WASHINGTON (July 31, 2025) – In fall 1967, a determined 17-year-old from Bronx, N.Y., with no aviation experience and no intent of becoming a pilot, arrived at Howard University's campus. Today, Captain Anthony "Tony" Holder, a pioneer of military and commercial aviation with a career legacy spanning more than 50 years, stands as a testament to the power of determination.
 
Holder was initially on substitute acceptance as an English major and his fate changed when he was enrolled in the same engineering courses as his roommate, who was an engineering scholarship student. He added Air Force ROTC to his list of activities, which initiated an extraordinary career; however, Howard was not just about academics.
 
He was a member of the Howard Junior Varsity Basketball Team during the 1967-68 season, coached by Frank Silva. The following season, he joined the track & field team, competing in the javelin, which he still has the original javelin hanging in his garage with great pride.
 
In June 1971, Holder graduated with a degree in civil engineering and became a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force and qualified for pilot training. He attended the University of Pittsburgh for a short time to pursue an MBA, then in 1972, reported to Reese Air Force Base in Texas. He was among 60 trainees, most of whom were flying from the Air Force Academy or predominantly white institutions. Holder was the only Black cadet in his training class.
 
He completed the one-year program, which was challenging and demanding, with no aviation background, to become a U.S. Air Force pilot and earned his wings in 1973. He was a 23-year-old B-52 pilot flying bombers with nuclear weapons, tasked and directed by President Richard Nixon during the Cold War. While stationed in California, he earned a Master of Science in Systems Management and Engineering from the University of Southern California.
 
In 1979, Holder made a significant transition to the commercial airline industry when he joined FedEx as the company's fourth African American pilot. After the military, his 35-year history of aircraft piloting experience, which included the Boeing 727, DC-10, MD-11 and Boeing 777, is a testament to his versatility and skill.
 
Holder's legacy extends beyond his professional achievements. Since retiring in 2014, he has remained active in aviation education, serving as the director of the Tuskegee Airmen Aviation and STEM Training (TAAST) Program. His ongoing dedication to mentorship and community is a source of inspiration for all.
 
In 2023, Holder was awarded the FAA Master Pilot Award for 50 years of professional, safe and accident-free flying.
 
In summer 2024, FedEx acknowledged his immense contributions for his trailblazing role in the company's global reach. Holder has accumulated over 22,000 flight hours and 2,000 landings in his career.
 
Holder is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (Boule), the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, the Atlanta Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Black Pilots of America and the Order of Daedalians, a fraternal and professional order of American military pilots.
 
Holder's journey, from a freshman unsure of what the future held to a distinguished Air Force pilot and captain for an international airline, is a remarkable tale of conviction, leadership and lifelong learning. His story serves as a source of encouragement for future aviators, scholars and dreamers.

About Where Are They Now?
 
The weekly series of "Where Are They Now?" appears on Thursdays throughout the year.
 
The series will feature former student-athletes from all sports and eras, highlighting their careers as athletes at the University and what they are presently doing.
 
All interested former athletes and their coaches should submit a short bio, a recent head shot and contact information on how they can be reached via email to Jade Spurlock (jade.spurlock@bison.howard.edu) and Derek W. Bryant (derek.bryant@howard.edu).
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.