HOLLAND PATENT, NY, USA U.S. Marines LCPL, 3D BN, 8TH MAR, (GCE, SPMAGTF-AFGHANISTAN), 2D MAR DIV, CAMP LEJEUNE, NC NOW ZAD, AFGHANISTAN 04/08/2009
Blaise Oleski was born in Rome, NY and graduated from Holland Patent New York High School in 2004. He also had a brother, quite close in age to Blaise. Blaise was a member of his high-school wrestling team, which he enjoyed. Blaise was described as not only an outstanding athlete, but a kind soul, and a great kid.
Blaise caught the military-bug early on: at age 6, his parents took him to Gettysburg. Blaise was fascinated with military history and his dream of enlisting in the military began. He was persuaded to try college, but after 2 years he enlisted into the Marine Corps, finally fulfilling his dream to pursue a career in the military. Blaise was serving his country-exactly what he had always dreamed of doing.
Promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal in 2007, Blaise had plans to return home in 2009 to become a firefighter and hike the Adirondack Trail. Even when in Afghanistan, he made his best efforts to always stay in touch with his family through frequent Facebook messages, which they cherished.
He was awarded numerous military awards, including the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. All that knew Blaise, the quiet, kind man, remember him as a hero and a friend.