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View a eulogy for Robert Leslie Olson, USMA '87, who passed away on February 12, 2001.

Robert Leslie Olson

West Point, 1987

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by MAJ Eric Kail on February 28, 2001:

Rob Olson was a brother to me; more than just a friend. Friends do extraordinary things for each other, but Rob, Holly, Britanny, and TJ, you are family to us. For you we go the whole distance, through thick and thin and get nothing less in return. Chances are good that if you've been stationed with the Olson's and have children, Holly Olson has delivered your babies.
Holly, your beautiful face was the first thing my daughter ever saw, her life began with love and integrity at her very first touch from you and I'm awfully proud of that. Rob epitomized what the Army leadership means when they speak of mentorship. He taught me that good leaders could get others to do things they didn't think they could or didn't know needed to be done. He helped me be a better husband.
Britanny and TJ, I learned as much about leadership from talking to your Dad on the way to the Gym every day as I did from classes or reading, the thing we talked about the most was Jake, Emma and the two of you. What I loved most about your Dad is that he met people where they were, but he loved them far too much to let them stay there. I'm a better father because of your Dad.
Rob and I share a common definition of success. It lies not in your medals, badges, tabs or rank-you got those at the efforts of others. It's not in your efficiency reports...they are overinflated and only a piece of paper. And it's not in what your boss tells you...he'll probably just say you what you want to hear. Instead, find the measure of your success like Rob, in these three things-in the eyes of your soldiers; in the embrace of your wife; and in the hearts of your children.

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