Service – Life, Love, and Meaning: Navy SEAL Medic Rob Olson '04 Reflects
Sunset in Afghanistan with Old Glory
One night, six or seven months into our Afghanistan deployment, I sat in my room on our remote outpost with my teammate playing a rousing game of NHL 2012 on Xbox. It was a rare reprieve to not be out on a mission that night, so we naturally hovered around the TV seeing who would prevail on the sticks. Not long into the second period, loud SNAP!, SNAP!, SNAP!s could be heard. We were under attack.
My buddy and I grabbed our body armor, night vision, and guns and ran to our pre-established defensive positions. My position was on top of a connex (think of a small tractor-trailer container) that contained our makeshift hospital. I was the lead medic for the team and would be on standby in case we sustained any casualties. As we continued taking effective fire, I scanned for targets. No activity in my section, yet I continued to search on high alert, while keeping low to avoid getting hit by the incoming rounds.
Only minutes into the contact, I heard on the radio we had friendly Afghan police coming in with gunshot wounds. I made my way down off the connex and prepared for the patients. A few minutes later two men were brought in, multiple gunshot wounds. I had one other medic with me, an Army counterpart, and we got to work. We worked to control the bleeding and establish airways, while reporting to our leaders that they needed urgent medevacs. These two men, one was in his 30s, the other in his 50s, were Afghan Police. We did not know them, but it was our duty to do our utmost to save their lives.
The other medic and I worked feverishly on both patients for 30 minutes until the helicopter arrived. There was a brief reprieve in the firefight, so the helicopter came in fast. We loaded the patients on, and got back to our defensive positions. The fight would last for a few hours, I couldn’t be sure of exactly how long, as we ended up getting four more patients that night that kept me busy. All Afghans, all with gunshot wounds. All would survive.
That was one of the busier nights of deployment, but a common scene nonetheless. My medical skills came in handy all too often. I treated Afghans and Americans alike, providing care to them as I would my own son.
After War: The Gift of Motivation and Wellness
Life in the Navy was great, and very rewarding, but also extremely demanding on the family. We were gone for an average of 300 days out of the year. I wanted more time with my son, so I made the decision to move on.
What was I to do after the fast-paced life of a special operations medic? I decided that opening my own gym would be a solid fit for my skillset, so I set out to create CrossFit Simsbury. I felt compelled to share the knowledge of fitness, health, and wellness I gained through my experience in the Navy with others. The fitness program is thriving: four years in, we help hundreds of local adults and kids live healthier lives.
Memorial Day Murph. A CrossFit tradition to honor military heroes through a challenging workout.
When people think of CrossFit, they tend to think of very athletic men and women, high levels of human performance, and high levels of difficulty. The most common response I get about CrossFit is that “I could never do that.” My job, my purpose, my desire, is to show people that yes — you can, and you should! The only limitation is that which you set yourself.
From my time at Avon Old Farms, to my time in the Navy, to currently being an entrepreneur, and looking to whatever comes next ... I've learned that it is always the mind that gives up before the body. There is no greater feeling than seeing an athlete accomplish a feat they never thought possible. The proverbial light bulb goes off in the head that yes they can do this, and that revelation is a powerful motivator — not just in fitness, but in life.
The Seed of Service Planted at Avon Old Farms
Looking back, I must credit Avon Old Farms with developing me into the man I am today. I’ve always been a relatively shy guy, especially growing up. But AOF planted a seed in my mind, that I could achieve anything through hard work and perseverance, and that serving others is the noblest cause.
Winged Beaver in Afghanistan
As a Veteran, I appreciate the “thank you for your service,” as well as other genuine statements; but, what I and most veterans want, is simply for you to enjoy living in America, your freedoms, to love your family, and to make the world a better place. Help someone in need, smile, and be a productive force for good. And as always, Aspirando et Perseverando.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Avon Old Farms Class of 2004
U.S. Navy SO1 (SEAL) Medic for Six Years
Current Owner/Head Coach of Crossfit Simsbury