The LeMay Center focuses on advancing warfighting through doctrine, education and simulation, and Air University serves as the intellectual and leadership-development center of the Air Force. Holt commissioned through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at New Mexico State University in 1990. The majority of his career consisted of assignments in special operations aviation, while also leading combat missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia and the Horn of Africa. During his remarks, Lt. Gen. James Hecker, Air University commander, spoke about Holt’s leadership attributes. “He’s an inspirational leader, and he's a guy that truly knows his people and cares for his people,” Hecker said. “He’s a team player ... When I look at what is his true value, he’s a warrior.”