NY state, NYC veterans agencies to honor Medal of Honor recipient Michael Ollis

By AI, Created 9:47 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – New York State and New York City veterans agencies will hold a May 16 ceremony on Staten Island to honor Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis, a Medal of Honor recipient who died saving another soldier in Afghanistan. The event will include posthumous New York State Medal presentations and bring together family members, veterans, and local officials.

Why it matters: - The ceremony will spotlight a Staten Island native whose battlefield sacrifice became a lasting symbol of service and heroism for New York veterans communities. - The event also underscores continued public recognition of Gold Star families and the local legacy of a Medal of Honor recipient.

What happened: - The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services and the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services will host a ceremony on Saturday, May 16, 2026. - The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at SSG Michael Ollis VFW Post #9587, 575 Mill Road, Staten Island, NY 10306. - The program will honor Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis of the U.S. Army and include posthumous New York State Medal presentations in his memory. - Family members, veterans, elected officials, community leaders and supporters are expected to attend.

The details: - Ollis, a native of Staten Island, died in Afghanistan on August 28, 2013, while shielding a fellow soldier from a suicide bomber during an attack on Forward Operating Base Ghazni. - He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions. - More information about Ollis’ military service is available at the U.S. Army’s Medal of Honor page. - The Staten Island Advance/SILive has covered Ollis’ legacy and the impact of his death on the Staten Island community. - Commissioner Viviana M. DeCohen said Ollis embodied “the very best” of New York State and the nation. - Executive Deputy Commissioner Joel Evans said the ceremony is a chance to reflect on the cost of freedom and the strength of those who serve. - Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton said it has been a priority to ensure Ollis is remembered statewide and in his hometown. - Commissioner Yesenia Mata said the Ollis family’s advocacy has become an example of meaningful support for Gold Star Families. - Deputy Commissioner William Smith said the tribute is personal because of his own combat service in Afghanistan.

Between the lines: - The ceremony is not just a memorial. It is also a public reaffirmation of how New York institutions keep military sacrifice visible years after the combat ends. - The focus on Staten Island reflects how local identity remains central to how Ollis is remembered. - The presence of state and city veterans agencies suggests the event is meant to connect remembrance with broader veteran outreach and public education.

What’s next: - Media and the public are invited to attend the May 16 event. - RSVP requests go to DVS Deputy Commissioner William Smith at william.smith@veterans.ny.gov. - The departments continue to direct veterans and military families to benefits and services through their websites and hotlines.

The bottom line: - New York is using a public ceremony to preserve the memory of Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis and pass his story to the next generation.