Howie DeWitt (Company E-2) and Al Hokins (Company H-2) attended the service at the chapel. Click here to view pictures taken by Al Hokins during the Honors Ceremony at the DFW National Cemetery.

Assembly/Taps Memorial Article:

Monroe Bailey "Mony" Harden is remembered as one who put others ahead of himself, freely gave of his knowledge and experience, supported his comrades in arms, treasured the friendships he made, and held as his guiding principles truth and honor.  Mony was a mentor throughout his life from a fellow new Cadet struggling through Beast, to his students away from home for the first time, to his children, to young parents with the baby blues, to those trying to cope with catastrophic illness.

Mony was born on 24 Jun 1937 in Oklahoma City, OK, to Mary and William Henry Harden. He frequently spent time with his grandparents during World War II while his father served his country and his mother worked. As a youngster, he delivered newspapers and was active in scouting, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He began stamp collecting, which turned into a lifelong hobby. Mony graduated from Central High School in Oklahoma City in 1955 and enlisted in the Army with the hope of gaining an appointment to West Point. He received that appointment, attended the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School for a year, and entered the Academy in 1957.

At West Point, Mony supported the Cadet Chapel Choir with his resounding voice and upon graduation was commissioned in the Artillery branch. In December 1961 he married Carolee Anderson, and to this happy union were born Monroe in 1962 (USMA 1984) and Randy in 1963.

Mony was assigned to Air Defense Artillery units in Texas and Maine, 1962-66 and in Korea, 1978; to the Field Artillery in Viet Nam, 1967-68; to graduate school at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY; and to the Mathematics Department at West Point, 1970-73. While at West Point, his wife Carol became ill. Through this very difficult time, Mony continued to teach, care for Carol at home, and spend time doing guy things with Monroe and Randy. Carol lost her battle with cancer in February 1972. Subsequently, Mony and Donna became friends. That friendship deepened into love, and they married in late 1972. To this union was born Julie in 1974 and Amanda in 1981.

Following an assignment to the North American Air Defense Command in Colorado, Mony retired from the Army in 1979. Donna's career took the family to Fort Worth, TX, and Mony began teaching at Texas Christian University. His students ex,- perienced firsthand his unique ability to take what wasn't the clearest question, understand what it was the student was really asking, and respond in such a way that the mysterious concept suddenly became quite clear.

He continued stamp collecting, exhibiting in multiple stamp expositions and winning numerous medals and awards. He was recognized by other philatelists as an expert in 19th century stamps, in particular the "Banknote Issues" and the "Officials."

With each passing year, Mony's pride in his children increased. Monroe followed his father's footsteps into West Point and on to a military career. He married Joyce Lee, becoming stepfather to Matthew and Andrew, and is now retired. Randy joined the Marines, attaining the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant. He is married to Lisa Kapke and has two sons, Zach and Josh. Julie completed her degree in Social Work, married Joseph Atkinson, and has a son William. Amanda married Scott Kozloski, and they have a daughter Kylee.

Mony's sons remember him spending every possible moment with Carol when she was ill, yet managing to take care of them. In that difficult period, Mony made time to encourage the boys' Little League participation, get them to practices and help with coaching the games. They remember their father's strength. He showed the boys that a strong man could cry, and it was okay. They recall that Mony never panicked-even during the challenging experience of teaching them to drive. They remember that he never let them down and was always there when they asked for advice-be it on career issues or life in general.

The girls' memories are of a time in Mony's life after his military career. They, too, recall Mony always being there for them and encouraging them in their endeavors. Both girls were active in marching band, and Mony and Donna attended their home football games, band and solo competitions, and school performances. They remember their father always taking time to help with their studies, teaching them the steps to reach the answer. They learned by Mony's example how a good husband treated his family.

All of us clearly recall the emphasis Mony placed on truthfulness. Lying was simply not tolerated, and each learned that it was far better to tell the truth, even if the consequences weren't pleasant, than to tell a lie.

A favorite family memory is of Mony's passion for outdoor cooking, no matter the season. They can still see him turning steaks on the grill with one hand, while holding an umbrella with the other to keep off the snow.

Donna remembers the love, laughter and tears shared over their 33 years together. She chuckles when she remembers the remarks some would make about children whose ages spanned 20 years and Mony's response that there were so many generation gaps in our family that it was a wonder anyone of us spoke to the others. She looks with pride on the blended family she and Mony successfully created. Donna and Mony always tried to contribute at least 60% to their partnership, a formula that seems to have worked. Time never changed that.

Mony passed from this earth on 18 Mar 2006, with his wife and all his children at his side. He was laid to rest with full military honors at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. His plaque bears the three words that sum up the priorities in his life: Duty, Honor, Country.