STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Earlier this year, Robert and Linda Ollis received what they had been working toward for over a decade — the Medal of Honor for their son SSG Michael H. Ollis. On Tuesday, they were honored for their own service as civilians.
A ceremony led by Borough President Vito Fossella, a Republican, recognized the New Dorp couple for their work helping military families and educating young people through the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation.
In doing so, Fossella presented them with the 2025 Albert V. Maniscalco Community Service Award, which honors civic-minded Staten Islanders who have dedicated their lives to their community.
“We decided that this year — especially coming on the heels of The Medal of Honor offered posthumously to Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis — the Maniscalco award would go to Bob and Linda Ollis,” said Fossella in kicking off the ceremony. “You don’t just carry on Michael’s legacy. You do it with grace, humility, a tradition rooted in just a sense of service for others, and we will never forget Michael’s sacrifice.”…