From private to CW5: Washington National Guard bids farewell to longtime warrant officer
"I always wondered what this was going to be like, I was always in your seat," said Olmsted as he reflected on the many retirement ceremonies he had attended throughout his service.
Olmsted's military journey began in December 1982 when he joined the Washington Army National Guard as a private. After completing Drafting Engineer School, he advanced to specialist in 1984 and served as a unit armorer. He attended Officer Candidate School at the Washington Military Academy in 1986 and later served as a supply sergeant and automated logistics specialist.
In March 1994, Olmsted accepted a commission as a second lieutenant. Following the Infantry Officer Basic Course and Bradley Leader Course, he served as a platoon leader and executive officer with the 3rd Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment, through November 1997. After a brief break in military service, Olmsted returned to the Washington Army National Guard in March 1999 as a staff sergeant and automated logistics specialist.
His career took another turn in September 2003 when he was appointed a warrant officer one, beginning more than two decades of service in the Army's technical warrant officer ranks. Throughout his warrant officer career, Olmsted held assignments as a data processing technician, information systems technician, sustainment automations officer and network engineer. His work helped support the communications networks and information systems that soldiers and commanders relied upon to accomplish their missions. Since December 2023, he served as a senior network operator for the Washington Army National Guard while also working as a federal technician in the deputy chief information officer/G6 position. As military technology evolved from the final years of the Cold War through the Global War on Terrorism and into an increasingly interconnected operational environment, Olmsted's responsibilities evolved with it. His experience across three distinct military career paths provided a perspective few service members possess, allowing him to understand the challenges faced by enlisted soldiers, commissioned officers and technical warrant officers.
"His career reflects steady growth, adaptability, and an enduring commitment to service," said Col. Nolan Rinehart, Army National Guard Chief of Staff. "He provided continuity, developed technical professionals, and translated complex challenges into practical solutions for commanders and soldiers across the Washington Army National Guard."
For Rinehart, the ceremony was more than an opportunity to recognize Olmsted's lengthy career and a chance to honor someone who had personally influenced his own decision to continue serving in the Army National Guard.
"Mike was one of the friendliest faces I saw, and he introduced himself and became, I would say, a career-long friend," Rinehart said.
That personal impact, Rinehart explained, was just one example of the influence Olmsted had on the soldiers, leaders and technical professionals he worked with throughout his career.
"Because of Mike Olmsted and people like Mike, it is the only reason I stuck around, and he really gave me a positive experience early on in my career,” said Rinehart.
When it came time to address those gathered for his retirement, Olmsted approached the moment with humor and appreciation for the people who had been part of his four-decades-long journey.
"I know a lot of you have stories about me, and I got stories about you, so just go ahead and take your best shot," joked Olmsted.
While the ceremony recognized Olmsted's professional accomplishments, it also honored the family members who supported him throughout his service.
"Reaching the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 5 is a milestone that bears my name, but in truth, it belongs equally to my wife, Simona," said Olmsted. "Her steadfast love, tireless support, and devotion to our family gave me the foundation to lead, excel, and reach the culmination of my career."
Olmsted also expressed appreciation for the many people who had been part of his journey.
"To my distinguished guests, whether active or retired, military or civilian, leaders, peers, subordinates, your attendance means more to me than I can say," said Olmsted.
For more than four decades, Olmsted's service spanned generations of soldiers, technological advancements and changing missions for the Washington Army National Guard. His legacy, however, extends beyond the systems he maintained or the positions he held.
"His career represents the quiet professionalism and enduring readiness that Americans expect from our National Guard," said Rinehart.
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