Welcome This Teacher Got Returning from Afghanistan Will Help Restore Your Faith
Students at a Layton, Utah, high school were expecting a special speaker on Monday. And they got one, all right: a beloved teacher returning from a deployment to Afghanistan.
According to ABC News’ “Good Morning America,” Andrew Olson is a captain in the Army National Guard who also teaches and coaches at Northridge High in the Utah town.
“With being a teacher, coach and in the military, he lives to serve others,” Olson’s wife, Tina, said of the basketball and football coach.
“He gets the most pride and excitement when he helps people accomplish something,” she said.”
You could tell when he entered the classroom he’d certainly helped a few people accomplish something.
This was the reaction when the students realized they were getting Olson, fresh from Afghanistan, instead of a random guest speaker.
Andrew Tanner, who was in the video, said there was “a moment of disbelief” followed by a “huge wave of excitement” once they realized who it was.
“He’s taught me so much about hard work and commitment,” Tanner told GMA. “He showed that he really cared about my team and their success.
“He set a great example by committing to serve our country.”
While the students were happy to see him, Tina said her husband might have been just as happy to see them.
“He loves them,” she told GMA. “They’re like his little brothers or kids.
“He’s a tough coach, very stern and expects a lot, but I think it helps the kids respect him because they know he does it from love.”
“I know I married him, but he really is amazing,” she added. “He’s a great guy, best dad and sexy husband.”
We’ve seen plenty of footage out there of teachers being mistreated by students (and, quite frankly, teachers who can’t command respect).
Andrew Olson clearly isn’t one of them. A simple glance at that video and you realize this is a man who’s earned that welcome.
He didn’t just earn it by serving in Afghanistan, mind you, although that would be enough. He earned it by going above and beyond in how he teaches these kids — not just about academics, basketball or football, but about life.
As for the kids themselves, their welcome is also worthy of praise. Talk about a hero’s reception. It’s enough to restore your faith in our beloved country.
Our hats are off to you, Captain Olson. You deserve your moment of viral fame and a whole lot more.
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