[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 130 (Saturday, August 5, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         CELEBRATING SGT. MAJ. PHILLIP HOLMES ON HIS RETIREMENT

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                       HON. ESTEBAN EDWARD TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 4, 1995
  Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sgt. Maj. Phillip 
J. Holmes, who is retiring after 30 years of distinguished service to 
the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.
  Sergeant Major Holmes entered the Marine Corps in July 1962 and 
served with distinction until December 1965. Upon his release from 
active duty he returned to his native Wisconsin. However, in August 
1971, a call to duty resulted in his reenlistment with the Marines as a 
reservist with F Company, 2d Battalion, 24th Marines, USMCR Milwaukee, 
WI.
  In July 1973, he moved to Whittier, CA. Sergeant Major Holmes moved 
through the ranks of the Marine Corps Reserves quickly. He was promoted 
to sergeant, August 1972, staff sergeant, October 1974, gunnery 
sergeant, May 1978, 1st sergeant, January 1984, and finally to sergeant 
major in January 1990.
  Throughout his tenure with the Marine Reserves he also has been an 
active member of the Whittier community. With five children who grew up 
and attended Whittier Union High School, Sergeant Major Holmes and his 
lovely wife Barbara, were supportive and involved parents in many 
school activities.
  Sergeant Major Holmes also earned various awards and honors for his 
service to our country. He was presented with the Marine Corps Good 
Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, 
National Defense Medal with Four Stars, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, 
Navy Unit Commendation Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation 
with One Star.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I thank Sergeant Major 
Holmes for his years of service to our country, and ask that my 
colleagues join me in wishing him continued success in all his future 
endeavors.


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