Edward H Bolen of Chittenango, NY, was born in Syracuse, NY and graduated from Chittenago HS in 2003. He was confirmed at St Patricks Church. He was the Captain of the Football and Baseball Teams as well as having bowled, competed in track & field, and wrestled.
He was a cellist in the All-County Orchestra and an avid golfer. He attended college at St. John Fisher and studied business at SUNY-Cortland. He enlisted in the Army in 2006 rising to the rank of Sergeant in B. Co., 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry, 10th Mountain Division.
"Ed was a tremendous athlete, which I think was largely due to his dedication. Ed didn't do ANYTHING halfway. I considered myself a decent chess player until the first time I played Ed." Jeremy Wolford, schoolmate.
"He always made us laugh and his smile is engraved in our minds forever." Sharon Schantz
"I will never forget his smile, his warm heart and his zest for life." Laurice Rau-McAllister, neighbor.
"Ed was noble and brave, always looking out for and protecting the people he cared about. Ed was one of my favorite people...he had the greatest ability at making you smile. And his smile lit up the whole room." Rachel Henderson.
"My heart bursts with pride to call you my son." Walter Bolen, father. "He wasn’t afraid to fight the good fight. He’d stand up for the underdog. He did everything in the spirit of fun, it didn’t matter what it was.”
"I remember well Ed's positive attitude, sense of humor, and dedication." Mike Fischer, coach.
He arrived at Ft Polk in June 2007 and deployed to Iraq that year. He deployed to Afghanistan in October 2010.
"He lost a great team leader and a good friend." SSG Jason Westerlind, 10th Mountain Div.
He had graduated the Emergency Medical Technical Basic Course. His goals were to graduate college and join the New York City Fire Department.
"“He was kind of looking forward to that. He had a strong desire to be a firefighter and continue his avenue of service.” Walter Bolen, father.
His Awards and Decorations included: the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NATO Medal, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and a Presidential Citation of Army Valorous Unit Award.
He is survived by his wife Andrea Perez Bolen; his parents, Walter and Jeanine Hafner Bolen of Menifee, CA; his brother, Thomas Bolen of CA; his sister, Clare Bolen, his maternal grandmother, Eleanor Hafner of Chittenango; his mother and father-in law, Joanne and Frank Perez of Blauvelt, NY.
He was remembered at Chittenango Central High School and American Legion Post #1287 and laid to rest November 20, 2010 at Oakwood Cemetary in Chittenango.