Dad saves final salute for son

  • Published
  • By Sachel Seabrook
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Becoming his dad may be one of the greatest memories in Master Sgt. Mark Olsen's Air Force career, but giving his son his final salute is a close second.

After more than 22 years of service, the F-15 Eagle Avionics technician affectionately known as "Awesome Olsen" retired from active duty with his son 2nd Lt. Nicholas Brewer, 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron, officiating the ceremony.

"It means a lot because this is a guy who came into our lives when we were already a family. So it means a lot to wear the same uniform as him," Lieutenant Brewer said as he fought back tears.

It's apparent the father and son are really close. They laugh with each other, share inside jokes and finish each other's sentences. The two meet each week on base for lunch and hang out on weekends. Their family is a tight knit one, gathering as much as they can, both inside and outside the gates.

"You know he corrects my Air Force office communicator instant messages," joked the 46th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron sergeant . "Who does that?"

Sergeant Olsen married Lieutenant Brewer's mom when Nick was a pre-teen, moving the family to England soon after. Through their common interests, it was there; this father and son began to make an unbreakable bond.

While in England, the two were very active on roller hockey teams. At age 11, in between games, Nick hit the fire alarm with a rubber ball. Everyone evacuated and the officials couldn't figure out who did it. A nervous and frightened Nick confessed. Sergeant Olsen talked with Nick about integrity and told him he was proud of him for doing the right thing.

"And I still have the broken fire alarm glass," the proud lieutenant boasted.

Since commissioning into the Air Force in 2009, Nick said his dad's perfectionism and precision both personally and professionally has definitely impacted his career - a career his mother thinks wouldn't have happened had it not been for Sergeant Olsen.

"He's a perfectionist and very meticulous. He researches everything. If he's going to buy a toaster, he's going to research the best toaster on the market, which drives the entire family crazy," said the lieutenant. "But his being that way taught me to research everything so I can always make the best decision."

Though his retirement is official, Sergeant Olsen won't be relaxing on the beach or fishing. He'll soon work with the 513th Electronic Warfare Squadron. Following in his father's footsteps, Lieutenant Brewer will soon be making a big transition of his own. He'll be going into the Operation Blue to Green program, which allows Navy and Air Force service members to continue their military service with the Army.

"I feel like I have a higher calling. I want to be on the forefront of the fight," said the lieutenant.

His family of course is worried but support the lieutenant in his big decision.

"We ran the scenarios in our heads. We know that most likely he will be sent to the war, but it's what he wants to do, so we're happy for him," the sergeant added.

During the ceremony, Lieutenant Brewer navigated the audience through a slideshow of pictures of his dad throughout the years. Sergeant Olsen honored his wife with the military spouse award for her dedication to the family which he said often goes unrecognized.

As he shared his fondest memories, received gifts and words of gratitude from family members and past and present co-workers, Sergeant Olsen smiled and concluded with his sincerest gratitude.

"I want to thank all of you for coming here today and sharing this day with me. These past 22 years have been one heck of a ride."