Joshua Olson
While on patrol with his unit in Iraq in 2003, Sergeant First Class Josh Olson's right leg was struck with a rocket-propelled grenade. During his rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in January 2004, Olson was instrumental in helping to create a vacuum socket for individuals with hip disarticulation allowing for the possibility of a more cosmetic socket. The socket was coined the "Olson Design."
After spending 18 months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Olson received his assignment to the Army Marksmanship Unit at Fort Benning, Ga., where he currently serves as a marksmanship instructor.
In 2004, Olson became the first athlete with a physical disability to be nominated to the Army's World Class Athlete program, six months after receiving the Purple Heart from President George W. Bush.
Olson is a member of the U.S. Paralympics Shooting National Team.
