Rear Admiral Michael L. Holmes, United States Navy, was pinned Thursday afternoon at the opening general assembly starting the thirty-first annual North Carolina Indian Unity Conference in Raleigh.  Admiral Holmes is a Lumbee Indian from Lumberton and graduated from Pembroke State University (UNCP) in 1972 with a degree in Mathematics.
                       
 He was pinned by the Lumbee Warriors Honor Guard.  Master Gunnery Sergeant, Fernie Lambert, Chairman of the Lumbee Veterans Affairs Committee award this medal.  This is the highest honor the veterans can bestow and is awarded for honorable and distinguished service.  Rear Admiral Holmes was honored before an assembly of 200 of the state’s American Indians, guests and his mother, Alieen Holmes Chavis. 

Lumbee Tribal Administrator, Leon Jacobs, said, “We’re very proud when tribal members, such as the Rear Admiral, achieve such outstanding accomplishments and honor our tribe by remembering heritage.  By him coming here and receiving this honor allows our youth a role-model they can relate to.”
 
The Admiral entered the Navy and was commissioned in 1973.  He earned his pilot wings from the Aviation Officer Candidate School in 1974.  His command tours include Patrol Squadrons TWENTY-FOUR and THIRTY.   In 2003, Rear Admiral Holmes assumed duties as Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group. 

Other awards include the Legion of Merit three times.  The Meritorious Service Medal also three time, as well as the Navy Commendation Medal twice.

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