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GEORGE HAMDEN OLMSTED, JR., was a distinguished graduate, a devoted patriot, a man who sought perfection, and someone deeply dedicated to fight for the freedoms we enjoy today. George lived “Duty, Honor, Country” until the day he died.
Born in Des Moines, IA, to USAR MG George and Virginia Olmsted, he attended schools in Iowa, Maryland, and Washington, DC. Appointed from Iowa’s 6th District, George’s West Point roots ran deep. His great-grandfather, an 1870 grad, left valuable records of his Indian War campaigns, which George researched and studied. His father ’22, founded the George Olmsted Foundation Scholarship program that permits graduates to study abroad, and funded Olmsted Hall, the USMA museum.
George held firm convictions about a wide variety of subjects. He excelled in tennis and squash, playing both sports all four years and becoming captain of the tennis team. In squash, George was one of the best in the country, winning the NCAA intercollegiate championship.
George’s achievements on the fields of friendly strife gave him a foundation for starting his military career. He hoped to join the Air Force upon graduation but failed the eye exam. He chose Infantry and was initially assigned to Ft. Myer, VA, where, one winter, he received a late-night call from the White House. Mamie Eisenhower had received 200 baby chicks and was determined not to lose a single one. When he arrived at the White House, an appreciate Mamie, in a bathrobe and fuzzy pink slippers, greeted him. Being an Iowa farm boy, he called his buddy in the Arlington greenhouses, and the chicks thrived.
Showing dogged determination, he memorized eye and color charts, passed the eye test, and was accepted into the Army aviation program. In 1957, George left active service to pursue a dual career with the Army Reserve and private industry. He obtained a master’s degree from Northwestern University’s School of Finance and, for over 26 years, was a successful businessman. Throughout his corporate career, he held jobs with greater and greater responsibilities. He became vice president and director of marketing in a national banking group and, later, senior vice president of a global financial corporation.
George’s West Point education gave him a wealth of knowledge for serving as a military office for three decades. Under seven presidents, he had jobs ranging from platoon leader to senior leader in the Pentagon on the Army General Staff. He served as paratrooper, a master aviator qualified in fixed wing aircraft and helicopters, an instructor in the U.S. Army Reserve School, and as a member of the Special Forces. George, while a colonel in the Reserves, was recalled to active duty in 1975 for an assignment to the Army staff. Later, he was made Deputy Director for Unconventional Warfare in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations. At the time of his retirement, he was serving in a brigadier general’s position and was awarded the Legion of Merit for dedication, vision, organizational skills, and exemplary service beyond the call of duty.
In 1976, George married Suzanne Hahn, a former first grade teacher. He had two sons from an earlier marriage, George III and Charles. His logistical talents were challenged when he moved Suzanne, her three children, six dogs, and two cats to Leesburg, VA. During his leisure time, he pursued his interests in firearms, the history of weapons, obedience competition with his Dobermans, and tennis.
In 1989, George and Suzanne moved to Hendersonville, NC. George began a third career, focusing on philanthropic and public service challenges. He established the American Preservation Council, Inc. a not-for-profit foundation centered on protecting and expanding our national heritage.
George became well known in this mountain area, for six years hosting the local International Radio Program, which hosted guests participating in an intellectual exchange of ideas on the world scene. A website covered it worldwide. The owner of the station thought it unusual for such a small community to have such a quality program. Only George, assisted by Suzanne, could accomplish this so successfully. After the September 11 attacks, George returned to radio to discuss terrorism. His vast knowledge of the subject was educational and reassuring to his audience.
George’s sister, Lupe Bart, remembers how, decades ago, George would talk about the undercover operatives around the world and how the family questioned his sanity. In hindsight, they realized he was well ahead of his time.
George donated countless hours to the local drug enforcement interdiction program, setting up a computer tracking program and obtaining military units to help conduct statewide training of personnel. He taught a number of classes on weather, foreign relations, terrorism threats, and international political and military matters at two local colleges.
A close friend and tennis player, Jack McCormick, remarked, “He was born and bred a gentleman. He was a person of firm convictions but a great listener to other points of view. He had an unfailing love of country and was a devoted husband and father who never stopped stretching his mind, learning new things. In his life, he made our world a better place.”
His wife, Suzanne; his family, friends, and classmates; and his business and military associates are far richer and more complete for having been a part of George Olmsted’s world. His spirit and deeds remain with and inspire all who knew and loved him. He will rest in peace in a Des Moines, IA, gravesite next to his great-grandfather, MG Aubrey Olmsted, Class of 1870.
The Navy War College Foundation in Newport, RI, has established a chair on international studies and counter-terrorism. Funds can be donated in George’s honor to this chair. |
