Popular Colorado Military Blogger Killed in Iraq

From Milblogging.com:  This is very tragic news I have to report to you.  Milblogger Andrew Olmsted, was killed in Iraq.  Our hearts and prayers are with his family, friends, and everyone that got to know him, as they face this enormous loss and tragedy in their lives.

Excerpt:  This is an entry I would have preferred not to have published, but there are limits to what we can control in life, and apparently I have passed one of those limits. And so, like G'Kar, I must say here what I would much prefer to say in person. I want to thank hilzoy for putting it up for me. It's not easy asking anyone to do something for you in the event of your death, and it is a testament to her quality that she didn't hesitate to accept the charge. As with many bloggers, I have a disgustingly large ego, and so I just couldn't bear the thought of not being able to have the last word if the need arose.  CONTINUED at http://andrewolmsted.com/

Maj Andrew Olmsted was a Colorado Springs resident and regular contributor to the Rocky Mountain News.  The Maj died from small arms fire--the first US casualty of 2008.

I've never before considered having a "final post" ready to go in case of my untimely demise; and frankly, reading Andrew's thought-provoking and prophetic remarks sent chills up my spine.

Thankfully his legacy lives on!  Maj Olmstead's family contacted Obsidian Wings with the following information:

A member of Andy Olmsted's family has just written me to say that if people want to do something in honor of him, they can send donations to a fund that has been set up for the four children of CPT Thomas Casey, who served under Andy and was killed while trying to help him. The address is here:

Capt. Thomas Casey Children’s fund
P.O. Box 1306
Chester, CA 96020

Thanks so much.

Rest in peace, sir.