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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 1LT Gabe Marriott on March 1, 2001:

I've spent the past two weeks trying to conjure words eloquent enough to do MAJ Olson justice, but my thoughts always fall short of describing what a tremendous officer and leader he was. I was fortunate enough to have MAJ O as my battalion TAC while I served hard time on staff. While I cannot claim to have known him as long or as personally as many others, I can say without a doubt that his mentorship will always have an impact on the way I want to lead. He taught his cadets that an officer can maintain a balance between being approachable and easy going yet maintaining the highest standards for himself and those around him. A seemingly easy task yet so difficult for many others without his sense of humor and professionalism. Whether it was a story about his adventures at the circus or offering advice on how to lead a platoon, MAJ Olson always had words to offer that could make everyone laugh or learn how to be a better person.

I envy those of you who knew MAJ Olson better than I did and who were fortunate enough to serve with him. While my time with him at West Point was limited, the lessons that he taught me will endure.

Thanks for everything, MAJ Olson.

Gabe Marriott

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