SALUTE TO OUR FALLEN AND MISSING BROTHERS AND SISTERS
THE VIETNAM MEMORIAL WALL HAS 58,256 NAMES INSCRIBED ON IT. 8 OF THOSE NAMES ARE WOMEN. THE STATUS OF MIA HAS CHANGED SINCE THE ORIGINAL TOTAL OF 2,583 MISSING WERE POSTED. THIS IS DUE TO THE EFFORTS AND SUCCESSES IN FINDING AND RETURNING REMAINS HOME. THIS PAGE IS DEDICATED IN HONOR AND MEMORY OF OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS.
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In March 1972 I returned to US after completing a total of 36 months in Vietnam and was assigned to Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. I was at the PX and noticed the kiosk with the POW-MIA bracelets and began to look at them searching for an Hispanic name. The first one I found bore the name of CWO Luis G. Holguin from California, MIA 03 Jan '71. I didn't know CWO Holguin but I would have liked to. I wore the bracelet everyday for over twenty years but it began to thin out and get sharp edges. I took it off and only wore it on special holidays such as Memorial Day, POW-MIA Day and Veterans Day.
Approximately 5-6 months ago I Googled hs name and found a site with a guestbook so I posted a message in his honor. In October 2007, to my surprize I received an email from one of his sisters, Josie. Along with her email she included a photo of her brother Luis. It was a great feeling to finally have a face to go with the name I had looked at so many times and wondered if he had been found. To my chagrin he is still missing.
I told Josie that is she was ever in San Antonio to call me so that we could meet. I later found out that she and some of her family would be in San Antonio and I offered to give them the bracelet. My wife and I met with Luis' 4 wonderful sisters Josie, Alicia, Cruz and Celia (PHOTOS TO BE POSTED) for dinner and some great conversation On 17 November 2007 and the bracelet was given to his sisters. It seemed as as if we have known each other forever.
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