THE WALL OF FACES

I lived with and worked for Cdr Olmteads family while I finished high school. They were a wonderful family. I met his sister Carolyn and brother Kieth also. I met Stanley while he was home on leave before leaving for Vietnam. My heart was broken for his family when I got the news he was MIA

Like many here, I wore the MIA Bracelet of LCDR Stanley E Olmstead throughout my teens and twenties .
Last year, I felt compelled to find out more about Stanley Olmsted and even wrote a blog post in his honor. http://myoldcountryhouse.com/memorial-day-honoring-those-who-served-and-remembering-my-m-i-a/

It is touching to read poems and letters left by family and to know that others wore bracelets bearing his name. Thank you Stanley Olmsted for your service and for your life. It is an honor to have worn your name.

Commander Stanley Edward Olmstead, Served with Fighter Squadron 84 (VF-84), Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW-7), USS Independence, United States Naval Forces .

I remember the summer of '75. I spent it working outside of the small town of Marshall, Oklahoma. The Colonel, Mr. Olmstead, hired me to work the farm doing odd jobs for him. He was stern, but fair. He was by far one of the most moral men that I had ever known. He treated with fairness and equity even though my social station in life was far beneath his. I cannot forget his kindness, nor will I ever leave his memory behind. This death of his son weighed heavy on his mind. How could any man deal with such a thing? Losing a son never to see him again. May God bless the memories of those that have died to give us our freedom!

I have had Cmdr. Olmsteads' bracelet for over close to forty years. It was given to me by mother when I was five. A few years ago I took my wife and children to the Wall to get that photo and an etching. Quite possibly one of the most solemn and moving experiences of my life, right up there with Pearl Harbor.