PGR of Arizona attended a memorial service here in Tucson for a 29 year old Marine who died after a hard struggle with Leukemia in the last year and a half. He was a two tour Iraq veteran who worked hard and actually asked to be deployed for the second time.
Staff Sgt Joshua Holden 29, Marine/ANG Tucson, Arizona 12, Oct 2007 Short Notice
Staff Sgt. Joshua Holden died two days ago in Tucson. He served until his death in the Arizona National Guard and was deployed with the security forces of the 1-180th Field Artillery unit, based in Mesa. He returned to the US after being diagnosed with leukemia. This was his second deployment, his first with the Marines. Holden returned to Tucson with his unit in June 2003 and began taking classes at Pima Community College. He later got into ballroom dancing and became good enough to be an instructor. He joined the Arizona National Guard in 2004 hoping to return again to Iraq.
In reading the newspaper article on this incredible American I was struck by his exuberance for life, and all the challenges that came with it. His family says he never quit fighting.
It was our priviledge to attend his services and honor this extraordianary young man.
