[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S2233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL ARTHUR HOLMES

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a true 
patriot, a dedicated public servant, and a lifelong defender of the 
United States: Major General Arthur Holmes.
  Major General Holmes celebrates his 95th birthday this month. As 
such, I would like to honor his distinguished career of service to the 
United States. Major General Holmes was a founding member of my U.S. 
Service Academy Advisory Board and served over 20 years as its leader. 
In that capacity, he played a key role in advising me on the 
nominations of the young men and women who will enter the service 
academies and become the future military leaders of our Armed Forces. 
Major General Holmes carried out his duties with thoughtfulness, 
integrity, and a deep understanding of the qualities that are required 
to serve our country in this significant way. I am grateful to him for 
his two decades of service on my advisory board.
  Our country owes Major General Holmes immense thanks for his devoted 
service to our community and Nation in a myriad of ways.
  Arthur Holmes, Jr., was born on May 12, 1931, in Decatur, AL. He 
earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Hampton University and 
his master's degree in business administration from Kent State 
University in Ohio. Major General Holmes is also a graduate of the 
Naval War College.
  Major General Holmes began his military career through the Reserve 
Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Program and was commissioned as a 
second lieutenant in 1952. He served in both the Korean and Vietnam 
wars, holding various positions, including maintenance battalion 
commander, member of the Logistics Directorate for the Joint Chiefs of 
Staff, and chief of ordnance branch at the U.S. Army Personnel Center. 
Major General Holmes made history as the first combat service support 
officer to serve as executive officer to the Secretary to the Army. 
Holmes later commanded the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command. He 
retired as a commanding general, earning the Legion of Merit, the 
Bronze Star Medal, and the Distinguished Service Medal.
  Major General Holmes also contributed 12 years of tremendous service 
to Maryland's Montgomery County. He served as the director of Go 
Montgomery!--an agency dedicated to implementing the county's master 
transportation plan--before assuming the role as director for the 
department of transportation. Notably, he worked to significantly 
improve transportation infrastructure surrounding Walter Reed National 
Military Medical Center after the Base Realignment and Closure Act of 
2005.
  In all his endeavors, Major General Holmes has been continually 
strengthened by the faithful partnership of his wife Wilma Holmes, with 
whom he has enjoyed 47 years of marriage. He is also supported by his 
daughters Deborah Cook and Sharon Key; his stepdaughters Sharon and 
Ricki Fairley; and six loving grandchildren--all of whom are his pride 
and joy.
  In short, Major General Arthur Holmes is an American hero. I am 
honored to call him not only my constituent but also my friend, and I 
am truly grateful for all that he has done to make a difference in our 
community and in our Nation. I had the privilege of his leadership on 
my academy advisory board, and I know that his contributions will 
continue to guide the board in the years to come. I ask my colleagues 
to join me in thanking this outstanding American for all that he has 
done for our country.

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