• Delivery Day at the Fort Wadsworth Food Pantry

    December 21, 2023 Author: Dave
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    13 December 2023: At the heart of the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation lies an unwavering commitment to support and uplift communities. Recently, the Foundation had the honor of participating in a profound and heartwarming event at the Fort Wadsworth Food Pantry. Delivery Day emerged as a testament to the power of collective generosity and compassion.

    Amidst the backdrop of camaraderie and goodwill, friends and supporters of the Foundation came together to extend a hand to those in need. Their contributions, whether big or small, illuminated the essence of giving – a force that transcends boundaries and touches lives in profound ways.

    The spirit of giving was palpable as donations poured in, embodying the selflessness and dedication championed by SSG Michael Ollis himself. Each item brought forth symbolized more than just sustenance; it represented hope, solidarity, and the unwavering support of a community united in its resolve to make a difference.

    Volunteers, embodying the spirit of service and carrying forward SSG Ollis’s legacy, worked tirelessly to ensure the seamless organization and distribution of these contributions. Their commitment and enthusiasm were nothing short of inspiring, reflecting the Foundation’s core values of compassion and dedication.

    The impact of this collective effort reverberated through the Fort Wadsworth community. Families and individuals receiving these provisions were touched by the outpouring of kindness. Their smiles and gratitude echoed the profound impact of the Foundation’s ongoing mission.

    Bob and Linda Door Dashing the Ft. Wadsworth Pantry

    To all those who contributed, whether through donations, time, or support, the Foundation extends its deepest gratitude. Your generosity serves as a beacon of hope, lighting the way for a brighter future for those in need. Together, we continue to honor the legacy of SSG Michael Ollis by making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

    As we reflect on Delivery Day at the Fort Wadsworth Food Pantry, let us carry forward the spirit of giving and continue to uplift communities in need. The Foundation remains committed to its mission, fueled by the unwavering support of its friends and advocates. Your dedication ensures that the legacy of SSG Michael Ollis lives on, touching countless lives and fostering a world built on compassion and unity.

    Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey and for embodying the values that define the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation. Together, we create ripples of positive change that resonate far and wide.

    Thank you to all the friends of the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation for their generosity!

  • Unveiling the Michael Ollis Dining Hall: A Symbol of Community and Honor at the US Army Garrison in Poland

    December 21, 2023 Author: Dave
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    On October 27th 2023, the new garrison’s dining hall at Camp Kosciuszko in Poznan, Poland was named in Michael’s honor. It was a very beautiful, emotional ceremony. Thank you to all US Military and Polish Ministry of Defense who made this possible. The Ollis family were special guests as well as Ret. Lt. Karol Cierpica.

    The Michael Ollis Dining Hall stands as a testament to the commitment and camaraderie within the US Army stationed in Poland. This dining facility serves not just as a place for meals but as a hub for fostering unity, honoring service, and building connections among military personnel and their allies.

    Stars and Stripes Article details more of the ceremony here: https://www.stripes.com/branches/army/2023-10-31/poznan-army-10th-mountain-ollis-11890476.html

  • Polish School renames military programs after American Hero: Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis

    March 20, 2022 Author: Dave
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    03.18.2022

    Story by Pfc. Javen Owens 

    Republished from: 113th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment  

    BYDGOSZCZ, Poland –The Garrison Church of the Military Parish of Our Lady of Peace held a Naming Ceremony and Solemn Holy Mass for the Uniformed Classes and the blessing of the Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis Junior Training Corps Colors, March 18, 2022. This event showcased the kinship between U.S. and Polish Soldiers, honoring the heroism of the late Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis.

    Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis from Staten Island, New York was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light) out of Fort Drum, New York. While deployed in 2013 to Ghazni, Afghanistan, insurgents attacked his compound with vehicle-borne explosive devices, suicide vests, indirect fire and small arms.

    After accounting for his troops, Staff Sgt. Ollis checked for any casualties in a building hit during the attack and then moved toward the enemy fighters who entered the base. He managed to locate a fellow coalition Soldier, Polish Army officer, Lt. (ret.) Karol Cierpica and together they moved toward the enemy without their armor, armed only with their rifles. The two stood together to combat the insurgents who breached their defenses, all while under continuous enemy fire.

    During the fighting, an insurgent with a suicide bomb vest rounded a corner and charged them. Staff Sgt. Ollis, without body armor, put himself between the insurgent and Cierpica, who was wounded in both legs and unable to walk. Staff Sgt. Ollis fired on the insurgent and incapacitated him, but as he approached him, the insurgent’s suicide vest detonated, mortally wounding Staff Sgt. Ollis.

    “He died for a great cause: freedom,” Col. Geoffrey A. Norman, the 1st Infantry Division’s Deputy Commanding Officer for Support said. “He followed in the footsteps of millions of Soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their country and spread freedom and democracy throughout the world. Because of his sacrifice, there are fewer terrorists to threaten our countries. He died a hero, and will live on forever in the hearts of our Allies.”

    The Senior Academic High School at the College of Health Sciences received the permission of Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis’ parents, Bob and Linda Ollis, to name the school’s Uniformed Classes in his honor.

    “It is my firm belief that in naming our Uniformed Classes the ‘Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis Junior Training Corps’ will honor and commemorate his heroic deed among current and future generations.” said Tomasz Krajewski, the Director of Uniformed Classes.

    Mr. Bob Ollis, Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis’s father, expressed how grateful he was for Poland and the Polish community and how they have welcomed him and his family since his sons passing. Lastly, Cierpica spoke about Ollis’ heroism.

    “He showed me the true meaning of service, Michael did,” Cierpica said. “My true hero, is an angel in heaven.”

    Ollis and Cierpica family with the Uniformed Class at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Bydgoszcz, Poland

  • Operation Ollis: Sending hundreds of holiday packages to U.S. troops

    December 17, 2019 Author: Dave
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    Reposted from SI Live:

    By Erik Bascome | tbascome@siadvance.com

    STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Not everyone can be home for the holidays.

    But thanks to the collaborative efforts of two Staten Island schools, the SSG Ollis Foundation, and the United States Postal Service (USPS), hundreds of U.S. troops will receive holiday care packages as a reminder of the support back home.

    The SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation partnered with PS 56 in Rossville, Paulo Intermediate School (I.S. 75) in Huguenot, and the USPS for the inaugural Operation Ollis initiative, sending over 200 care packages to active U.S. service members in an ongoing effort to show appreciation and give back to those who serve our country.

    “One of the things we try to live by are Michael’s biggest mottos, ‘deeds not words’ and ‘lead from the front,’” said Gerri Hojnacki, Operation Ollis organizer. “He always gave back, in every aspect of his life, so we’d like to continue that message in his honor by remembering the troops.”

    The SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation was established in 2014 in honor of the late Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, a New Dorp native who died at age 24 while saving a Polish soldier in Afghanistan.

    “It gives Bob and I a very good feeling,” said Linda Ollis, Michael’s mother. “Since we can’t do anything for Michael, we can certainly help his fellow servicemen and women by making their Christmas a little bit happier.”

    Both schools collected extensive donations, creating custom care packages that included common toiletries, like toothbrushes, foot powder and Chapstick, as well as cell phone cards, allowing service members to call their families during the holidays, and flash drives, giving them a place to store their memories. Over 175 cell phone cards were provided, free-of-charge, by Cellphones for Soldiers, a fellow nonprofit organization benefiting military members.

    “The schools both got a list of the things that the troops asked for and the donations just kept pouring in. The amount of generosity from the faculty and the children has been really outstanding. More than we could have ever imagined,” said Hojnacki.

    Students also included handwritten letters in each care package, thanking the troops for their service and wishing them a happy holidays.

    PS 56, the Louis Desario School, has a special connection to the late staff sergeant and was the first school onboard to help get Operation Ollis off the ground.

    In the years prior to his untimely death, Ollis became military pen pals with a member of PS 56, sending back photos and letters from his time in Afghanistan that hang in the school’s lobby to this day.

    “We wanted to do something for veterans because our school’s namesake, Louis Desario, not only was he a lifelong educator, but he was a veteran,” said Philip Carollo, principal of PS 56. “In working with his family we came to know that, to him, the best part of his life was his service to the country and we wanted to honor that.”

    “We reached out to the Ollis Foundation and we were happy to work with them to donate care packages to active service members,” Carollo continued. “We’re extremely proud of the generosity that our school community showed.”

    In future years, the Ollis Foundation would like to expand Operation Ollis to include additional Staten Island schools, potentially encompassing the entire district. If your school is interested in participating in future Operation Ollis events, please contact the Ollis Foundation here.

    Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the SSG Ollis Freedom Foudation!!

  • America’s VetDogs Visit

    February 10, 2019 Author: Dave
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    The SSGMOFF has had the honor of sponsoring a dog run at the kennel at The America’s VetDog facility in Smithtown, NY. A plaque was unveiled yesterday commemorating this donation. Thank you to all our donors for making this possible thereby helping us help our disabled veterans!
    We also got to meet Ranger again (the Foundation’s second service dog) and see his progress with training.

  • 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.

  • President of Poland Andrej Duda Cites SSG Michael Ollis in Letter to President Trump Commemorating Independence Day

    July 6, 2017 Author: Dave
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    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact: Nick Iacono, SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation
    P: (718) 887-6522 | E-Mail: Iacono.Nicholas@gmail.com

    President of Poland Andrej Duda Cites SSG Michael Ollis in Letter to President Trump Commemorating America’s Independence Day

    STATEN ISLAND, NY – (Thursday, June 6, 2017) Today, the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation issued the following statement of gratitude in response to President Andrej Duda of Poland’s mention of SSG Michael Ollis in his July 4 official correspondence to President Donald J. Trump:

    “We are proud and honored to have Michael’s name and heroic sacrifice invoked by President Duda of Poland as a testament to the strong bonds of fellowship between the United States and Poland,” said Robert and Linda Ollis, co-founders of the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation and the parents of fallen Army SSG Michael Ollis. “Michael selflessly gave his life to shield his fellow soldier, Carol Cierpica of Poland, because that’s who he was, and we are so grateful to the Polish government and people for continuing to honor Michael’s memory and help us tell his amazing story.”

    SSG Michael Ollis heroically sacrificed his life to shield Polish Lt. Karol Cierpica from a suicide attack when their forward operating base (FOB) in Afghanistan was ambushed in a suicide attack in 2013. Since then, Karol, the Polish government, the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union, and countless members of the Polish-American community (especially here on Staten Island) have worked hard to commemorate the memory and heroic sacrifice of SSG Ollis. In fact, the Polish Government posthumously awarded SSG Ollis the Army Gold Medal, Poland’s highest honor for a foreign soldier, and when the Lt. Cierpica’s baby boy was born in 2015, they named him Michael in honor of SSG Ollis.

    In addition, this past June, the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation held its First Annual SSG Michael Ollis Memorial 5K Run/Walk in New Dorp on Staten Island, which was attended by Maciej Golubiewski, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in New York, Colonel Jacek Stochel from Poland’s Embassy in Washington, DC.

    See below for the full text of President Duda’s letter with his comments regarding SSG Ollis highlighted. President Duda’s letter was sent on the occasion of American Independence Day and President Donald Trump’s historic state visit to Poland this week.

    Letter by the President Andrzej Duda to the President of the USA on the occasion of the Independence Day

    Tuesday, 4 July 2017

    “On the occasion of the National Day of the United State of America: the Independence Day, I wish to offer into your hands, Sir, our congratulations and best wishes from the Polish Nation and me personally.

    The Republic of Poland and the United States of America are bound by traditional bonds of friendship, by the strategic partnership founded on our shared values, and by respect of our mutual interests. The Polish Americans, the Polonia, are also an important reference in our relations. I am greatly pleased that in the course of your presidential campaign, Sir, you have found the time to meet this community which is very close to my heart.

    The additional, undoubted, strengthening element in our close relationship is the fraternity of arms among our soldiers, forged in Iraq, Afghanistan and other hotspots of the modern world. Especially, the action of a 24-year-old Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis, who during the Taliban attack on the base in Ghazni in August 2013, Afghanistan, gave his life shielding with his own body a Polish Lieutenant Karol, Cierpica, was firmly imprinted in the collective memory of the Polish people. For saving the life of a Polish officer, he was posthumously decorated by the Polish authorities with the Star of Afghanistan, and the Gold Medal of the Polish Army.

    I have a particular appreciation for the American contribution to the security guarantees to the European Allies located along NATO’s Eastern flank, which is exemplified by the deployment of the American troops in the region, including Poland. It is with satisfaction that I have been following the implementation of decision made at last year’s NATO Summit in Warsaw, as well as their reaffirmation at the recent meeting of Heads of States and Governments from NATO states in Brussels.

    To me, as President of the Republic of Poland and to my Compatriots, but also to the states of Central Europe, affiliated with the Three Seas Initiative, your decision, Sir, to accept our invitation to visit Poland and to take part in in the Summit meeting of the Initiative on July 6, is of paramount importance. I count on fruitful bilateral and multilateral talks which will further testify to our commitment in building transatlantic bonds. I am deeply convinced that the meeting of leaders of states from this part of Europe, focused on tightening economic investment, business and infrastructural cooperation, will go down as a success, also thanks to your attendance thereof, Sir.

    Mr. President, please, accept once again, my very best wishes for all success in carrying out of your noble and responsible mission of holding the office of the President of the United States. Let me also extend my good wishes of prosperity and success to Your, Sir, Your Family, Colleagues, and to All the People of the United States.”

    President of the Republic of Poland
    Andrzej Duda

  • Inaugural SSMOFF 5k Results Posted

    June 11, 2017 Author: Dave
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    Result have been posted! On behalf of Robert and Linda Ollis, Thank You to everyone for your support and participation!
    http://scoreyourrace.com/results/results_2017/Ollis_5K_2017.htm

    Hope to see everyone again next year!

  • First Annual SSG Michael Ollis Memorial 5k Run & Festival

    April 11, 2017 Author: Dave
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    For tour tomorrow, he gave his today...

    FIRST ANNUAL SSG MICHAEL OLLIS MEMORIAL 5K RUN & FESTIVAL PLANNED FOR JUNE 11, 2017

    Race Will Commemorate the Memory & Sacrifice of SSG Ollis & Raise Funds for Veterans

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    • Contact: Robert Ollis, President of the Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation P: (646) 379-2295 | E-Mail: fortdrum1988@gmail.com
    • Nick Iacono, Board Member and Race Planning Director P: (718) 887-6522 | E-Mail: Iacono.Nicholas@gmail.com

    (April 10, 2017 – 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 it will be hosting its FIRST ANNUAL SSG MICHAEL OLLIS MEMORIAL 5K RUN/WALK & STREET FESTIVAL on Sunday, June 11th, 2017, 8AM – 12PM in New Dorp. The race will serve 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 veterans’ and philanthropic causes. Members of the media are invited to cover this inaugural event and are asked to please help spread the word. Participants can purchase their $35 ticket or make a donation to the cause at ollisrace.eventbrite.com.

    “Our son Michael gave his life for his country, and the foundation we set up in his honor is dedicated to one purpose: to support his fellow veterans and their families,” said Michael’s parents and foundation cofounders Robert and Linda Ollis. “We hope that this race will allow us as a community to memorialize Michael’s sacrifice, show our appreciation for all our service members, and raise funds to help those who have served.” The event will begin at 8:00 AM on Sunday, June 11th, 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, activities, and various vendors/merchants to follow (10AM – 12PM). The race route will be a total of 5 kilometers and entail a loop around the Staten Island Railway (SIR) between Beach Avenue and Jefferson Avenue.

    After the race, an awards ceremony and street festival will take place on New Dorp Lane between New Dorp Plaza and 10th Street. The foundation is seeking runners/walkers, sponsors, donations, and volunteers…and those interested should e-mail OllisRace@gmail.com and visit www.ollisrace.evenbrite.com.

    “Staten Island is home to both an active running community, as well as a patriotic community that strongly supports veterans and our armed forces,” Mr. and Mrs. Ollis continued. “We thought, what better way to honor Michael’s memory and raise funds for the foundation than by hosting a community run right here in New Dorp where Michael grew up? We especially want to thank all the New Dorp merchants for allowing us to host this event in the neighborhood, and for all the sponsors who have already committed their support.”

    In 2013, SSG Michael Ollis 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.

    The race/event, hosted by the SSG Ollis Freedom Foundation, is a partnership among multiple supportive organizations, agencies, and individuals. Special thanks to Councilman Steven Matteo and Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, whose offices worked closely with the foundation and Mr. Daniel Clark of SIBOC to secure the necessary permits and logistical arrangements. Special thanks also to Chief Ed Delatorre, Borough Commander for Staten Island; Detective Kevin Medefint of the 122 Precinct; Daniel Clark, Executive Director of the Staten Island Business Outreach Center (SIBOC); Maria Esposito of the New Dorp Merchants Group, Paul Burdzy and Agnieszka Chwatko of the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union, and Andrew Guido of the New Dorp Central Civic Association.

    *Further details and information regarding bib pickup will be forthcoming*

    Tentative Event Schedule:

    • 8:00 AM Opening Ceremony Begins- National Anthem & Remarks (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)

    Partnering Organizations:

    • The Staten Island Business Outreach Center (SIBOC)
    • The New Dorp Merchants Group
    • The Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union
    • The New Dorp Central Civic Association
    • Office of Councilman Steven Matteo (District 50, Mid-Island)
    • Office of Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (AD 64, East Shore/Brooklyn)
    • New York Police Department – Staten Island Borough Command & the 122 Precinct
    • New York City Department of Transportation – Weekend Walks Program ShopRite of Hylan Blvd, Staten Island

    *ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY PARTNERS WELCOME*

    Current Committed Sponsors:

    • ShopRite of Hylan Blvd
    • The Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union
    • Crossfit 103
    • NYC DOT Weekend Walks Program

    ***ADDITIONAL SPONSORS NEEDED***

    Website: www.ssgollis.org

    Facebook: SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation

    Event Details/Registration: Ollisrace.Eventbrite.com

    Questions? E-mail: OllisRace@gmail.com

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