News Releases for December 2003
December 19, 2003
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President Bush Visits North Dakota Soldier In D.C. Hospital
Hoeven Arranges Visit For Specialist Brandon Olson Of Hazen
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today announced that President George W. Bush Thursday visited Specialist Brandon Olson at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where the President presented the North Dakota native with a Purple Heart and a commemorative presidential coin. Olson, the son of Deb and Doug Olson of Hazen, is serving in the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division out of Fort Campbell, KY. He was injured in Mosul, Iraq during an ambush.
Last month, Olson requested Hoeven’s help in obtaining a special commemorative coin the President often leaves as a gift with soldiers when he visits. Hoeven contacted the White House, which asked for Olson’s contact information at Walter Reed. The President responded with Thursday morning’s visit.
“All of North Dakota is so very proud of Brandon, and all of our National Guard, Reserves and active duty military fighting the War on Terrorism,” Hoeven said. “We’re also thrilled and grateful that President Bush stopped by personally to present Brandon with the Purple Heart. It’s a well-deserved honor for him, and an honor for our entire state.”
After his injury, Olson was transferred to Walter Reed, where his right leg was amputated at the knee. Since then, he has undergone more than 20 surgeries. He is currently at the Malone House, an outpatient facility affiliated with Walter Reed, where he is receiving physical and occupational therapy.
“In enduring his injuries with courage, stamina and dignity, Brandon is a true son of North Dakota and an American hero,” Hoeven said. “We’re grateful to him and to all the men and women who are making heroic sacrifices for our country.”
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