Soldier Honored: Todd D. Olson

2017-Todd D. Olson
Dates: 1968-December 27, 2004
Hometown: Loyal, Wisconsin
Branch of Service: Army
Rank: Staff Sergeant

Staff Sergeant (SSG) Todd Olson, 36, worked as Vice President and Agricultural Loan Officer at M&I Bank in Loyal, Wisconsin, and volunteered to serve as a temporary manager of the Neillsville branch. He also served on the Loyal School Board, was active in the local Lions chapter, and coached youth football. SSG Olson was loved by everyone and was a mentor to many young men. He was a pillar in his community and well respected. His last assignment was to the 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry Regiment, Wisconsin Army National Guard, Neillsville, Wisconsin. He died December 27, 2004 in the 67th Combat Support Hospital in Tikrit, Iraq of wounds sustained the day prior when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Samarra, Iraq.

A devoted father of four, SSG Olson loved to hunt and watch the Green Bay Packers. He attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and studied finance. He was a leader who would volunteer to take on extra responsibilities. A letter from one of his sons was read during the funeral which said: “Dad was always my role model. If I have half the qualities of him, I’ll be a good man.”

SSG Olson is survived by his wife and four children. His wife and youngest child have both been Folds of Honor scholarship recipients


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