sponsors/partnering organizations and the full run-of-show will be forthcoming. All details may be subject to change*

     Tentative Event Schedule:

    8:30 AM

    Opening Ceremony Begins- National Anthem & Remarks at Corner of New Dorp Lane & New Dorp Plaza S

    (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)

     ***

    Website: www.ssgollis.org

    Facebook: SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation

    Event Details/Registration:

    runsignup.com/Race/NY/StatenIsland/Ollis

    Questions? E-mail: OllisRace@gmail.com

     

  • President of Poland Andrej Duda Cites SSG Michael Ollis in Letter to President Trump Commemorating Independence Day

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact: Nick Iacono, SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation
    P: (718) 887-6522 | E-Mail: Iacono.Nicholas@gmail.com

    President of Poland Andrej Duda Cites SSG Michael Ollis in Letter to President Trump Commemorating America’s Independence Day

    STATEN ISLAND, NY – (Thursday, June 6, 2017) Today, the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation issued the following statement of gratitude in response to President Andrej Duda of Poland’s mention of SSG Michael Ollis in his July 4 official correspondence to President Donald J. Trump:

    “We are proud and honored to have Michael’s name and heroic sacrifice invoked by President Duda of Poland as a testament to the strong bonds of fellowship between the United States and Poland,” said Robert and Linda Ollis, co-founders of the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation and the parents of fallen Army SSG Michael Ollis. “Michael selflessly gave his life to shield his fellow soldier, Carol Cierpica of Poland, because that’s who he was, and we are so grateful to the Polish government and people for continuing to honor Michael’s memory and help us tell his amazing story.”

    SSG Michael Ollis heroically sacrificed his life to shield Polish Lt. Karol Cierpica from a suicide attack when their forward operating base (FOB) in Afghanistan was ambushed in a suicide attack in 2013. Since then, Karol, the Polish government, the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union, and countless members of the Polish-American community (especially here on Staten Island) have worked hard to commemorate the memory and heroic sacrifice of SSG Ollis. In fact, the Polish Government posthumously awarded SSG Ollis the Army Gold Medal, Poland’s highest honor for a foreign soldier, and when the Lt. Cierpica’s baby boy was born in 2015, they named him Michael in honor of SSG Ollis.

    In addition, this past June, the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation held its First Annual SSG Michael Ollis Memorial 5K Run/Walk in New Dorp on Staten Island, which was attended by Maciej Golubiewski, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in New York, Colonel Jacek Stochel from Poland’s Embassy in Washington, DC.

    See below for the full text of President Duda’s letter with his comments regarding SSG Ollis highlighted. President Duda’s letter was sent on the occasion of American Independence Day and President Donald Trump’s historic state visit to Poland this week.

    Letter by the President Andrzej Duda to the President of the USA on the occasion of the Independence Day

    Tuesday, 4 July 2017

    “On the occasion of the National Day of the United State of America: the Independence Day, I wish to offer into your hands, Sir, our congratulations and best wishes from the Polish Nation and me personally.

    The Republic of Poland and the United States of America are bound by traditional bonds of friendship, by the strategic partnership founded on our shared values, and by respect of our mutual interests. The Polish Americans, the Polonia, are also an important reference in our relations. I am greatly pleased that in the course of your presidential campaign, Sir, you have found the time to meet this community which is very close to my heart.

    The additional, undoubted, strengthening element in our close relationship is the fraternity of arms among our soldiers, forged in Iraq, Afghanistan and other hotspots of the modern world. Especially, the action of a 24-year-old Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis, who during the Taliban attack on the base in Ghazni in August 2013, Afghanistan, gave his life shielding with his own body a Polish Lieutenant Karol, Cierpica, was firmly imprinted in the collective memory of the Polish people. For saving the life of a Polish officer, he was posthumously decorated by the Polish authorities with the Star of Afghanistan, and the Gold Medal of the Polish Army.

    I have a particular appreciation for the American contribution to the security guarantees to the European Allies located along NATO’s Eastern flank, which is exemplified by the deployment of the American troops in the region, including Poland. It is with satisfaction that I have been following the implementation of decision made at last year’s NATO Summit in Warsaw, as well as their reaffirmation at the recent meeting of Heads of States and Governments from NATO states in Brussels.

    To me, as President of the Republic of Poland and to my Compatriots, but also to the states of Central Europe, affiliated with the Three Seas Initiative, your decision, Sir, to accept our invitation to visit Poland and to take part in in the Summit meeting of the Initiative on July 6, is of paramount importance. I count on fruitful bilateral and multilateral talks which will further testify to our commitment in building transatlantic bonds. I am deeply convinced that the meeting of leaders of states from this part of Europe, focused on tightening economic investment, business and infrastructural cooperation, will go down as a success, also thanks to your attendance thereof, Sir.

    Mr. President, please, accept once again, my very best wishes for all success in carrying out of your noble and responsible mission of holding the office of the President of the United States. Let me also extend my good wishes of prosperity and success to Your, Sir, Your Family, Colleagues, and to All the People of the United States.”

    President of the Republic of Poland
    Andrzej Duda

  • Inaugural SSMOFF 5k Results Posted

    Result have been posted! On behalf of Robert and Linda Ollis, Thank You to everyone for your support and participation!
    http://scoreyourrace.com/results/results_2017/Ollis_5K_2017.htm

    Hope to see everyone again next year!

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

    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