THE WALL OF FACES

May this remembrance find you in the eternal Holy Kingdom of our Lord.

Today is the 53rd anniversary of Lt(jg) Michael Hollingsworth, CEC, USNR’s passing. I was blessed to know Michael briefly. In October 1967, Michael’s “Seabee” battalion, NMCB-128 relieved by battalion, NMCB-133 at Camp Faulkner north of China Beach, Danang, Vietnam. I was Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of 133’s delay party. Myself and five Seabees stayed behind to ensure all of my battalion’s sea cargo was correctly loaded and shipped back to the states for refurbishment. Mike slept two bunks away from me in the five person officers hut we shared. We were shipmates who became friends during the month I stayed there. He was a wonderful guy. He was my unofficial liaison officer. He made sure my team was looked after and supported. Well the day came and it finally was time to leave. He took me and my team to Danang Airport to board our flight home. We said our goodbyes on about November 17, 1967.
I lost six friends in the Vietnam War. No one made my heart weep more than learning of Michael’s passing. I remember him weekly and have lived my life in remembrance of Michael and the others. I have never had a bad day because Michael never had the opportunity to have a bad day. Michael I have lived a good and Christian life all these years especially in honor of you (and the others). I have learned to love you like a brother. I look forward to being reunited with you in heaven someday. Rest in Peace shipmate. LCDR Bruce Kincaid, SC, USN(Ret).

Mike - I miss you - your spirit comes in and out of my life. It's Christmas Eve and I have two sons - I'd give anything for them to experience your wisdom and humanity. God Bless - I will be 80 soon and I hope to be with you in the next life.

The day I got the call from Mike's family, I cried and had to leave work. I drove up to West Palm and participated in the ceremony as a family member. I have had two "BFF's". One is still living and lives far away from where I live in Texas. The other is Mike who lives in my heart. We had political plans after his service. We wanted to continue the political partnership we forged at the University of Florida into Florida Politics. It's a sad day for me because I have the need to talk with him today, however that's not be until I cross the other side, If I am lucky he will be there. He was a One and Only and everyone whose life it touched is a better person today.

Dear Lt -JG Michael Hollingsworth, Thank you for your service as a Staff Corps - Civil Engineering (Reserve). This week is Independence Day, and there is no better time to honor you. Please watch over the USA, it still needs your strength. Rest in peace with the angels.