Major (Ret.) John Windham Oliver III, USA

He was born on October 31, 1952, in Birmingham, Alabama. John found the one to complete him while in Spain; a beautiful girl from the Netherlands, Ingrid Woortman. John and Ingrid would share a storybook love for 41 years. Their union was blessed with four extraordinary children of whom he was extremely proud.

John was at his best mentoring and engaging in fellowship with others. He was strong in his faith in God and took immense pride in writing prayers, praying with his friends, and having intellectual banter about theology. John enjoyed skeet shooting with his family in his leisure time, reading about history, listening to music, and dancing with his daughters. He was an award-winning equestrian and aspired to have his horses help other veterans. He was extremely passionate and active in veteran affairs.

The absolute most important thing in his life was his wife, Ingrid, his "little Dutch girl," who he often credited with saving his life.

Major Oliver was preceded in death by his mother and father, John Windham Oliver, Jr (Jack) and Dorothy Wainwright Oliver (Dot), his sister-in-law, Babs Oliver, brother-in-law, Tom Longshore, and his uncle David Wainwright.

He leaves to cherish his memory his adoring wife of 40 years, Ingrid; his children, Cole (Larin) Oliver; Jacqueline (James) Peek; Alexis (Chase) Kelley; and Kellynn Oliver. Additionally, John was a proud grandfather to four grandchildren. John also was the eldest of seven – Bill (Kathy), Kip, Kay, Susan, Nancy (Tommy), and Julie (Josh).

Military Achievements:

Major Oliver was commissioned in 1977 from Officer Candidate School, Fr. Benning, Georgia, as a 2Lt in Armor after graduating from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. Following an officer basic course at Ft Knox, Kentucky, Lt. Oliver was assigned as a tank platoon leader in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment ("Blackhorse"), Bad Kissingen, Germany. Subsequent assignments during his tour included cavalry platoon leader and troop executive officer.

In 1981, Cpt. Oliver was assigned as Commander, "Chargin Charlie," 69th Armor, 197th Infantry Brigade, Rapid Reaction Force, Ft. Benning, Georgia. Additional assignments in the 197th Infantry Brigade included Commander of the 15th Cavalry ("Patton’s First”).

In 1986, Cpt. Oliver earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from Columbus College in Georgia. Cpt. Oliver returned to Germany in 1987 and was assigned as an Operations Officer in Heidelberg.

1988 saw a return to the “Blackhorse” as an Operations Officer. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, and due to his exemplary service, he was recommended to attend Command and General Staff College in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas.

June 1992, Major Oliver was assigned to the United States Strategic Command as a Strategic Concepts Officer.

Additionally, he developed the course of action to assist the Federal Republic of Germany following the fall of the Berlin Wall. He briefed the COA to the Commander in Chief of the European Theatre to secure approval and coordinate implementation before initiating the plan within twenty-four hours while maintaining a low profile as the German government received credit for the implementation of the plan.

After holding numerous positions in both command and staff, John's final assignment wrote the nuclear strategy for the United States. He presented it to defense commands around the globe, secured approval from the Secretary of Defense and the President for enclosure into the National Strategic Document. This provided the United States with the ability to respond rapidly to decisions made by the President while eliminating several hundred nuclear warheads. John’s impressive dedication and service earned him the Defense Meritorious Medal.

Following his retirement from the military, he started numerous businesses. Arete was a non-profit foundation that focuses on disabled veterans, children’s programs, and women in need. Omnology was an executive management and consulting company. He provided services to executives, managers, and professionals in transition. Additionally, he provided services focused to an individual’s particular circumstances which including small business consulting, mentoring, life coaching, and professional development and instruction.

Medals Major Oliver is Wearing

One Defense Meritorious Service medal

The Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM) is the third-highest award bestowed upon members of the United States military by the United States Department of Defense. In the order of precedence, it is worn between the Purple Heart and the Meritorious Service Medal. The medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in a joint activity, distinguish themselves by non-combat outstanding achievement or meritorious service.

Two Meritorious Service medals

The Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) is a military award presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States

Two Army Commendation Medals

The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces other than general officers. It is a mid-level United States military decoration which is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy.

Two Army Achievement Medals

Achievement Medal is a military decoration of the United States Armed Forces. The Achievement Medal was first proposed as a means to recognize the contributions of military personnel who were not eligible to receive the higher Commendation Medal or the Meritorious Service Medal.