Saranac Lake, NY, Apr 18, 2012 — One of the uncomfortable truths about the terror attacks on 9/11 is that some families have carried a far greater burden during the months and years that followed. The Olsen family, from Saranac Lake, have spent much of the last decade separated; Chaplain Eric Olsen first mobilized for duty at ground zero in New York City, then for war in Iraq.

In a special documentary production aired for the 10th anniversary of the terror attack, Brian Mann produced a special documentary telling the story of how 9/11 shaped the lives of Eric and Susan Olsen, and their sons Garth and Evan.

This first aired Sept. 12, 2011. It recently won an Edward R. Murrrow award for best radio documentary.  Go to full article

Saranac Lake, NY, Sep 12, 2011 — One of the uncomfortable truths about the terror attacks on 9/11 is that some families have carried a far greater burden during the months and years that followed.

The Olsen family, from Saranac Lake, have spent much of the last decade separated; Chaplain Eric Olsen first mobilized for ground zero, then for war in Iraq.

In a special documentary production, Brian Mann tells Eric Olsen's story, as well as how 9/11 shaped the lives of Susan Olsen, and their sons Garth and Evan.  Go to full article

Saranac Lake, NY, Aug 11, 2010 — Artists from Clayton to Clinton County are enjoying the outdoors with paint brush and easel this summer. "Plein Air" is a French expression which means "in the open air", and is used to describe the act of painting outdoors. Adirondack artists Susan Olsen and Sandy Hildreth share their love of painting on location. Todd Moe spoke with them about the Adirondack Plein Air Festival in Saranac Lake. It starts Thursday, August 19th in the village.  Go to full article

Saranac Lake, NY, Sep 11, 2009 — Artist Susan Olsen grew up in the Adirondacks. She's an arts organizer, and owns and runs Borealis Color, an art and hobby supply shop in Saranac Lake. She's also created an arts blog, called "Art Throb", where she shares art news, events, profiles and ideas online. Susan spoke with Todd Moe about using her blog and business to encourage more art in her community and the world.  Go to full article

Saranac Lake, NY, Aug 06, 2009 — The National Guard has solved its recruiting problem, for the most part, finding plenty of rank-and-file soldiers willing to sign up. But here in New York and across the country reserve units are struggling to find enough clergy willing to serve as chaplains. All the Guard services are scrambling to bring more religious into their ranks, but the Army National Guard has the deepest shortage. In New York, only 8 out of 24 chaplain's posts are filled. And there are no Roman Catholic priests serving in the Army Guard despite the fact that nearly half the soldiers are Catholic. Brian Mann sat down to talk about the problem with Colonel Eric Olsen from Saranac Lake. He's the state chaplain for New York's State Division of Military Affairs.  Go to full article

Dec 30, 2005 — On January 2nd, 2005, six hundred and seventy soldiers with the 2nd of the 108th National Guard battalion celebrated their return from the war in Iraq with a ceremony at Fort Drum. They also remembered three of the unit's reservists who didn't make it home. Lt. Colonel Eric Olsen served as a chaplain at a base north of Bagdad and also volunteered for North Country Public Radio, keeping a series of audio diaries. Olsen has been home in Saranac Lake for a full year now, with his wife Susan and his sons Garth and Evan. Olsen sat down this week with Brian Mann to talk about returning to civilian life, a hard transition for many reservists.  Go to full article

Dec 31, 2004 — This weekend more than six hundred New York National Guard soldiers serving with the 2nd of the 108th infantry battalion will return home from Iraq. A ceremony will be held Sunday afternoon at MaGrath Gymnasium at Fort Drum. Brian Mann reports.  Go to full article

Oct 05, 2004 — Since March, Army chaplain Eric Olsen has been sending audio diaries from Iraq. A Major with New York's National Guard, Olsen was was home in Saranac Lake recently for two weeks of R&R. He sat down with Brian Mann to talk about life on the front lines inside the Sunni Triangle. Also, about the experience of visiting his wife Susan and his sons, Garth and Evan.  Go to full article

Oct 04, 2004 — As the fighting in Iraq continues, National Guard soldiers from New York have been returning home for two weeks of much-needed R&R. In his audio diary this week, chaplain Eric Olsen travels back to Saranac Lake. He describes wonderful autumn days, spent with his wife Susan and his sons Garth and Evan. But Major Olsen says every joy and experience has been burdened with the knowledge that he'll soon be shipping out again.  Go to full article

Sep 27, 2004 — New York's National Guard is hoping to maintain morale in Iraq by shipping soldiers home for two-week vacations. Half-way through his deployment north of Baghdad, Major Eric Olsen made the journey back to see his family in Saranac Lake. Along the way he talked with other north country soldiers about their holiday plans He sent this audio postcard.  Go to full article