CSM Larry (Ret.) Holland, US Army, Selection Committee Chair inspired the club with his stirring and moving report on the efforts of Project 'Helping a Hero', October 4, 2011. 26 homes have been built thus far for returning disabled heroes from Afghanistan and Iraq. Partnering with local builders and a National ADA consulting firm, the project builds homes from the ground up, incorporating the latest in ADA technology. A typical home starts at $200,000 to $250,000 base and then $100,000 plus is added to the cost as all enhancements are integrated.The project differs from others, in that it treats the Vet's whole life, offering financial counselling and assistance in the intricacies of owning and maintaining a home. A very worthwhile project, and a very engaging talk. Thank you Larry.

To learn more of this fabulous project visit:  www.helpingahero.org  

CSM Larry (Ret.) Holland, US Army, Selection Committee Chair: Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Lawrence W. Holland was the seventh Senior enlisted Advisor assigned to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. He was responsible for advising the Assistant Secretary and staff on enlisted affairs of the 1.2 million military personnel of the Reserve which includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and the Army and Air National Guard. He also serves as the Chairman of the Department of Defense Reserve Forces Senior Enlisted Advisory Council.

CSM (Ret.) Holland was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 15, 1947. He began his military career in May of 1969 by joining the Army Reserves. In September of the same year he transferred to Active Duty and was assigned to HQ, US Army Security Agency-Pacific. During this time, he completed the Army's Basic Leaders Course. After three years, in October of 1972, CSM Holland joined a reserve component - 312th MI D (Bde) New Orleans, LA.

CSM (Ret.) Holland has served in numerous leadership positions from squad leader to Command Sergeant Major and in various staff positions throughout his career as a proud member of the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers, living up to the two most basic responsibilities of an NCO - accomplishment of the mission and the welfare of his soldiers. His assignments include: SGM positions with the 301st MI Bn, 377th TAACOM. His CSM positions include the 549th MI Bn, 75th USA MAC, HHC, 75th Div (E), 363rd Corps Support Group, 647th Area Support Group, the 164th Corps Support Group, and Command Sergeant Major of the 63rd Regional Readiness Command. In 2002 he completed an eight-month rotation in Uzbekistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

CSM (Ret.) Holland's military education includes a variety of communications and military intelligence courses. He is a graduate of the US Army Sergeant Major Course (CSMD-Course). Along with his thirty-seven years of military service and extensive military education he also holds two Associates degrees, a Baccalaureate in Commercial Science, and a Masters in Business Management.

His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Medal with 4th Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal with DSS, GWOT-Expeditionary Medal, GWOT-Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon number 4, Overseas Ribbon, and the Army Service Ribbon.

He is married to Kimberly K. Holland who has returned 15JAN04 from Afghanistan and lives in Houston, Texas. Their son, Dustin McCarty, resides in Iowa Park, TX.