Page 4 - The MILConnection Spring 2022

Celebrating Black History Month

In 1977, Larry Hollingsworth graduated from George
Washington University with a degree in Engineering.
Within a year of graduation, he joined the Naval Air Systems
Command (NAVAIR) and entered their Engineering Scientist
Development Program where he participated in six-month
rotations throughout NAVAIR’s Avionics Division’s four
Branches. At the young age of 23, he thought of his career
in very broad strokes—and began to challenge himself with
the idea of “what would it feel like to HEAD the Avionics
division?” The Avionics Division would in later years become
the Avionics Department, NAVAIR’s largest, most impactful
department.
Well, by 1996, he found out. With zero military experience,
Larry had to learn every aspect of Naval Aviation as he one being watched. His efforts led to Combatant Commanders
climbed the ranks as a civilian. While he credits his insatiable reaching out to the Secretary of Defense, asking for the
appetite for learning and asking questions from everyone support of Larry’s teams to execute mission critical Joint
around him, he also knows his spiritual faith played a large Urgent Operational Needs Statements (JUONs), whereby
part in his success and the opportunities that were presented they were able to execute as many as 11 at one time! The
to him. He knew he wanted to make a difference, not just a technology connected teams and services across DoD and
paycheck. federal law enforcement agencies, earning Larry the respect
As America dealt with the reality of 9/11, Larry and his team and confidence of key leaders from Secretary of Defense Leon
ramped up their efforts to ensure NAVAIR’s Avionics team Panetta; SEC NAV, CNO, various Congressmen, and admirals
was ready for the fight ahead. Not only did Larry and his team and senior officials across the DoD enterprise.
get ready, but they also redefined how America responded Larry’s key advice to young African Americans starting out
to the efforts of irregular warfare and were able to push our on their own journey is to ask as many questions as needed
Nation’s military capabilities to respond to the US response to to learn and grow, but never let other people’s beliefs about
the Global War on Terror. Among the many solutions he and skin color prevent you from getting the answers you need. You
his team provided are the unmanned aerial vehicles equipped must put color aside in your own mind; let it be their problem
with sensors used to track enemy players and protect troops to contend with, and don’t let their actions decide your success
from unseen dangers and combatants. The technology he for you. By preparing, learning, and then preparing more—
spearheaded redefined the “see something” approach (to Larry, claims that WHEN opportunities arise (and they will)—
enemy activity) to “watch something” to identify patterns, you’ll be ready to step up and step in!
movements, behaviors, and other players connected to the

Sonya Holland is a Senior Assistant Vice President for
MIL and the Deputy Project Manager and Level II Help
Desk Manager for our FAA customer. While originally from
Hampton, VA, Sonya’s family moved to Frankfurt, Germany
when she was still in school, and she realized her love of
traveling and living abroad. Sonya credits her early exposure to
different cultures and languages with her ability to recognize
opportunities for growth and helped her challenge herself to
evolve. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Old
Dominion University, she worked as a branch manager for a
home savings and loan business. From there she transitioned
to the VA State Tax department and although she enjoyed the
work of processing taxes, one day she saw an individual’s W-2
where the person had to “draw” an additional box next to the Dominion. After graduation, she interviewed with Coopers &
income space because the salary was so high. She instantly Lybrand, and when the interviewer addressed her in German,
wanted to know what this person did for a living knowing that she replied in German, and was hired on the spot! While at
would be her next transition in life. C&L, she initially supported the Department of the Navy as a
At the time, Virginia was offering “early out” programs for developer and was promoted to a technical functional liaison
government employees, which included a separation bonus. team lead. She later served as a database administrator and
Sonya used the separation bonus to earn an MBA from Old programmer working with NASA in Huntsville, AL.
4 | the MIL connection | spring 2022