US Marine Sergeant Paul Joseph Oliver, born May of 1983, of Memphis, Tennessee, beloved son of Ronald and Nancy Oliver; beloved brother of Mary Frances; beloved uncle to Jenna and Nate.
Paul was a graduate of Catholic High School.
Paul graduated from boot camp at Parris Island on Jan. 4, 2002. After making it through the Marines School of Infantry, he was assigned to a sniper platoon as the buildup toward the March 2003 invasion of Iraq began. Paul was with the first group of US Marines to go to Iraq after 9/11.
Because he hadn’t completed sniper training in time for the invasion, Oliver was transferred to the CAAT (combined anti-armor team) platoon of Weapons Company in the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. Set up to destroy tanks, the platoon essentially became a quick-reaction force fighting from Humvees. Oliver and the other men of CAAT platoon immediately bonded. They called him “Ollie” and would go on to serve with him through three deployments over a three-year period. He served as a sniper for the US Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He leaves behind many family members and friends who were like family, especially Pamela Klusmeyer and his fellow Marines. He also leaves behind his devoted and loyal dog, Scout.
Sgt Paul Joseph Oliver lost his battle with PTS and TBI, December 6, 2013. He was 30 years old.
A foundation was started in Paul Oliver’s name.
The Paul Oliver Foundation: Our mission at The Paul Oliver Foundation is to offer veterans, suffering from PTSD and/or Traumatic Brain Injury, the opportunity to turn a shelter dog into their own service animal. www.thepauloliverfoundation.org
Deeply grateful for his service and for all of our armed service members