Iraq Blogger Major Andrew Olmsted Killed in Ambush

Just 2 months ago, following a three week absence from his blog due to a death in his family, Major Andrew Olmsted reassured his readers on his Rocky Mountain News blog that he was Not Dead Yet. Sadly, Andrew will not be able to do so again this time (This news comes to us via hilzoy).

Final Post

"I am leaving this message for you because it appears I must leave sooner than I intended. I would have preferred to say this in person, but since I cannot, let me say it here."
G'Kar, Babylon 5

"Only the dead have seen the end of war."
Plato*

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. Perhaps I take that further than most, I don't know. I hope so. It's frightening to think there are many people as neurotic as I am in the world. In any case, since I won't get another chance to say what I think, I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity. Such as it is. ...(read on)

UPDATE: From the comments on his last post:

This is Maj Andrew Olmsted's mother-in-law. My Daughter, Amanda, Andy's wife, was notified today 1/3/08 that Andrew was killed today in Iraq when his team was ambushed.
I want to thank all you wonderful people who commented on Andy's blogs and wished him and his team. He will be missed by many. Thank you also for all your prayers. I'm sure Andy has a special place in Heaven.

Posted by Kathy on January 3, 2008 08:18 PM

Major Andrew Olmsted and Captain Thomas Casey were both killed when we were ambushed. They both displayed tremendous courage under fire. I am proud to have served with them. They will be greatly missed. We were all blessed to have known them. They will always be my brothers in arms.

Captain John Thompson
Nightmare 3

Posted by John Thompson on January 4, 2008 06:37 AM

I have no words to add. Tears - yes. Words - no.

AP: 3 soldiers die in Iraq, the 1st of '08