He completed the remaining four year curriculum in a little over a year and a half, with a grade average of 96! From there, he was accepted into The Medical College of Virginia's School of Pharmacy, and earned his B.S. in 1951. He started work immediately in Richmond, and bought his first drugstore in Danville VA. in 1952. He owned and operated Leas Drug Store until 1978.

In 1963, the Virginia Pharmaceutical Association (VPhA) voted him Pharmacist of the year. In 1969, he was elected President of the VPhA. In 1975 he was elected Vice-President of the American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA).

He was one of the pioneers of what we know today as "The Medicine Shoppes" type of pharmacy that provides direct consulting between the pharmacist and the patient, and minimizes the 'retail store' aspect of that business.

After selling Leas to his longtime partner, he worked in several different capacities as a pharmacist; in hospitals, chain stores, and as a relief pharmacist for his many friends in the Danville area. He operated his own business that focused on "unit-dose" packaging of prescription medicines for nursing homes and private in-home care patients.

In 1989, he and my mother (Anne) went to Haiti as missionaries for the Lumiere Hospital Ministries, providing his service as hospital pharmacist to the people of Les Caye.

Dad and Mom married in November 1945, and raised five children. I am the youngest having been born in 1963. Mother live in Danville still.

Dad was always active in the 391st BGA, and I grew up reading their newsletters. I am happy to do whatever I can for Hap as a way to honor my Dad's memory and the rest of the men of the 391st.

I know that those guys are past their prime for introduction to the internet, but if, through the newsletter, I can interest their children, grand children, and great great grandchildren, then I will try to provide as much information as I can. I look forward to the reactive challenge.

Paul Holland

Thomas Holland in 1969