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?
Do you guard in a blizzard or a bad thunderstorm?
YES, but the accomplishment of the mission and welfare of the Soldier are never put at risk. The Tomb Guards have contingencies that are ready to be executed if the weather conditions ever place the Soldiers at risk of injury or death (i.e. lightning, high winds, etc). This ensures that Sentinels can continue the mission while ensuring safety. It is the responsibility of the Chain of Command from the Sergeant of the Guard to the Regimental Commander to ensure mission accomplishment and soldier welfare at all times.
It was erroneously reported that during Hurricane Isabel, the Sentinels were ordered to abandon their posts for shelter and that they refused. No such order was ever given. All proper precautions were taken to ensure the safety of the Sentinels while accomplishing their mission. Risk assessments are constantly conducted by the Chain of Command during changing conditions to ensure that soldier welfare is maintained during mission accomplishment.
