Feb

In Memoriam: Wayne Holt

Wayne Holt
September 7, 1960 – January 7, 2019

In memory of Sergeant Wayne Holt, friends and colleagues share words and photos. Sergeant Holt was with the Office of Protection Services since 2002 and longtime member of the Honor Guard. We thank him for his years of dedicated service.

President and Mrs Obama at opening of NMAAHC

The Honor Guard presents the colors of the Smithsonian Institution and the United States of America at the opening ceremony of Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

“Going to miss you Sergeant Holt. I enjoyed the times I had the opportunity to take photos of the Smithsonian Honor Guard. The guys that you have on the Honor Guard are a direct reflection on your dedication to the Smithsonian. I am very proud to have photographed you all on numerous occasions at Nationals Park, and the Anacostia Museum. What a great representation of One Smithsonian. We’ve got it from here Sergeant Holt.”
—Security Officer Daniel Palenscar

“Sergeant Holt was a man who spoke his own truth. He said what he wanted to say and he did what he said that he was going to do.”
—Security Officer Gregory Brown

“Sergeant Holt was a good guy, he had a lot of integrity, he was a Marine to the heart, he was about business, he was always above board, he would also show his human side and tell a joke or two – he was serious about his business.”
—Control Room Operator Anthony Roberts

Clockwise from top left: The Honor Guard takes a photo with Patti LaBelle at the opening ceremony of Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture;

“When I think about Sergeant Holt, I saw an officer that was dedicated and committed, not only to the mission of OPS, but to the team members of the Honor Guard. He was someone who would encourage us, in his own way, to do well in our performance, but also to look sharp in our uniforms. He will be missed.”
—Sergeant Percy Brown

“Holt was a wonderful guy, and a helluva cook. He would always share with me the recipes he was trying out for his wife. He loved going different places, and we would travel together. We could talk about anything. We would also go shopping together. He had a great sense of style, and loved helping others find good deals. He was a great friend, coworker, gentleman and scholar. I will truly miss him.”
—Honor Guard Instructor Bill Greenwood

“Sergeant Holt was very good to me, he helped me with access to computers and helped me deal with everyday life. He really helped me a lot.”
—Security Officer Mark James

“When I think of Sergeant Holt, I think about his many hobbies: cooking, eating, shopping and traveling. Sergeant Holt would use Google daily to search for various new recipes to prepare for his wife Janet, who he was married to for 10 1/2 years. Sergeant Holt took annual trips and vacations with his wife and daughter. His favorite place to travel was Williamsburg, VA.”
—Dispatcher/Unit Control Room Operator Angela Jefferson

“Sergeant Holt was a very good guy, always professional, and he stayed sharp in his uniform appearance.”
—Corporal Robert Jones

The Honor Guard presents the colors of the Smithsonian Institution and the United States of America at the Nationals Park

“He was a great person to work with and was always nice. He was very neat in regular duty uniforms and when he presented himself as a member of the Honor Guard.”
—Sergeant Joseph Powell

“He was a great person!”
—Security Officer JoAnn Evans

“Sergeant Holt was a very hard worker and was about making his money. He was kind and cared about his job!”
—Security Officer Sherre Allen

“I want to thank Sergeant Holt for his tenure and his service and we are keeping his family in our prayers.”
—Lt. Eric Chapman

“I was not in his squad, however if you asked or needed any information regarding OPS policy or protocol, he would help you if you required help to write something. He showed me how to be fair. He was clean and always sharp in his uniform, and he was also always professional.”
—Security Officer Juanita Hood

“Sergeant Holt quoted to me one day the following — ‘Officer Lee you know what you are doing and you can be a Sergeant one day!’”
—Corporal Paul Lee

Wayne Holt

“Sergeant Holt was not just a co-worker, he was a friend. I have known Holt as far back to when he first arrived at the Smithsonian, and we would talk about things outside of the job. Jokingly, he would always smile and tell me that I’m terrible. I really missed him coming to my office to get some snacks & treats. He would butter me up first with compliments on how neat my office was and then he would get his treats from my office before resuming his work.”
—Edwinina Avery, Assistant Security Manager

“Sergeant Holt was a kind supervisor and he was always nice to me and sharp in his uniform. Sergeant Holt was highly respected.”
—Security Officer Thomas Miller

“I wanted to take the time and thank Sergeant Holt for his service with the Smithsonian Institution and we will continue to pray for his family during their time of bereavement.”
— Sergeant Ronald Davis

“Sergeant Holt was by the book a good supervisor, he would also show us his human side with his jokes.”
—Security Officer Tyjuan Shorts

“Sergeant Holt was a loving, caring Sergeant and supervisor. He was also a friend. One example of his caring ways was when I was not feeling well one day, Sergeant Holt continued to check on me throughout the day to ensure that I was okay and to see if I needed anything. Holt also helped me with my resume when I applied for Corporal. He was also a person that I could really talk with when I needed someone to talk to.”
—Unit Control Room Operator Tameena Hall

Sergeant Holt participated in the annual OPS Toy Drive, this past year donating gifts to students at Alfred Kiger Savoy Elementary School.

“Sergeant Wayne Holt was quiet with regards to his mannerism. However, knowing that Wayne was a former Marine, I was always looking for a lot of high energy from Wayne – whenever I would try and spark high energy from Wayne he would always revert back to a mild manner person (soft spoken person). When I learned that he gave his brother a kidney, I was really impressed with his self-sacrifice. On the Friday prior to him passing, I came out of my office harmonizing a very popular hip-hop song and Wayne joined in singing the song with me by finishing the remaining lyrics of the song. The following Monday morning at 3:00 a.m., I learned that he had passed-away at approximately 1:30 a.m.. Coping with the passing of a colleague is always tough. My last contact with
Wayne was one out respect, kindness and love. I will always miss Wayne’s personality and his quiet storm- he was truly a good friend and an effective leader.”
—Security Manager Suitland Zone William Branch III