Tom Olsen
I showed up for my first ever ROTC drill day as a freshman in September of 1977 .
Clueless , I had never donned a uniform , and didn't even know I was to secure
the tips of my boot laces into my boot tops. So , off I went , laces flapping in the breeze .
It was PT test day , and I performed well enough to get noticed . At the conclusion of the day , as I walked by Col. MacElrath , he voiced for me to come to him. Scared witless , I
approached him with all the military bearing I could muster , seeing as I knew nothing .
He then complimented me on my effort that day , and that he was pleased that myself and other young freshman had made the decision to serve our country . He then looked at me with a bit of a smirk , and said , in that sweet Georgia drawl of his ....." Well son , if we can get you to cut that red hair and lose that Boston accent , you just might stick around a while ". Your father was the type of man who , when he said " good morning " to you , meant it . I continued to have long , meaningful talks with him as I completed my degree in the School of Business once he had begun his new career .
It was an honor , and a distinct privilege , to have known him .
Tom Olsen
Viera ,Florida