Mike Olmstead
In Tribute to HSCM W. Michael Olmstead, Deceased, USCG-Retired
From those of us who knew him.
This tribute replaces previous submitted editions.
This is written in tribute to “Mike” from those of us who had the pleasure of knowing him and serving with him at various times during the his years in the Coast Guard. Mike spent countless hours throughout his career as a hospital corpsman (later health services technician), instructor, mentor, leader, clinic administrator, Assistant Chief, Health Services Technician School, and friend.
Mike’s legacy began in 1963 when he entered the U. S. Navy and attended Naval Training Center, San Diego, CA. In 1964, he attended Naval Hospital Corpsman School and graduated. Shortly thereafter, he volunteered for duty with the U. S. Marine Corps and underwent training at the Fleet Marine Force School at Camp Pendleton, CA. Upon graduation he volunteered for Marine Reconnaissance Training where he earned his Parachute Wings, Navy Class I Diver, Explosive Ordinance Qualification, and Small Weapons Expert designation. This training was soon tested and put to use as Mike was one of the first Americans to land on the beach in Viet Nam. During his tour in Viet Nam with the Marine Reconnaissance Unit , he was awarded the Silver Star with “V” device. Upon returning from Viet Nam, he was assigned to the Naval Weapons Laboratory in Dahlgren, VA. Mike left the Navy and did a short stint as a civilian before enlisting in the U. S. Coast Guard in 1973. His introduction to the Coast Guard was at the Coast Guard Academy Hospital, departing to attend Independent Duty Corpsman School, Balboa Naval Hospital, San Diego, CA. He would later serve on the CGC Makinaw, return to the Coast Guard Academy as an instructor to HS “A” School, and later as the Assistant School Chief, Health Services Technician “A” School, Petulauma, CA.
MCPO Olmstead prided himself in providing the right person, the right tools, at the right time for the task that needed to be performed. He provided a positive learning environment for new accessions to the Health Services rating and the necessary mentoring, and leadership to serve as an example throughout the HS’s career. Mike provided the example of a positive-role-model to many of us and for those of us who knew him well a small piece of him will live-on within us forever.
Mike died 26 May 1999 at age 54, in Colorado Springs, he retired from the Coast Guard after 27 years of service and was a service worker at Disabled American veterans. He is survived by his wife Charlotte A. Olmstead, son Joshua D., and daughter Bridget C.; his mother Georgia Olmstead; three brothers: Dale, Dennis, and Thomas; three sisters: Linda Swafford, Kathy Christensen, and Mary Chairs; and two granddaughters.
06/09/99 Submitted by: Roberto Ruiz (RRUIZ@COMDT.USCG.MIL)
Copyright 2012 Military Advantage, Inc.
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