[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 124 (Thursday, September 26, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1661-E1662]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING AN AMERICAN HERO: HAROLD “BUTCH” HOLDEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 25, 2002

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Harold 
“Butch” Holden upon his retirement after 34 years as a Boys 
& Girls Clubs of America professional. After working his way 
through college in various positions with the San Diego and El Cajon 
Clubs, Butch launched a Boys & Girls Club career marked by great 
success and accomplishment. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America is 
losing a great man.
  Over the years, Butch ran Clubs in Lewiston, Idaho; Anchorage, 
Alaska; Portland, Oregon; and, Santa Barbara County, California. He 
then was named Pacific Regional Vice President for Boys & Girls 
Clubs of America's national office, where he was responsible for the 
development and oversight of hundreds of local Clubs, serving hundreds 
of thousands of young people. From 1996 to present day, he closed out 
his career by building an organization consisting of nine Clubs now 
known as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon. All along the 
way, Butch has guided and looked after the young people in his Clubs as 
if they were his own children.

[[Page E1662]]

  From 1967 to 1971, Butch served our country as a member of the U.S. 
Marine Corps, rising to the rank of Captain. He served two tours in 
Vietnam as a Platoon Leader and Company Commander, and was awarded the 
Silver Star for gallantry in action against superior enemy forces, two 
Bronze Stars for valor, three Purple Hearts, a Navy Commendation Medal 
for valor, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with silver star, and the 
Combat Action Ribbon. All of these were personal decorations.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting 
Butch Holden, a true American hero. Butch Holden is a man who has 
served his country in war and in peace. He has truly made it his life's 
mission to make America a better and safer place for our young people. 
Butch Holden has earned our respect and is a shining example of why 
America is the greatest nation on the face of the earth.

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