Staten Island VFW: Honoring Legacy of Staff Sergeant Ollis With NYS & NYC Depts Of Veterans Services

 New York State Department of Veterans’ Services and New York City Department of Veterans’ Services, Family, Veterans, and Elected Officials Honor the Legacy of Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis on Staten Island

Editor’s note: We have covered the request by BP Fossella and others to present the Medal of Honor award to SSG Ollis.  After approving it, the president held a ceremony when the Medal of Honor was awarded.   See below for a slideshow featuring photos taken at the event by our photographer Sean Fitzpatrick: 

STATEN ISLAND, NY — The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services, Gold Star Families, Veterans, elected officials, and community leaders today honored the enduring legacy of Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis. Held at the SSG Michael Ollis VFW Post #9587 on Staten Island, today’s heartfelt ceremony recognized the extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and selflessness of a Soldier whose actions in Afghanistan embodied the highest ideals of military service.

A native of Staten Island, Staff Sergeant Ollis gave his life in Afghanistan on August 28, 2013, while shielding a fellow Soldier from a suicide bomber during an attack on Forward Operating Base Ghazni. For his extraordinary heroism and selfless sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.  More details on the selfless courage of United States Army Staff Sergeant Ollis are available at the United States Army website: https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/ollis/.

“Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis embodied the very best of our nation and of New York State,” said New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana M. DeCohen. “His courage, his love for his fellow Soldiers, and his willingness to sacrifice everything for others continue to inspire generations. We gather not only to remember his extraordinary service, but to ensure that his legacy of honor, selflessness, and love of country is never forgotten.”

“Michael Ollis understood something profound about service – that true leadership means placing the lives and well-being of others before your own,” said New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Executive Deputy Commissioner Joel Evans. “His actions on that battlefield reflected immense moral courage and unwavering commitment to his brothers-in-arms. This ceremony is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the tremendous cost of freedom and the enduring strength of those who answer the call to serve.”

“Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and it is important that we continue to honor his legacy. As Chair of the New York State Senate Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs Committee, it has been a priority for me to ensure that Staff Sergeant Ollis is remembered both statewide and in his hometown. A son of Staten Island, Staff Sergeant Ollis is a hero for our borough, our state, and our nation. His sacrifice will be remembered by those who knew him, by those who served alongside him, and by the next generation as they learn about what it means to be a hero,” said New York State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Chair of the New York State Senate Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs Committee.

“Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis’ courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy, alongside the strength of his entire family, continue to resonate deeply throughout New York City and across our nation,” said Commissioner Yesenia Mata. “Bob and Linda’s tireless advocacy has become a powerful example of what meaningful support for Gold Star Families should look like. We are honored to stand alongside the Ollis family, fellow veterans, and the Staten Island community as we pay tribute to his extraordinary legacy.”

“As a proud United States Marine Corps combat Veteran who served in Afghanistan, I understand firsthand the dangers, sacrifices, and unbreakable bonds forged in war,” said New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Deputy Commissioner William Smith. “Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis embodied the very best of those values. In the face of mortal danger, he placed the life of a fellow Service Member above his own – an act of extraordinary courage and selflessness that reflects the deepest traditions of military service. Having served in Afghanistan myself and faced the realities of combat, this tribute is profoundly personal. His heroism, sacrifice, and devotion to his brothers-in-arms will never be forgotten.”

DVS Deputy Commissioner William Smith Jr., a U.S. Marine Corps Combat Veteran (featured above speaking at the podium), delivered welcome remarks and presented Governor Kathy Hochul’s Proclamation to the Ollis Family. Also participating  were NYC Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Yesenia Mata, who presented a Mayoral Proclamation declaring May 16 “Michael Ollis Day,” Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, New York City Council Member Frank Morano, Assembly Members Michael Tannousis, Michael Reilly, and Sam Pirozzolo, Minority Leader David Carr, and many others committed to preserving the memory Staff Sergeant Ollis. Additional photos from today’s ceremony are below. Photo credit: New York State Department of Veterans’ Services.