It is with great regret and
sorrow that we must inform you of the death of our classmate, Bruce Holmberg, on
January 26, 2009 at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, after a
long and courageous battle with multiple myeloma. Bruce is survived by his
wife, Joan, their daughters, Anne Lauritzen and Leigh Rand, and four
grandchildren.
A graveside service
was held at 1000 hrs on Friday, 6 February 2009 at the West Point Cemetery.
A luncheon followed at the Thayer Hotel.
Bruce graduated from the
United States Military Academy in June 1961 (order of merit 26 of 534) and was
commissioned in the Artillery. He earned his jump wings and Ranger Tab at Ft.
Benning, GA, and, upon completion of the Artillery Officers Basic Course at Ft.
Sill, OK, he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft, Bragg,
NC. Bruce served in Vietnam in 1966-67 and attended the Artillery Advanced
course at Ft. Sill in 1967. After a three year tour in the Tactical Department
at West Point, Bruce received his MBA at Farleigh Dickenson University in 1971.
In addition to serving in several Field Artillery command positions in Korea and
Europe, he graduated from the Armed Forces Staff College and Army War College.
In 1983 Bruce was assigned to the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for
Operations and retired in 1984. His military awards include the following:
Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, three awards of the Meritorious
Service Medal, the Bronze Star with “V” for valor, Bronze Star with 2 oak leaf
clusters, Air Medal, and Army Commendation Medal.
Memorial contributions may be made to the
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation,
383 Main Avenue, 5th Floor,
Norwalk,
CT
06851.
Condolences may be sent to
the family at 1351 Sweet Pea Path, Crownsville, MD 21032-2020.
Well done, Bruce. Be thou at peace.
Tributes:
Article from the Spring
2004 Edition – MYELOMA FOCUS – Newsletter of the MMRF
After being diagnosed with
multiple myeloma in May of 2000,
Bruce Holmberg retired from his job at an engineering firm, determined to live
life to its fullest. Three and a half years later, he's doing just that-beyond
his or his doctor's first expectations and thanks to the help and hope he found
through the MMRF. When Bruce first retired, he thought he would spend his days
skiing and fly-fishing. He hasn't forgotten his love of the great outdoors, he
has found a new passion to occupy his days. Bruce has what he describes as a
"new full-time job." He volunteers for the MMRF and spends months recruiting
myeloma patients to go to Washington and tell their stories to Congress on Blood
Cancer Advocacy Day. It's a job that takes detailed organization, planning, and
great interpersonal skill. "We start in December and work straight through the
summer, recruiting advocates from all over the country and making sure they're
prepared to meet with their Senators and Congressmen." Before sending the
advocates to Capitol Hill, Bruce gives them a "layman's lesson on how to lobby"
and encourages them to tell their personal stories, while asking for
congressional support. In addition to his work with Advocacy Day, he has become
an MMRF "myeloma mentor". He presents his story to pharmaceutical companies,
physician organizations and support groups to spread the information and hope
that has brought him out of retirement'. Thank you Bruce for being such a
valuable MMRF volunteer.
Remembrances:
Class Memorial Pages\C-1 Bruce Holmberg.pdf
Today I received
the sad news that Bruce Holmberg has lost his long and arduous battle with
cancer. He will be missed by his Family, Classmates, close friends, and
those of us he has been working with while volunteering his time and energy
to our Wounded Warrior Mentor Program. A special thanks to Bruce for
everything he has done for our Wounded Warriors - "Well done; Be thou at
peace".
Dick
Buckner '61
Bruce was a real warrior, a
captivating guy, full of energy and a lust for life. I didn't know him for a
long time but came to respect him and admire his courage under unbelievable
set-backs in his fight to beat his disease. I remember him wanting to have both
of his hips replaced at the same time even though he was taking heavy
medications for melanoma. He said he wanted to get back on the ski slopes. I
know I will miss him and think that we have lost a gifted leader and friend.
John Herren '58
Bruce was a special man – an
inspiration to those of us who knew him well. He cared immensely about
everything he did. He fought through pain, sickness, and setbacks like no one I
have known, all with a determined, positive attitude. Our friendship went back
to Beast Barracks days when we met during in “Corps squad screening” for
football. We then spent four years together in adjacent companies, often in the
same academic sections. He was an athlete, scholar, and friend. We’ve lost a
great member of our team.
Cy Shearer '61
Wounded Warrior Mentors,
It is with sadness that I
have to notify all of you that Bruce Holmberg passed away on Jan 26 at Bethesda
Naval a fight of several years with multiple-myeloma. Several of you already
have received word on Bruce's passing but the purpose of the message is to
insure that everyone gets informed.
Bruce came into our
program three years ago when his Class of 61 joined our mentoring program. I
cannot add enough thanks or praise for the many creative efforts and
contributions Bruce added to our program during the next two years before he
had to limit his efforts due to his sickness. Bruce was a unique individual, All
Army leader, avid skier, cyclist and a major 'hands on" worker/leader who made
major contributions to our Program. Since I did not know Bruce before he joined
our program, I was fortunate to observe and learn first hand his talents during
the next two years. On the Army piece, I was fascinated by the his army
career and how he had served in every division in the Army, several in combat..
It turns out he was a Tac at West Point as well. Bruce was an operations officer
type who really jump started the growth of our organization from the small 58
nucleus to what it is today. Our program was the direct beneficiary of
his people, organizational and technical skills learned during his many years as
an Officer in the Army and in a following successful civilian life. His work
with the WW Transition Brigade, the program recruiting effort and his his
mentoring efforts with several severely injured Wounded Warriors were sorely
missed when he had to pull back from the program. We missed him then and his
passing is a major loss to our program.
To Bruce's family and his
wife Joanne we offer our deepest sympathy. We can celebrate his life and have
comfort that he is in a better place.
Lee Miller '58
It was
painfully inspirational to watch Bruce Holmberg courageously refuse to stop
trying to help others. We all saw him struggle to maintain focus and block
out his own suffering so that he could help ease the suffering of our
wounded veterans. At times when most people would just sit down and feel
cheated, Bruce invested the last strength he could muster, caring about everyone
but himself. He is truly a hero.
Bruce and his
family are in my prayers.
Heather Bernard
I can only
second all of your comments. Bruce was one teriffic guy. Just as one example,
who else, with cancer and severe pain in his legs, could lead a motorcycle
escort of two busloads of Walter Reed Wounded Warriors into Gettysburg, as he
did on Memorial Day a year ago. We will dearly miss him. May he rest in peace.
Hank Kenny
'61
In addition to all of us losing a great man, I lost a close and
good friend! I am deeply saddened but will endeavor to carry on his work in his
name.
Jon Dodson
‘68
Bruce,
I did not know you well but through email and family contacts. I know your
struggle though and the sense of security you surrounded your family with.
It is not that you have left us, but what you have left behind you that will be
remembered and allow me to know you more.
Travel safe to your sanctuary.
Wendy Holmberg
Bruce, you will be greatly
missed by Steve and I on our yearly fly fishing trips to the Yellowstone and
Henry's Fork. You always managed not to be skunked and as tough and persistent
as you were we thought you would go on licking this thing as well. I can still
hear you cursing the weeds at Harriman's Ranch! We will always think of you on
our future trips so that you will still be there with us to enjoy one of your
favorite past times. God bless you and keep you always with one more cast to
throw.
Mark Jordan
I have searched for words that
will somehow lessen the blow of Bruce's passing, thinking surely this
word-smith had something to offer, but I find myself seemingly searching in a
bare bin.
Bruce provided well for his family; the recent acquisition of the new house
reflects his devotion in that it is exactly where it needs to be. He had an
awesome career serving his country and even in this day and age there are those
of us who find that most admirable.
I am a firm believer that we live on in another plane or dimension after passing
from this world; I believe that we are here to learn something and no one can
tell you what that is. If we have learned we go on, if we haven€™t we come b!
ack, not as Bruce, but with innate talents as someone new until we learn what is
required. Bruce was a quick study, knew early on what he wanted and gave it all
the gusto it required of him; I wish I could have done that.
I had the opportunity to pass on some thoughts about how one could deal with
trauma, learned from my own bouts with that, and one thing he especially liked
was just another battle, and I am Warrior!
So, my brother, check on Mom and Dad, all your loved ones passed, save me a seat
and I will see you when I get there.
Don Holmberg
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Obituaries:
HOLMBERG Col. Bruce P. Holmberg USA (Ret.) Passed
away on January 26, 2009. Born in 1939 in St. Paul MN, he was the son of the
late Donald and Betty Holmberg. He graduated from the United States Military
Academy in 1961 and proudly served his country until retirement in 1984 when
he and his family made their home in Rockville, MD. He was a devoted
volunteer for the Multiple Myeloma Cancer Research Foundation, the Ski
Liberty Ski Patrol, where he served as director, and the Wounded Warrior
Mentor Program at Walter Reed Army Hospital. His loving family includes his
wife, Joan D. Holmberg; his daughter, Anne Lauritzen, her husband Brian and
children Daniel and Kristen; daughter, Leigh Rand, her husband David and
children Matthew and Allie. He is also survived by his devoted sister and
brother, Kristen Behan of Washington and Donald Holmberg, Jr. of Texas.
Services and burial will take place at West Point, NY on Friday, February 6
at 10 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Myeloma
Research Foundation (MMRF), 383 Main Avenue, 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851.
Published in The Washington Post on 1/30/2009
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Assembly/Taps Memorial Article:

Bruce P. Holmberg
1961
Cullum No. 23307-1961 | January
26, 2009 | Died in
Bethesda, MD
Interred in West Point Cemetery, NY
Bruce Peter Holmberg was born to serve. His life story reflects his
intense and total commitment to excellence in service to our nation and its
institutions and his devotion to his family and friends. He was both brilliant
and committed, intense and eclectic, thoughtful and outspoken, a gifted
patriot who pursued a unique path throughout his life.
Bruce was born February 20, 1939 in St. Paul, MN to a
military family. He attended high school in Paris, France, in the period of
his fathers service there during the post-World War II occupation. As a West
Point cadet, his extraordinary talents were quick to emerge. He wore academic
stars, was selected as a cadet regimental captain and was on the
intercollegiate swimming, lacrosse and track teams. He was commissioned from
West Point as a second lieutenant in 1961, choosing Field Artillery, since his
father was also an Artillery officer. During his military career he served in
six divisions: the 82nd Airborne, the 24th Infantry, the 1st Infantry, the 2nd
Infantry, the 7th Infantry and the 3rd Infantry. He held command positions in
all six divisions, from battery commander to division artillery commander. He
was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star for
valor; three additional Bronze Stars and three Meritorious Service Medals,
plus the Air Medal and Army Commendation Medal. He completed his assignment at
division level as 3rd Infantry Division chief of staff in Wurzburg, Germany
and then reported to the Pentagon to serve as assistant to the Armys G-3.
During his military career he also attended all the appropriate career
schools, including Airborne (Senior Parachute Wings), Ranger, advanced
Artillery course (an honor graduate), Nuclear Weapons, Armed Forces Staff
College in Virgina and the Army War College in Pennsylvania. While serving as
a company tactical officer and regimental S-1 at USMA, he earned an MBA from
Fairleigh Dickinson University. On his retirement, Bruce became executive VP
and partner in an automotive crash safety engineering firm. In this position,
he approved contracts addressing improvements in safety for occupants of Army
ground vehicles.
Its a cold January day, 1961, and the Corps of Cadets
has traveled to Washington, DC to march in President John F. Kennedys
inaugural parade. It was on this weekend that Bruce met his future wife, Joan
Davis, a junior at the University of Maryland. After her graduation they were
married at Fort Myer, VA, in June 1962. Joan, a native Marylander and always
an enthusiastic Maryland supporter, returned to the University of Maryland to
teach after Bruces retirement from the Army. Bruce and Joan were married for
46 years before his passing and have two daughters, Anne and Leigh, both of
whom married military officers. After graduating from William and Mary in
Virginia, Anne went on to become an Army Intelligence officer. Bruce was
always proud of his daughters, sons-in-law, Brian and David, and his four fine
grandchildren: Daniel, Kristen, Matthew and Allie.
Bruces activities, interests and hobbies reflected his
lively intellect, zest for challenges, and wide-ranging talents. He joined the
National Ski Patrol and was the Liberty Mountain Patrol director for several
terms and also served as the Liberty Mountain Patrol representative to the
Wounded Warrior Skiing and Snowboarding Program. In addition, Bruce was also a
mentor in the West Point Wounded Warrior Program at Walter Reed Army Hospital
in Washington, DC. He was nationally recognized for his volunteer efforts
supporting the Multiple Myeloma Cancer Research Foundation and traveled around
the United States speaking as a multiple myeloma survivor to groups of
patients and medical personnel. Ever adventurous, he belonged to a motorcycle
club that rode in the annual DC area Memorial Day Parade as part of Rolling
Thunderhe loved his Harley! His daring ventures didnt end on the groundhe
also piloted his own airplane. An avid fly-fisherman, he made annual
excursions to enjoy fishing the rivers of Yellowstone National Park in
Wyoming. With friends who also practiced archery, they hunted carp with bow
and arrows in the roiling waters of Great Falls, VA. Bruce was also a highly
skilled craftsman who created fine furniture in his extensive basement
woodworking shop, and family members will treasure the furniture he designed
and built, such as their elegant dining room table, for generations to come.
His grown daughters still cherish the Victorian doll house he created for them
when they were little girls.
Bruce contracted a deadly form of blood cancer, multiple
myeloma, after retirement from the Army; its suspected that it resulted from
his time in Vietnam during the war. Although he felt blessed to enjoy several
years in remission after the initial diagnosis, he died at Bethesda Naval
Hospital (now Walter Reed National Military Medical Center) on January 26,
2009, with family at his side. This warrior had bravely and forcefully
confronted a terrible disease and set the standard for courage in adversity.
He is now at peace and buried at West Point. Simply summarizing Bruce
Holmbergs amazing biography does not do justice to this talented and
brilliant man. He was one of a kind who left this life too early, with so much
more he wanted to accomplish.
Written by classmate Bob Rosenkranz in collaboration with Joan
Holmberg
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