• SSG Ollis Foundation & Kiwanis Club lay Wreaths Across America at St. Mary’s Cemetery

    December 22, 2023 Author: Dave
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    16 December, 2023: The SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation, in a poignant collaboration with The Verrazano Chapter of the Kiwanis Club and Wreaths Across America, recently orchestrated a heartfelt tribute to honor our nation’s veterans at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Staten Island, NY. Notably, Bob and Linda Ollis, parents of Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis, along with Michael’s sisters Kim and Kelly and their families, were present at this touching event.

    On December 16, 2023, a gathering of dedicated members and volunteers from the SSG Ollis Foundation, The Verrazano Kiwanis Club, and Wreaths Across America convened at Saint Mary’s Cemetery. The event, graced by the presence of the Ollis family, was a touching display of reverence and gratitude toward the brave men and women who have served our country.

    Against the backdrop of the cemetery’s solemn landscape, wreaths were tenderly laid at the gravesites of these heroes. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of unity and respect, symbolizing the deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women.

    This collaboration between the SSG Ollis Foundation, The Verrazano Kiwanis Club, and Wreaths Across America exemplifies the power of joint efforts in honoring the memory and significance of our veterans. Together, these organizations stand as pillars of remembrance, ensuring that the legacy of our veterans lives on in the hearts of grateful communities, a sentiment echoed by the Ollis family.

    The December 16th event at Saint Mary’s Cemetery was a poignant reminder that the dedication and valor of our veterans endure, upheld by those who value their service. The presence of Bob and Linda Ollis, along with Michael’s sisters Kim and Kelly and their families, underscored the unity, gratitude, and unwavering respect that the community holds for these courageous individuals.

    Through initiatives like these, the SSG Ollis Foundation continues to illuminate the path of remembrance, ensuring that the sacrifices of veterans are immortalized. Their dedication to honoring heroes like Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis reflects a profound sense of patriotism and admiration for those who have selflessly served our nation.

    As the wreaths graced the final resting places of these gallant souls, they served as visual testaments to the enduring gratitude and respect of a nation indebted to their bravery.

    For more information on the impactful work of the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation, visit their website at ssgollis.org.

    In commemorating our veterans, let us steadfastly honor their valor and legacy, preserving their memory with the utmost reverence.

  • SSG Ollis Ferry Commissioning

    March 22, 2023 Author: Dave
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    Video from CBS New York when Michael’s ferry was commissioned in October of 2021. After sea trials and training for the crew, the Inaugural ride finally occurred on February 14th, 2022. NYC Gov Article provides additional details of the launch event.

  • Sign Up Now for the 5th Annual SSG Ollis 5k!

    May 7, 2021 Author: Dave
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    Please sign up today for the Race around Michael’s hometown in New Dorp, Staten Island on June 13th: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/StatenIsland/Ollis

    Description:

    Welcome to the 5th Annual SSG Michael Ollis 5K Run & 2-Mile Walk. Since the inaugural event, the Ollis run has grown into one of Staten Island’s largest and running events.  The course is now USTA Certified.  We are excited to welcome everyone back to this year’s race and look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday, June 13 in New Dorp.  

    Race Pricing:

    • Before May 1: $30
    • May 1 – June 12: $35
    • Race-Day Registration: $40

    The Ollis race is organized by the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, and is scored by Richard Re of ScoreYourRace.com.   After payment of race expenses, all proceeds are used by the Ollis Freedom Foundation to provide assistance and support to combat veterans re-entering civilian life.

    COVID Protocols and Back-Up Date

    In these times of social distancing, we will be enacting several measures to ensure the safety of all participants:

    • We will be staggering the start of the race with a maximum number of participants in each wave.  Each wave will have a maximum of 20-30 participants with the first wave comprising of the elite runners (i.e. those runners with a sub-7 minute pace).  We will be utilizing chip timing for the race so in the event a runner is note in the elite wave but ends up running the fastest time, that person will be crowned our champion.
    • All participants will be asked to wear masks at the beginning of the race and as they are approaching the finish line.  
    • We ask that all participants, volunteers and spectators wear masks in the area around registration and starting line.

    In the event we are unable to run the race on June 13, the backup date will be Sunday, October 17.PLACENew Dorp Lane and South Railroad Avenue
    Staten Island, NY US 10306

  • New SSG Michael H. Ollis Ferry Launched in Panama City, FL.

    November 17, 2019 Author: Dave
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    Governor Ron DeSantis at Eastern Shipbuilding for Ferry Launch
    SSG Michael H. Ollis Ferry Launched on 15 November 2019

    By Erik Bascome | tbascome@siadvance.com

    STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The newest member of the Staten Island Ferry fleet is one step closer to making the iconic trip across the bay.

    The first of three new ferryboats — the SSG Michael H. Ollis — was launched into the water in Panama City, Fla., Friday for the first time.

    The Ollis boat is named after the late Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, a New Dorp native who died at age 24 while saving a Polish soldier in Afghanistan.

    The new storm-resilient vessels, being built by Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc., will replace the John F. Kennedy, Andrew J. Barberi and the Samuel I. Newhouse boats, and will be more capable of operating in a wide range of weather conditions and locations.

    The ships were modeled after the John F. Kennedy boat, popular for its outdoor promenades and extended foredecks.

    The new ship, expected to be delivered to New York Harbor in August 2020, was previously scheduled to arrive in in fall 2019, with the vessel originally set to be commissioned and put in service in early 2020.

    However, the Florida shipyard, operated by Eastern Shipbuilding, where the newest Staten Island Ferry vessels are under construction, was badly damaged by Hurricane Michael last October, delaying the arrival of the new boats.

    The Department of Transportation (DOT) has yet to provided information as to when the SSG Michael Ollis will be commissioned.

    The second new boat, the Sandy Ground, was originally scheduled to arrive in the New York Harbor in summer 2020, with the third new boat, which remains nameless, initially scheduled to arrive in spring 2021. The DOT has not provided updated timelines for either ship.

    Local Coverage of the Launch from Panama City, FL that was presided over by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis:
    https://www.wjhg.com/content/news/Governor-Ron-DeSantis-participates-in-Eastern-Shipbuillding-Group-boat-launch-565006172.html.

    Governor Ron DeSantis Joins Eastern Shipbuilding Group for the Launch of the SSG Michael H. Ollis
    Governor Ron DeSantis at Eastern Shipbuilding for Ferry Launch

  • PS 56 teams up with Operation Ollis to send supplies to military

    November 2, 2019 Author: Dave
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    PS 56
    PS 56 Teaming up with SSG Ollis Foundation to send supplies to military down range.

    REPUBLISHED from SI Advance.

    By Annalise Knudson | aknudson@siadvance.com

    STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — As Veteran’s Day approaches, students and staff at PS 56, Rossville, are teaming up with the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation’s Operation Ollis to send supplies to military overseas.

    The school has partnered with the family of Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis — who lost his life at age 24 protecting a Polish soldier from an explosion in 2013 during his third deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan — to thank the military for Veteran’s Day, according to Principal Philip J. Carollo.

    Last year, Ollis posthumously received the Distinguished Service Cross, which highlights courageous behavior and bravery against enemy attack, and is the second highest rank — falling right under the Congressional Medal of Honor.

    Families are dropping off items to PS 56 to be sent to soldiers overseas, and care kits will be assembled by students and staff so that each kit has a few items needed by a soldier — from Michael Ollis’ favorite snack, beef jerky, to phone cards for soldiers to call home. Students are also making cards and notes for soldiers, as well.

    PS 56 is collecting new and unused items through Veteran’s Day, which is Nov. 11.

    Those items include:

    • Phone cards
    • Visa and MasterCard gift cards
    • Personal hygiene items: wet wipes, body wipes, disposable razors, deodorant, floss, toothbrushes, feminine products, etc.
    • Socks
    • Current magazines and books
    • Posters and calendars
    • Movies, music CDs, iPods, small earphones
    • USB devices
    • Beef jerky
    • Candy (non-perishable), hard candy, breath mints, gum
    • New UV protection sunglasses
    • Playing cards

  • Distinguished Service Cross Medal Upgrade Ceremony

    June 13, 2019 Author: Dave
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    Gen McConville presents the posthumous Distiguished Service Cross to Robert and Linda Ollis

    Michael was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross by the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. James McConville, during a ceremony on Staten Island, New York June 8.

    The ceremony and attendees were welcomed to the VFW Hall 9587 which was renamed for Michael on 2 Dec 2013, just a few months after the attack on FOB Ghazni where Michael gave his life in protecting the US & Polish personnel on the Coalition base.

    The video (compiled by DVIDS) offers a few snapshots of what was a moving ceremony that featured Gerenal McConville who serves as the 36th Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army.

    The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military honor that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army.

    “Every generation has its heroes,” McConville said during his remarks. “Michael Ollis is one of ours.”

    Link to the Dept of Defense Video: 

    https://dod.defense.gov/News/Special-Reports/Videos/?videoid=688858

  • 3rd Annual SSG Michael Ollis 5K Run & 2-Mile Walk set for June 9th

    April 21, 2019 Author: Dave
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    SSG Ollis 5k race set for June 9th

    Hello Runners, Walkers and Volunteers,

    We wanted to remind everyone that registration is open for the 3rd Annual SSG Michael Ollis 5K Run & 2-Mile Walk which will take place on Sunday June 9 at 8:30am in New Dorp.  As a reminder to those who have yet to register, the registration fee will be increasing to $35 on May 1 so we encourage you to sign up now.

      https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/StatenIsland/Ollis

    We encourage you to please share race this registration link with friends and relatives who may also be interested.  

    If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a sponsor for the race, please see the flyer below and reach out to the Race Committee by email.

    SSG Ollis 5k Race Brochure

    Looking forward to a wonderful event!  Thank you for your support.

    -SSG Michael Ollis Race Planning Committee

  • 5K Results and Recap

    June 13, 2018 Author: Dave
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    Reposted with permission from the Staten Island Advance:

    https://www.silive.com/sports/index.ssf/2018/06/lewis_kraker_win_2nd_annual_ss.html

    The spirit of patriotism was in the air as New Dorp’s typically busy streets were filled early Sunday with nearly 1,000 runners, walkers and supporters for the Second Annual SSG Michael Ollis 5k Run/walk.

    The NYPD, FDNY, U.S. Armed forces and local politicians were also on hand as they honored Ollis, the New Dorp-raised Army veteran whose life was cut short five years ago at the age of 24 while shielding a wounded Polish soldier from a suicide bomber in Afghanistan.

    Assemblyman Ron Castorina, who was among the dignitaries, perhaps said it best as he cited John 15:13 which reads, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” The passage, he said, embodied Ollis’ selflessness and sacrifice.

    CLICK HERE FOR RACE RESULTS

    As for the race, former Monsignor Farrell and Villanova University star Dan Lewis emerged victorious in the men’s portion for the second straight year, clocking in at 16 minutes, 56.1 seconds. Lewis, a childhood friend of Ollis who now hails from Flourtown, Pa., said he loved the atmosphere.

    “There’s tons of energy in the crowd, it definitely pushed me,” described Lewis. “I used to run these streets when I was in high school so to see it transformed into a great event to honor a hero is a really cool thing.”

    The women’s race winner, Melissa Kraker, also shared a connection to the Ollis family.

    Working for the NYC Parks Department at the Ocean Breeze Track complex, Kraker came in contact with Michael’s parents, Linda and Bob, who were members.

    “They are the most kind, generous and sincere people,” said Kraker. “Michael’s spirit really lives through them and this is a great tribute. I felt the love through this community and it carried me through the race today.”

    Sixteen-year-old Farrell sophomore Paul Sicolnolfi took second overall in 17:24.0. Forty-year-old road-racing mainstay Jose Davilafinished third in 17:44.1.

    New mother Isabelle Cammayo took second in the women’s competition in 20:23.1 while Juliette Goulet rounded out the top three in 20:29.4.

    MEN’S TOP 5

    1. Dan Lewis 16:56.1

    2. Paul Siconolfi 17:24.0

    3. Jose Davila 17:44.1

    4. Vincent Agostino 17:53.2

    5. Artur Tyszuk 18:01.3

    WOMEN’S TOP 5

    1. Melissa Kraker 19:21.5

    2. Isabelle Cammayo 20:23.1

    3. Juliette Goulet 20:29.4

    4. Patricia Mulligan 21:29.0

    5. Mara Cohen 23:03.9

  • 2nd Annual 5k weekend has arrived

    June 4, 2018 Author: Dave
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    RACE WEEK HAS ARRIVED!

    2018 SSG Ollis Run Flyer

    The 2nd Annual SSG Michael Ollis 5K Run & 2-Mile Walk is THIS SUNDAY, June 10. Purchase your tickets online at https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/StatenIsland/Ollis to avoid the race-day price increase and long lines to register/collect your bibs.

    IMPORTANT INFO:

    Runners/walkers will have an opportunity to pick up their race bibs from the SSG Michael Ollis VFW Post #9587 at 575 Mill Road Staten Island, NY 10306 during the following dates/times:

    · Thursday, June 7, 5pm – 9pm
    · Friday, June 8, 5pm – 9pm

    Online registration will remain open until 11:59 PM on Saturday, June 9. However, those who register after the Friday June 8 bib pickup or fail to collect their bibs by Friday must pick up their bibs on race day at the registration table at the corner of New Dorp Lane and New Dorp Plaza between 7:00 AM and 8:15 AM. Same-day registration will also be available at that time, but we cannot guarantee entry on race morning due to heavy demand and long lines.

    Therefore, you are STRONGLY encouraged to register online and acquire your bib prior to race day at the SSG Ollis VFW Post on Thursday June 7 or Friday June 8.

    Runners/Walkers can pick up bibs for other participants, as long as they provide that person’s order confirmation number and an e-mail message from that person giving permission.

  • Registration Now Open for the 2nd Annual SSG Michael Ollis Memorial 5k Run & Festival

    February 28, 2018 Author: Dave
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    SECOND ANNUAL SSG MICHAEL OLLIS MEMORIAL 5K RUN & FESTIVAL

    Yes, you can still run the race!!!! SIGN UP NOW:  https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/StatenIsland/Ollis 

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    2018 SSG Ollis 5k Flyer

    Contact:

    • Robert Ollis, President of the Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation

    P: (718) 667-3204 | E-Mail: fortdrum1988@gmail.com

    • Nick Iacono, Board Member and Race Director

    P: (718) 887-6522 | E-Mail: Iacono.Nicholas@gmail.com

    (February 27, 2018 – Staten Island, NY) – The SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) veterans charity established in 2013 by the family of fallen U.S. Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) Michael Ollis, announced today that the SECOND ANNUAL SSG MICHAEL OLLIS MEMORIAL 5K RUN/WALK & STREET FESTIVAL will take place on Sunday, June 10th, 2018, 8:30AM – 12PM in New Dorp! Members of the media are invited to cover this Second Annual Race and are asked to please help spread the word.

    REGISTRATION DETAILS:

    • Registration for the 5K Race or 2-Mile Walk is $30 for all participants who sign up before May 1, after which the fee will increase to $35; same-day registration on June 10 will be $40.  All participants who register prior to May 10 will receive a shirt. 
    •  All additional questions and inquiries about sponsorship tiers/opportunities should be directed to OllisRace@gmail.com. Special discounts for gym/athletic groups and high school track teams will be available. Please inquire atOllisRace@gmail.com.

    HOPING FOR SUCCESSFUL 2nd ANNUAL AFTER OUTSTANDING INAUGURAL 2017 RUN:

    Last year’s inaugural race shattered all expectations, garnering roughly 1,000 participants, numerous community and corporate sponsors, and over $50,000 raised for veterans in its first year. The foundation hopes to have the support of the Staten Island community once again for the second annual race, including participants and sponsors. The success of the second annual event will ensure that the SSG Michael Ollis Memorial 5K Run/Walk becomes a mainstay in the community and one of Staten Island’s most anticipated athletic/charitable events of the year.

    “The Foundation and our entire family were so humbled to see the outpouring of support for Michael and our veterans at the inaugural race last year,” said Robert and Linda Ollis, Michael’s parents and the founders of the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation. “We were blessed with an amazing turnout and incredible partnership from the New Dorp merchants, the Siller Foundation, elected officials, sponsors, the FDNY, NYPD, and multiple branches of the U.S. Military in attendance, not to mention hundreds of runners and participants. With the community’s support again this year, we’re excited to put on an even bigger and better race for Mike!”

    MISSION OF THE SSG OLLIS FREEDOM FOUNDATION & ANNUAL 5K:

    The mission of the Annual SSG Michael Ollis Memorial 5K Run, whose motto is “Live Like Mike, Run for Mike” is to commemorate the memory & courageous sacrifice of SSG Ollis, honor all of our nation’s veterans and service members, and raise funds for the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation which supports various programs for veterans.

     

    U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis

    In 2013, SSG Michael Ollis, a New Dorp native, was stationed with the 10th Mountain Division at a forward operating base in Ghazni, Afghanistan when the base was ambushed by insurgents. SSG Ollis heroically gave his life to shield a fellow serviceman from a suicide bomber. He posthumously received numerous honors in recognition of his valor including the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Silver Star, the Audie Murphy Medallion, the Polish Gold Star Medal of Honor, and in January 2016, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) announced that one its new Staten Island Ferry Boats would be named after Michael.

    TENTATIVE EVENT DETAILS:

    The race route and run-of-show will be virtually the same as last year. The event program will begin at 8:30 AM on Sunday, June 10th, at New Dorp Lane and New Dorp Plaza South…with the race kicking off at 9:00 AM and a street festival featuring live music, food, entertainment, children’s activities including a special Kid’s Race, and various vendors/merchants to follow (10AM – 12PM). The routefor the 5K will entail a loop around the Staten Island Railway (SIR) between Ross Avenue and Jefferson Avenue, with an abridged 2-mile route for walkers. After the race, an awards ceremony and street festival will take place on New Dorp Lane between New Dorp Plaza and 10th Street.

     The race/event, hosted by the SSG Ollis Freedom Foundation, is a partnership among multiple organizations, agencies, and volunteers. Nick Iacono will return as the Race Director for the Second Annual Run and will be joined by Race Co-Chairs Andrew Guido, Daniel Clark, and Michael Ollis’ sisters Kimberly Ollis-Loschiavo and Kelly Ollis-Manzolillo. Returning members of the planning committee include Camille Hoover, Frank Lewis, and Frank Santoro, as well as Angie Chwatko of the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union. Rich Re of ScoreYourRace.com will also return as the official race time-keeper this year. Special thanks to Lieutenant Rafet Awad and Detective Kevin Medefint of the 122 Precinct for their assistance and support.

     *Further information regarding sponsors/partnering organizations and the full run-of-show will be forthcoming. All details may be subject to change*

     Tentative Event Schedule:

    8:30 AM

    Opening Ceremony Begins- National Anthem & Remarks at Corner of New Dorp Lane & New Dorp Plaza S

    (Participants must be in their corral)

     9:00 AM

    Race Kicks Off

     10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

    Street Festival/Awards Presentation

    (Street festival will take place after the race on New Dorp Lane between New Dorp Plaza and 10th Street)

     ***

    Website: www.ssgollis.org

    Facebook: SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation

    Event Details/Registration:

    runsignup.com/Race/NY/StatenIsland/Ollis

    Questions? E-mail: OllisRace@gmail.com

     

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