Throughout his childhood, the Marine Corps was more than just a branch of service, it was a way of life in Cadillac, Michigan.
From the day Jakob A. Olson was born, the values and traits of being a Marine were instilled in his family life by his two loving parents. Olson’s mother served four years as a personnel clerk and his father served fourteen years as an infantry Marine and logistics specialist.
Olson’s parents taught him about caring for others, hard work, pride, and service to country. From an early age, his father would take him to work, where he saw first-hand what leading by example in all aspects of your life truly meant.
“My dad uses the fourteen leadership traits, passing along values gained from his experiences in the Marine Corps to his co-workers and employees,” Olson said.
During high school, Olson, like many other kids, found themselves at the intersection of starting a career or going to college. He was interested in pursuing higher education in electronics and technology, but Olson’s value-based upbringing had him searching for more.
“I just had this urge to be different, so I spoke with my dad about joining the Marines. We set up an appointment to talk to the recruiter at RSS Cadillac,” said Olson. “I then learned I could continue my passion for technology with some of the job fields available.”
Following graduation, the small-town Michigan native joined the Marine Corps and began an adventure which has taken him around the world. More than twelve years later, Staff Sgt. Olson, is a seasoned veteran who has trained in regions such as the Baltics, the Middle East, and now East Asia. He is currently in the Republic of South Korea for exercise Freedom Shield 23.
Olson is a humble Marine who attributes his success and drive to his parents who guided him along the way.
“I am forever grateful to my parents for their sacrifices and guidance, and I have an overwhelming sense of pride to be continuing my legacy,” said Olson. “Over twenty years later, my mom and dad share what they learned throughout their time in the Marine Corps.”
Staff Sgt. Olson currently serves as a transmissions systems chief with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, in Okinawa Japan.
Freedom Shield is a computer simulated, defense-oriented training event designed to enhance the ROK-U.S. combined defense posture, maintain readiness, and strengthen the security and stability on the Korean peninsula and Northeast Asia.
Date Taken: | 03.14.2023 |
Date Posted: | 03.28.2023 23:37 |
Story ID: | 440809 |
Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP MUJUK, KR |
Hometown: | CADILLAC, MICHIGAN, US |
Web Views: | 88 |
Downloads: | 1 |
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