Col. Rolland A. Koreski, USA, Ret.

Col. Rolland Andrew Koreski passed on April 16, 2026, at the age of 91. Born in Seattle, Washington, Rolland was a longtime resident of Saint Simons Island, Georgia. To his friends, he was affectionately known as Rolly or simply “The Colonel”.

His life was defined by his selfless dedication to family and Country. Those fortunate enough to have known him will remember his love, overwhelming generosity and the support of our great nation and those that served it.

Rolly served in the US Army for 30 years and remained a true soldier at heart for his lifetime. Orders took him to many duty stations across the Continental US, Far East and Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. Some career highlights:

➢A tour of duty with 1st Cavalry Division in Korea at the DMZ.

➢Served with the 1st Air Cavalry Division in Vietnam. Participated in five campaigns including: The TET Offensive, the battle of Hue and the relief of the Marines at Khe Sanh.

➢Commanded a Battalion of the 3rd Infantry Division in Germany.

➢Commanded a Brigade of the 24th Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, GA.

➢Served on the Army General Staff in the Pentagon.

➢Served as Chief of Staff, Logistics, reactivating 3rd Army and establishing Army Central Command for Middle East Operations.

His accomplishments were numerous and acknowledged by being awarded the:

➢Legion of Merit

➢Bronze Star Medal

➢Meritorious Service Medal (awarded 5 times)

➢Army General Staff Badge

➢Presidential Unit Citation

➢Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry

➢Numerous other commendations, service medals and Combat Support citations

A Graduate of the Army’s Command and General Staff College, the US Army War College, the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and numerous service schools. Rolly acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

Family was his greatest source of pride and joy. Rolly was a consummate family man. He and Kathleen Koreski raised five children that, along with their spouses, reside in Georgia and Montana. Rolly is survived by Kathleen Koreski, Erin Koreski Jarrett, Chris Koreski, Anna Koreski Crowe, Benjamin Koreski and Creighton Koreski and their spouses Rick Jarrett, Pamela Koreski and Mark Crowe. Also, five grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren and his loyal sidekick Georgie. Family was his #1 priority and always came first. An incredible father who will be fondly remembered for his constant love, support…and his “dad jokes”. To his kids, he signed-off every conversation with, “Make sure you call your Mom!” – now a cherished memory. Rolly was quick to share a joke, a story and enjoyed going to all his favorite spots around Saint Simons.

He will be sorely missed. We are all thankful for being blessed with such an honorable and dedicated father, friend and hero. May God bless you.