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Face of Defense: Air Force Engineer Chases Dreams of Olympic Gold

As Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, continues to rebuild and modernize, one of its own is doing the same — rebuilding strength, endurance and chasing dreams of Olympic gold.  

For Air Force 2nd Lt. Braeden Holcombe, an engineering project programmer assigned to 325th Civil Engineer Squadron, the Air Force uniform means more than service — it's a symbol of pushing beyond boundaries, whether in engineering projects or the Olympics. 

Air Force 2nd Lt. Braeden Holcombe
A decathlete jumps over a hurdle in a track field during a sunny day.
Star Hurdles
Air Force 2nd Lt. Braeden Holcombe hurdles in Panama City, Fla., May 13, 2025. Holcombe is a member of the World Class Athlete Program, a Department of the Air Force initiative that allows active-duty airmen and guardians to train and compete at the highest levels of international sports while continuing to serve.
Credit: Air Force Airman 1st Class Zeeshan Naeem
VIRIN: 250513-F-LY429-1121
Job Title: Engineering project programmer
Stationed: Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida
Unit: 325th Civil Engineer Squadron
Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colo.

Joint Pursuits 

Holcombe manages construction projects during the day and dedicates himself to a vigorous training schedule after hours, in the hopes of winning Olympic gold.  

As a project programmer, Holcombe is responsible for researching, developing and creating cost estimates for construction project managers and impacting the Tyndall rebuild efforts. 

"Not only is he critical in sustaining our infrastructure, but he is key to our hurricane and disaster response as a base recovery team lead," said Lt. Col. Allen Lewis, 325th CES commander. "His ability to perform in these roles while pursuing a career as an Olympic athlete is phenomenal." 

Athletic Roots 

Originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, Holcombe was recruited by the U.S. Air Force Academy for track and field during his junior year of high school. He credits his older brother and mother for his love of sports and says his family molded him into the athlete he is today. 

"My mom let me do any sport I was interested in, and my brother would ride his bike and make me run 3 miles every single day. My brother became my coach, because he saw my athletic potential," Holcombe said. 

As a proud graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Holcombe has made his mark in the track and field athlete arena, where he assisted his team in winning multiple conference titles.  

An athlete uses a pole to lift into the air with a blue sky in the background.
Cadet Vaulting
The Air Force's Braeden Holcombe competes in the pole vault competition during the Front Range Open at the Cadet Outdoor Track and Field Complex in Colorado Springs, Colo., April 2, 2022.
Credit: Joshua Armstrong, Air Force
VIRIN: 220402-F-NH566-1080

The decathlon that spans 10 events and requires strength, speed and endurance across sprints, jumps, throws and distance running is Holcombe's specialty.  

The work he put into the athletic achievements at the academy also laid the groundwork for his pursuit of becoming a member of the Air Force World Class Athlete Program and an Olympian. 

Showing What Is Possible 

WCAP is an initiative that allows active-duty airmen and guardians to train and compete at the highest levels of international sports, including the Olympic games, while continuing to serve.  

Holcombe recently hit one of his biggest milestones, placing first in the National Combined Events Qualifier in Jacksonville, Florida, which will assist with his pursuit of the WCAP. 

"When I'm at work, all I care about is being the best engineer I can be, but the same mentality goes for other aspects of my life, whether it is training, family or friends," Holcombe said. "If I am there, I am in that moment and not thinking about the other areas. Separation is crucial for overall mental health." 

For Holcombe, the path to the Olympics isn't about personal achievement, it's about showing what's possible when discipline, focus and commitment converge, whether on the track or in uniform. 

A decathlete poses for a photo holding a hurdle in front of stands.
Track Star
Air Force 2nd Lt. Braeden Holcombe poses for a photo in Panama City, Fla., May 13, 2025. Holcombe assisted his team in winning multiple conference titles during his time as an Air Force Academy track and field athlete.
Credit: Air Force Airman 1st Class Zeeshan Naeem
VIRIN: 250513-F-LY429-1110

"I am sincerely thankful to be a part of the Tyndall civil engineers; we are building the installation of the future," Holcombe said. "There is no other installation in the entire DOD that is doing the things we are here, and being a part of that history is monumental."

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