0427
Paul Olson
Tomb Position
Assistant Relief Commander, SentinelTomb Relief
1stHighest Military Rank
CW3Society Membership
Lifetime MemberHome City / State
Cary, ILCurrent City / State
Ft. Rucker, ALTomb Reflections
My entire time at the Tomb. Just an amazing experience shared with great people. My only regret is I wish I had spent time in a line unit before being a Sentinel. My time in the 82nd only added to my appreciation for the experience of being there. Had I had that tenure first, my gratitude and thanks for the opportunity to be there would only have been greater. It was like being given a Bentley for your first car. You really can't appreciate it until you've owned a beater.Units & Campaigns
Honor Guard Company, 3rd US INF (TOG), Ft. Myer, VAB CO. 1-325 (AIR) 82nd Airborne DIvision, Ft. Bragg, NC
B CO. 7-101 159 CAB 101st Airborne Division, Ft. Campbell, KY
HHC 1 SBCT 4th Infantry Division, Ft. Carson, CO
B Co 1-13 AV, USAACE, ASDAT
Awards & Decorations
Army Service Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Service Medal (3), National Defense (2), Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Achievement Medal (2), Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Afghanistan Service Medal, Global War on Terror Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Nato Medal, MSM, BSM (Meritorious)Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Award (2), Meritorious Unit Award (2)
EIB, CIB, CAB, Airborne, Air Assault, TGIDB, Aviator Wings
Support the Society
The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS) is able to provide our programs, events, assistance, scholarships, and services due to the generosity of its members, organizations, and individuals. SHGTUS does not receive institutional funding. Note: The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your contributions may be fully tax deductible.
Learn More
Did you know?
Is it true a Sentinel must commit for two years to guard the Tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives.
No, this is a false rumor. The average tour at the Tomb is about a 18 months. However, there is NO set time for service there. Sentinels live either in a barracks on Ft. Myer (the Army post located adjacent to the cemetery) or off base if they like. They do have a living quarters under the steps of the amphitheater where they stay during their 24 hour shifts. If they are of legal age, they may drink except while on duty.
