News of Chad

  • May 22, 2008 - Authorities have released the identity of the Marine found dead
    in a barracks room at Twentynine Palms Marine base earlier this week... [ web link ]
  • May 23, 2008 - 21-year old Chad Oligschlaeger, a McNeil High School graduate joined the Marines shortly after graduating in 2004... [ web link ]
  • May 24, 2008 - The Marine, 21 year old Chad Oligschlaeger is a former Carroll High School student. He was found dead earlier this week in his barracks... [ web link ]
  • May 28, 2008 - Chad's Obituary [ PDF File ]
  • May 31, 2008 - Austin American Statesman article [ large PDF ]
  • May 31, 2008 - The autopsy is still pending on 21-year old Marine Corporal Chad Oligschlaeger. His family and friends held the McNeil high school... [ web link ]
  • June 8, 2008 - Carlsbad Current Argus article [ large PDF ]
  • June 15, 2008 - Cpl. Chad Oligschlaeger returned from Iraq in early 2006 haunted by the memory of a fellow Marine he thought he should have saved.... [ web link ]
  • June 15, 2008 - Austin American Statesman article [ very large PDF ]
  • June 16, 2008 - The family of a Marine found dead in his barracks accuses the military of ignoring his obvious problems and calls for help after returning from two tours... [ web link ]
  • August 24, 2008 - Denver Post, The Battle Within videoclip [ web link ]
  • November 27, 2008 - ABC News, Niteline videoclip (right-click video for playback options)
  • June 1, 2009 - A year after corporal's death, family still awaits answers. North Austin family mourns death of Marine who suffered from PTSD... [ web link ] [ large PDF ]
  • October 1, 2009 - Autopsy cites drugs in local marine's death... [ web link ] [ large PDF ]
  • October 24, 2009 - Could this marine have been saved? [ web link ]

Photos of Chad












Notes for Chad


"In loving memory of Cpl. Chad Eric Oligschlaeger, USMC
August 13, 1986 – May 17, 2008
It’s hard to believe it has been two years since god took you home. We still miss you so much, that there are times the pain is almost unbearable. We miss that beautiful smile that lit up the room when you entered, the telephone calls telling us about Iraq and your plans after your service was up, and those wonderful hugs that made us feel like we were the only person you cared about. There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t think of you and shed a tear. You will be in our hearts until the day we die.
With all our love,
Momma, Dad, Chris and family."

"To Chad-
We will miss you! We love you and will honor you! You were a hero, and shall not be forgotten.
With Love,
Jimmy, Andrea, Logan, and Kate" [May 20, 2008]

"I met Chad In my first tour to Ramadi in 2005 and i got to really talk to him before our second tour back to iraq.He had asked me if he didnt find a job in Austin as a firefighter if he could stay with me in Las Vegas if i went to the Las Vegas Pd and i had told him yes he could, but worst things worse, i withdrew from the Las Vegas academy because of stress. I got out the Marines and now in Dallas Police Academy about to graduate.To my good friend Cpl Oligschlaeger u will never be forgotten" [Former Marine Cpl. Daniel Razo - May 20, 2009]

"Thank you, Chad, for being my grandson's brother, buddy, friend, mentor and angel ... your death has not been in vain ... USMCGMa" [Beverly Davis - Oct 7, 2008]

"Chad-
First I just want to thank you for your friendship and all that you have done for me. You may not have known it but you taught me a lot, especially how to be a better person. You were a true leader. I miss you more and more everyday but it comforts me to know that you are able to rest peacefully now. The hardest part about you being gone now is that I never got the chance to thank you for all that you did as a marine. You are my hero CPL. Chad Oligschlaeger. I love you.
Jackie Pena" [Aug 27, 2008]

"Chad Mo, I needed to let you know there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you. I will always cherish the memories of our time together good and bad. You were the child/son I never had and I am so grateful to have had 21 years to experience you. I will forever miss and love you." [Tamara Smith aka Aunt Tam - Thu Aug 7, 2008]

"Hey man, well I just never got to say that I'm glad that I served in Iraq with you more than anyone. You knew that I was new to the whole deployment thing and you took me under your wing and became the best of friends that I had ever had in my Life! You were more than a friend, you became my brother. I love you and miss you dearly!" [Sgt. Tim Clark - Aug 1, 2008]

"Chad, I miss you and wished that I had just one more chance to tell you that I love you, you were more than a nephew to me and your aunt Tam, we both miss you and are very proud to have had you in our lives, thank you Chad Mo." [Byron Smith - Jul 17, 2008]

"My dearest Chad, There will always be a place in my heart for you. I treasure all of the memories I have of your smiling face, young and older--but not as old as it should have been. I'm sure your are glowing in heaven and hooked up with grandpa. I thank you for all you did for the sake of all of our families, friends, and country. I wish you didn't have to serve as you did and could have lived the life you deserved and dreamed about." [Aunt Heidi - Jun 28, 2008]

"Thanks for being a part of our life for your time in AZ. Your smile is etched in my memory. You are missed, Chad." [Catherine - Jun 17, 2008]

"With love and heavy hearts we say goodbye to a wonderful young man. Let his life be remembered and shed light to those in need." [Jimmy, Andrea, Logan, and Kate Phillips - Jun 17, 2008]

"You can rest now Chad." [Leslie Hester - Jun 16, 2008]