Soldier lies about rank, war injuries upon returning home

UNDATED (WSAU) The mother of a New London soldier who reportedly misrepresented his injuries, rank, and unit in Afghanistan is still proud of his service.

Army Specialist Jordan Olson was greeted by 60 flag-waving veterans and supporters upon his return to the airport near Appleton over the weekend. According to the Post-Crescent, he told his family and others he hurt his kidneys in a roadside blast while serving as a sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division. And he was reportedly home for further medical evaluation.

But the Army told the paper yesterday it has no record of Olson being hurt, he’s a specialist and not a sergeant, and he was in a Field Artillery regiment instead of an airborne unit. He has not commented, but his mother – Shari Bernhagen – said Olson is not perfect. And she told the Post-Crescent her family had nothing to do with the large welcoming group at the airport.

The Army says Olson will have to work out the discrepancies with his unit when he returns.