Staff Reports
The Moultrie Observer
MOULTRIE —
A longtime volunteer for veterans causes is being recognized with the highest honor of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Col. Hoyt Holland of Moultrie has received the DAR Medal of Honor, the most prestigious honor awarded by the National Society DAR, according to the John Benning Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution — the Moultrie chapter of the organization.
The local community is invited to a reception in Holland’s honor, hosted by the DAR, 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, at the Federation of Women’s Clubhouse, 1155 Second St. S.E.
Holland will be awarded his medal by state DAR Regent Sally McGlaun Baldwin May 4 at the Georgia State Society DAR Conference in Augusta.
Hoyt Lester Holland was born in Moultrie June 25, 1929. His parents were Joy S. and A. L. Holland. He grew up in Moultrie and attended public school, graduating in 1946.
In 1950 he enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the Korean War as a radio operator and tank commander. Upon his discharge from active duty, he returned to Moultrie where he still resides with his wife Faye; he remained in the U. S. Army Reserves and attended military schools to advance in the service.
Holland retired as a colonel after 35 years of service, receiving numerous U. S. decorations and badges. He has also served as president of the Department of Georgia Reserve Officers Association and in 1981 was inducted into the Brigade of Volunteers for Reserve Officers Association.
Holland assisted in the founding of a weekly project to transport veterans in South Georgia and North Florida to and from the Veterans Administration Hospital in Lake City, Fla., a 100-mile route. When a new bus was needed, he spearheaded the campaign to raise more than $65,000.
“The fact that he continues to drive the bus and manage the upkeep of this vehicle — having it stocked weekly with food and supplies, so that no veteran is ever turned away — shows extraordinary trustworthiness,” remarked the DAR chapter in a press release about the upcoming reception. “Holland has further made extraordinary contributions to his fellowman by being instrumental in the forming of a group which participates in serving and honoring veterans.”
In July 2005 a delegation of 155 Korean War veterans from the 16 nations who took part in that conflict returned to Korea to dedicate a memorial and cemetery to those who died there. Holland was chosen by the United Nations Peace Force of the Korean War Memorial Foundation as one of 10 American representatives to attend.
“He has made lasting contributions to the lives of young people in our community by being instrumental in securing the USMC JROTC in our local high school,” the DAR said.
Holland has served on the board of deacons at his church, chairman of the local school board, executive board of Colquitt County Museum of History, and as an ambassador for the local Chamber of Commerce. As a tribute to his contributions to the community, he was selected as Man of the Year for 2007.
“At his present age of 82, Holland continues to give generously, making extraordinary contributions to mankind,” the DAR said. “He is an individual who loves his God, his family, and his country, and shows it by the work of his hands.”
