MSgt Alexandria Holder, U.S. Air Force

For two decades, MSgt Alexandria Holder has served as an Arabic linguist and intelligence professional, dedicating her career to national security and the mentorship of Airmen. Currently the Flight Chief at the 3rd Intelligence Squadron, Fort Eisenhower, Georgia, she leads a team of 46 cryptologic language analysts, ensuring mission success across multiple regions in the Middle East and North Africa.

Her operational experience spans the globe, including deployments to Afghanistan, where she directly contributed to counterinsurgency operations. One of the most rewarding assignments of her career was a six-month deployment to Konduz, Afghanistan, where she led a team of Pashto linguists in identifying insurgent networks. "We were able to find and remove a large number of insurgents from the battlefield," she recalls, "removing key nodes that were smuggling weapons and foreign fighters into the country." This firsthand experience reinforced the critical impact of intelligence work in military operations.

Beyond the battlefield, MSgt Holder has also found deep fulfillment in mentoring and advocating for Airmen. As an Acting First Sergeant, she directly supported the well-being of her unit, a role that left a lasting impression. "The very first time I was in the role, I was woken up early on a Saturday morning with a call about a suicidal Airman. I rushed to her dorm, arriving before emergency services, and sat with her, reassuring her until she was safe." The experience solidified her belief in the importance of leadership through compassion, helping Airmen navigate challenges and ultimately thrive.
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Her decorated career includes the Meritorious Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and multiple commendations recognizing her exceptional service. With nearly 20 years in uniform, she remains committed to the Air Force’s core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do—principles that have guided her in every mission, whether in combat zones or supporting the Airmen under her charge.

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