Gordon Matthew Holmes

My dear Mrs. Holmes, Jennifer, Amy, Amanda and Sarah; please accept the condolences of the Troopers of the 11th Armored Cavalry's Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia. Your husband (and father) was a dedicated and courageous warrior, one of us, one of our own. He served honorably in E Troop in the 2nd Squadron in 1966 and 1967 with the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment as the 11th armored cavalry deployed across much of Vietnam. One of the most respected troopers, he was revered as an intrepid leader who inspired bravery and gallantry among the men. Gordon's name will be published in our newsletter, Thunder Run, acknowledged solemnly during the Memorial Service at our annual reunion, this year in Grand Rapids, and enrolled on the scroll of our honored dead. As grateful Americans, we pause and salute a brave man who never ceased to serve his fellow warriors and was willing to sacrifice, and even put his life on the line for his country, his family and his fellow man. Chaplain Bill Karabinos (11th ACVVC).

I have so many wonderful memories of my father. My absolute favorite ones are of my Dad and I laughing and joking together while going on our daily scratch ticket rides. Dad would get the biggest kick out of me yelling at people because of their horrible driving downtown or on the waterfront. I will always remember his smiling face and uncontrollable laughter. In fact that's the reason why I yelled at the horrible drivers, just to make him smile and laugh