VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Information Systems Technician 1st Class Annie Holder, currently stationed at Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) Virginia Beach, was presented the Spirit of Service Award from the American Legion at the their 103rd National Convention in Milwaukee, Wis.
 
The Spirit of Service Award is presented to a single outstanding enlisted member from each of the six service branches and the National Guard, who is actively committed to volunteer service during their off-duty hours. Service members are nominated by their command and those selected for award receive trophies from American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard, as well as a one-year membership in the American Legion.
 
Holder, a native of Chicago, Ill., graduated from Bremen High School in 2016, where she played basketball and was a track and cross country star. Excelling in track, Holder was offered a scholarship but instead, decided to join the Navy to follow her passion for serving her country.
 
Holder’s first duty station was Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Bahrain. Holder’s was next stationed aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, before arriving at IWTC Virginia Beach where she currently serves as a system administrator instructor.
 
However, Holder’s passion for service extends beyond service to her country.
 
“Just as much as I love and enjoy giving back to my country, I enjoy giving back to my community,” said Holder.
 
In addition to her personal volunteer work in the community, Holder serves as the IWTC Virginia Beach Community Relations coordinator, organizing opportunities for students and staff to volunteer to give back to the community. Recently, Holder organized an event that assisted in the cleanup of the Elizabeth River Trail, as well as providing volunteers to assist with a Norfolk Community Connect event, which focused on increasing awareness of health and wellness, everyday living, and community resources for those living in the Norfolk area.
 
“We are incredibly proud of all that IT1 Holder has accomplished and all that she does to serve her country and community,” said Cmdr. John Copeland, commanding officer, IWTC Virginia Beach. “It makes us all better to work alongside Sailors like her.”
 
IWTCVB currently offers 69 courses of instruction in information technology, cryptology, and intelligence with an instructor and support staff of over 280 military, civilian, and contract members who train over 6,300 students every year at five training sites. It is one of four schoolhouses for the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) and also oversees learning sites at Fort Huachuca, Arizona; Jacksonville and Mayport, Florida; Kings Bay, Georgia; and Groton, Connecticut.”