SSG Tony B. Olaes , 30, of Walhalla, South Carolina, died September 20, 2004 during a combat patrol near the town of Shkin in the Paktika province of southeastern Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group.

Olaes enlisted in the South Carolina Army National Guard in 1992.  He left the military in 1998.  In 1999, he reentered the Army on active duty.  He trained to be a communications system operator and maintainer at Fort Jackson and then was assigned to the 35th Signal Brigade (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.  He graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2001.  Upon graduation he was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, North Carolina as a Special Forces medic.

Olae was born in Salem, Massachusetts.

Olaes’ awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Medical Badge, Parachutist Badge and the Special Forces Tab.

He is survived by his wife and their children, Maverick, McKenzie, and Alec.

News Articles About SSG Olaes.

September 22, 2004.  "DoD Identifies Army Casualties".  U.S Dept of Defense.

September 22, 2004.  "Special Forces sergeants killed in Afghanistan".  USASOC News Service.

September 22, 2004.  "Albany soldier killed in Afghanistan".  WALB News 10.

September 23, 2004.  "Walhalla native dies in combat in Afghanistan".  The State.

September 23, 2004.  "SC native one of two Americans killed in Afghanistan".  WIS TV 10.

September 28, 2004.  "Community Remembers Soldier Killed In Afghanistan".  The Carolina Channel.

September 30, 2004.  Family buries Oconee Co. soldier killed in Afghanistan".  WIS TV 10.

November 12, 2004.  "SC remembers soldiers killed in Middle East".  WIS TV 10.