Mike Holden with Capt. Larry Taylor
Decorated Army Combat Veteran Mike Holden will be laid to rest next Monday at the Chattanooga VA National Cemetery at 12:30. SSSG Holden, who died unexpectedly on Oct. 10, will be remembered for dedicated service to his country. The North Carolina native was always willing to share his Vietnam experiences; he was there at the height of the war in 1968.
I first met the Staff Sergeant after joining Chapter 203 of Vietnam Veterans of America and would always sit at his table. SSG Holden saved his uniform and medals of the war; he had collected documents and maps from his time in the Southeast Asia country and was completing a manuscript for a book, “Told To Go.”
He was proud of meeting General William Westmoreland in 1971 while visiting a restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina. Mr. Holden said a few minutes later the General introduced him to LTC Colin Powell.
SSG Holden is one of many who helped make happen CPT Larry Taylor's Congressional Medal of Honor. Mr. Holden escorted the Army pilot to the White House to receive his high award. His longtime friend coordinated media events and helped with the parade honoring Capt. Taylor in downtown Chattanooga.
After the army, Mr. Holden had an extensive career in furniture sales and marketing before retiring.
Fellow Vietnam veterans will miss the Sergeant at the monthly meetings. I found a picture of one of his last meetings with his good friend Capt. Taylor reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Perhaps we didn’t say thank you enough to Mike Holden for his hard work and service to our country.
Hamilton Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Earl Freudenberg