R.I.P. Spc. David A. Holmes

Army Spc. David A. Holmes
Died June 26, 2010 serving during Operation Enduring Freedom

34, of Tennille, Ga.; assigned to 810th Engineer Company, Georgia National Guard, Swainsboro, Ga.; died June 26 at Sayed Abad, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.

(The following was taken from 13wmaz.com of July 10, 2010) Family and friends said goodbye to Sergeant David Alexander Holmes on Friday afternoon.

Holmes died in June after an explosive hit his vehicle during a routine mission.

Crowds gathered outside New Birth Christian Ministries in Tennille to pay their respects to the National Guardsman they call a hero. More than 300 people attended the services.

"He's a fallen hero and I think a lot of him and what he did for our country," says Vietnam Veteran Ted Thompson.

Thompson and other lined the streets and paths leading to the church holding American flags. He said while he did not know Holmes personally, he wanted to honor his memory.

During the funeral, songs and stories from friends comforted the family.

The military awarded Holmes with the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart, which were given to Holmes' family members.

Following the funeral, a burial service was held at the Georgia Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Milledgeville.

On the way to the site cars drove under an arch formed by the two city fire department engines ladders with a flag hanging in the air. Veterans held flags along the street as well.

Friends remember Holmes as being one of the most outgoing and friendly people they have ever met. Many spoke of his love for his family and dedication to any task he set out to accomplish.

"Those who know him know what I'm talking about; they'll miss him just as much as I do. He'll be remembered and he'll be missed," said Devan Hampton, who worked in the same unit as Holmes.

Holmes served his county in the Marines, Navy, and Georgia National Guard. He also worked at Washington State Prison.

34-year-old Holmes leaves behind a wife and four children.