Van of Valor

Dr. Kevin Wallace
Van of Valor

BRISTOL, Tenn. – The hum of the tires on the asphalt was a constant companion for the Van of Valor as it cruised through the heart of Alabama, a state steeped in both military history and a profound respect for those who serve. 

Our mission was to connect with the stories of courage and sacrifice that are woven into the very fabric of this region, seeking out the legacies of those who earned our nation’s highest honors.

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Alabama is home to many heroes, but few names resonate with the same raw courage as that of Corporal William “Bill” Carney, a member of the famed 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. 

Though not an Alabama native, his story is taught with reverence here, a testament to his incredible valor at the assault on Fort Wagner, where he was shot multiple times yet protected the American flag, never letting it touch the ground. 

His actions made him the first African American to be awarded the Medal of Honor. As we drove, we reflected on this legacy of unwavering resolve, a theme that would echo in the stories of modern-day warriors.

Our journey through the Yellowhammer State was a prelude to a powerful conversation waiting for us in Columbus, just across the border at Fort Benning. 

It was there we sat down with Sgt. Kirk Holcombe, a soldier whose service embodies the very definition of valor. 

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A recipient of two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star with Valor, Holcombe’s story provided a visceral, ground-level view of the realities of combat. He shared a gripping account from the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003, a moment that showcased the chaos, quick thinking, and sheer bravery required of our scouts and infantry.

“My Bronze Star for Valor was for OIF-1. I ended up shooting, killing two snipers on a rooftop with my .50 Cal. when we came into contact, and then we came under intense fire in Baghdad,” said Holcombe. “I ended up jumping on top of my Humvee while taking sniper rounds and shooting a Javelin into the building, destroying the building… 

“We ended up having to call for fire on our location because we were getting overrun,” Holcombe continued. “I just looked at the map… gave them a grid… and then all you hear is ’rounds on the way.’… I told myself, never ever make fun of artillery ever again.”

Holcombe also shared a more surreal memory from the immediate aftermath of 9/11, a story that began in Alabama itself. His unit was sent to secure the Anniston Army Depot, a place with a mysterious and hazardous environment.

“We got sent over there and got a briefing… they housed us in this big old warehouse building. And they’re like, ‘don’t touch the floor’… it was all lead lined,” said Holcombe. “We actually saw a bird fall out of the sky… two vans roll up, four dudes in giant spacesuits get out… pick the bird up in some giant tongs, throw it in a bag and drive off… we just kind of grab our gas mask and slowly put it on. And we’re just sitting there like, all right, well, this is interesting.”

Leaving the flatlands of Alabama and the powerful stories of Holcombe behind, the Van of Valor pointed its hood north, climbing into the rolling green foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. 

Our destination was Bristol, Tennessee, a city that straddles two states but is united in its patriotic spirit. 

The change in scenery from the deep South to the highlands was a physical manifestation of our journey—each mile, each state, adding another layer to our understanding of service and sacrifice. 

As we pulled into Bristol on Easter Day, we knew the next chapter of our journey would be written in the shadow of these majestic mountains, ready to listen and learn once more.

To read more, visit www.HelpVoV.com

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