WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today spoke on the Senate Floor honoring and remembering the life of World War II veteran Olen Mitchell. Olen, 103, died peacefully on December 24, 2024, at Hester Care Center, Hutchinson.

“While Olen was born in Oklahoma, Kansas is the place he called home, and we are honored to call him our own,” said Sen. Moran. “Growing up in western Kansas teaches you a lot about discipline, service and hard work, and I know that Olen's time in Elkhart and Hutchinson, Kansas, taught him valuable lessons.”

“Olen was a hero to his country, his family, his loved ones and his community,” concluded Sen. Moran. “His story will not—and should not—be forgotten. The state of Kansas, our country and the world are forever grateful for his life of service and dedication.”

Click HERE to Watch Sen. Moran’s Full Remarks

Remarks as delivered:

“I rise here on the Senate Floor to recognize a fellow Kansan and to honor the life of a soldier, a servant and a great man—Olen Mitchell.

“While Olen was born in Oklahoma, Kansas was the place he called home, and we are honored to call him our own. Growing up in western Kansas teaches you a lot about discipline, service and hard work, and I know that Olen's time in Elkhart and Hutchinson, Kansas, taught him valuable lessons. The values he learned in western Kansas instilled in him a love of country and taught him to love his neighbors as himself.

“His character was further shaped alongside thousands of other young men like him who fought in World War II. Olen received a Purple Heart after being shot two weeks before D-Day in 1944 during his service in Italy. Even after being injured, he continued his service to his country in the Military Police.

“After his service, Olen received the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantryman Badge and several other medals and service ribbons.

“In June of last year, I had the opportunity to call Olen on the 80th anniversary of D-Day while he was visiting Normandy and seeing the beaches of France. It was my honor to thank him for his service during World War II and to let him know how much of a privilege it was to know him and his story.

“The greatest generation has left a permanent impact on the world, and that is why the loss of another World War II veteran is cause for mourning in this nation and around the globe. We remember not only their grit, sacrifice and bravery but also their kindness, dedication and humility, which have changed communities across America, and in changing those communities, they changed America.

“Olen embodied the compassion, kindness and courage we all remember, and he changed the Hutchinson community for the better. I know every time I was in Hutchinson and had the opportunity to be with him, it was a great experience for me. You could also tell that those around us admired and respected him. He was a pillar in the community, and so often involved in everything good.

“Occasionally, he would drive me in the 4th of July parades, you could tell how the community responded—not to the United States Senator going down Main Street, but how much it meant to them to see their friend, Olen.

“He was a loving husband who was married for 68 years until his wife passed away. Olen was also an uncle, a great uncle and a great-great uncle. Three generations of family and loved ones had an exemplary role model, an inspirational figure who showed them kindness, love and devotion.

“A few times a year, veterans visit Washington, D.C., on Honor Flights, and Olen visited our capital in 2014, 10 years ago. Meeting veterans during these visits brought me great joy. I’m always moved by the veterans who see for themselves the memorial built to honor their comrades and themselves.

“My own father was able to see the World War II Memorial. Before he saw it, I called him to tell him about it. So, I am at the World War II Memorial with my flip phone, I call my dad at home in Kansas to tell him that I love him; I respect him, and I thank him for his service. I’ve told this story before: my dad then calls me back and says, ‘Gerald, you left me a voicemail, but I didn’t understand it. Would you repeat it?’

“Olen is no longer in a position where I can tell him what I told my dad, nor is my dad. So, on behalf of all of us, we again say to Olen and all of his comrades: we love you; we respect you, and we thank you for your service.

“After Olen’s passing, the Kansas Honor Flight Foundation shared in their post, ‘Heaven needed a hero just in time for Christmas.’

“Olen was a hero to his country, his family, his loved ones, and his community. His story will not—and should not—be forgotten. The state of Kansas, our country and the world are forever grateful for his life of service and dedication.

“Olen, thank you for your life of service. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for being such a great member of a great family.”

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