An Army Blogger Falls In Iraq

Blogger Andrew Olmsted, who volunteered to return to active duty in Iraq, died recently. His posts from the war zone were insightful. He was a major in the U.S. Army, and was teaching Iraqi security forces how to defend their country and provide security for their own people.

Based at Ft. Carson in Colorado Springs, Colo., he was killed in action doing a job he felt important, regardless of his personal political beliefs. Maj. Olmsted was cut down by a sniper as he was trying to talk three suspected insurgents into surrendering. Here is his last post, updated in July. Why "updated" you ask? It is a moving, emotional post that was to be shared only in the event of his death.

When he wasn't working, he also contributed reports about life in Iraq for the Rocky Mountain News. They are interesting reading.

Rest in Peace Major Olmsted. And thank you for your service.