Stadium dedicated to fallen Airman

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ryan Hansen
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
More than 150 servicemembers from Balad Air Base and Logistics Support Area Anaconda gathered at the base stadium Dec. 15 to remember a fallen comrade.

Base leaders officially renamed the stadium Holt Memorial Stadium, in honor of Airman 1st Class Antoine J. Holt. Airman Holt was killed during a base attack earlier this year.

A plaque at the stadium’s main entrance dedicates the facility to Airman Holt and all Airmen who have been killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 3000-seat stadium is used for special events.

“Today and forever more,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Yves Fontaine, commander of the 1st Corps Support Command, “this stadium will stand in tribute to Airman 1st Class Antoine Holt’s sacrifice and the sacrifices of all members of our armed services who have stood on that line so that others can enjoy the taste of freedom.”

Airman Holt deployed here from Aviano Air Base, Italy, in November 2003 and was a member of the 332nd Expeditionary Air Control Squadron. He died April 10 when a mortar round hit the tent where he was sleeping.

The Kennesaw, Ga., native was known as quiet, steady and reflective. He was the kind of person who put others ahead of himself, according to those who knew him.

“Airman Holt was outstanding as an Airman and as a person,” said Lt. Col. Lt. Kristen Dolan, 332nd EACS commander. “What impressed me most about him (was) the way he took care of others.

“The entire unit felt (the) loss very deeply, especially after we had been deployed together for so long,” she said. “It was a privilege to serve with him and I appreciate the fact that the (leaders) there (had) chosen to honor him.”

Airman Holt is survived by his wife of two years, Patricia Gail Holt, and his 2-year-old daughter, Carmen.