A Life of
Service

Preparing Soldiers to Come Home

As Chief Combatives Instructor, he trained Airborne, Air Assault, Infantry, Field Artillery and Special Operations soldiers in hand-to-hand combat, and helped shape the Army’s combatives manual. He was later invited back to Fort Bragg to “train the trainer” across four battalions, so his instruction would keep protecting soldiers long after he left.

“He was also most adept at mentoring junior soldiers and ensuring mission success through unwavering commitment and professionalism.”Col. Dennis R. Lewis, USA (Ret.) · Former Battalion Commander

Strength Matched With Mercy

When an Iraqi soldier breached his unit’s perimeter, Specialist Holifield subdued him by hand, without firing a shot. It was credited as the first Iraqi prisoner of war of the Gulf War, and earned him the Army Commendation Medal. What followed says even more about the man: the frightened soldier was fed, given water and treated with dignity.

“We gave him food, water and some cigarettes. His name was Ali. He was cold, hungry and frightened of being killed.”Leonard Holifield · Specialist, U.S. Army

Guarding Houses of Worship

As violence against churches grew, he built a dedicated church security program that trains ushers, greeters, deacons and volunteers to protect their congregations, giving faith communities a plan, a trained team and the confidence to keep their doors open.

Opening the Door for Women

He founded Onna Bugeisha, an all-female executive protection team, so that women who had never been given the chance could train, certify and work at the highest level of the profession.

Building Careers and Livelihoods

Through Phalanx Training Academy and the organizations he founded, he has trained graduates from across the United States and more than 60 countries. Many have gone on to protect others for a living, and some have built security companies of their own that now employ others.

Honoring Those Who Serve

He created the Phalanx Elite Hall of Fame to recognize people who have given their careers to military service, law enforcement, medicine and public service, so that their contributions are remembered and passed on to the next generation.