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 after two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as Guard of the Tomb, that there are only 600 presently worn, and that the Guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin?
The Tomb Guard Identification Badge (TGIB) is awarded after the Sentinel passes a series of tests. The TGIB is permanently awarded after a Sentinel has served nine months as a Sentinel at the Tomb. Over 600 have been awarded since its creation in the late 1950's (on average 10 per year). And while the TGIB can be revoked, the offense must be such that it discredits the Tomb of the Unknowns. Revocation is at the 3rd Infantry Regimental Commander’s discretion and can occur while active duty or even when the Sentinel is a civilian. The TGIB is a full size award, worn on the right pocket of the uniform jacket, not a lapel pin.
