Alix Idrache
In honor of Black History Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable black immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape the vibrant tapestry of America. Today we highlight Alix Idrache, a Haitian-born Army captain and pilot who was vital in supporting relief efforts after the deadliest earthquake and natural disaster of 2021.
Alix Idrache was born and raised in Port-au-Prince. While growing up, he recalls witnessing humanitarian missions carried out by the U.S. military. These experiences fueled his decision to join the Maryland Army National Guard in 2010 after he and his father had immigrated to the United States just one year prior. His father, Dieujuste, instilled in Alix a strong work ethic and the importance of education. He once told his young son, “Education is the only gift I can always give you because I don’t have anything material to give.”
In 2016, Alix became a naturalized citizen of the United States. Later that same year, he graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, becoming a first lieutenant in the Army’s 1st Infantry Division in 2019.
In August of 2021, another earthquake hit an already fragile Haiti. The 7.2 magnitude earthquake was devastating, killing over 2,000 people and injuring more than 12,000 Haitians. Alix joined Joint Task Force-Bravo with the 228th Aviation Regiment, flying a Sikorsky U-H-60 Black Hawk Helicopter to deliver aid in two distinct ways. First, he completed 671 missions, transported about 587,950 pounds of relief supplies, and assisted or rescued over 450 people. Second, he translated French and Haitian Creole and played an integral role in the ground operations serving Haitian relief efforts.
Others we are celebrating in honor of Black History Month:
2025
Michaela DePrince, standout soloist with the Boston Ballet and Dutch National Ballet
- Dr. Nehkonti Adams, Infectious Disease Physician for the United States Navy and a humanitarian
2024
Guetty Felin, Haitian-American documentary filmmaker
Hakeem Olajuwon, Nigerian-American NBA Hall of Famer and humanitarian
Claude McKay, Jamaican-American poet and Civil Rights advocate
Dikembe Mutombo, NBA Hall of Famer, and humanitarian
2023
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, award-winning author
Trevor Noah, award-winning author and television host
Wyclef Jean, three-time Grammy award-winning musician
Rep. Ilhan Abdullahi Omar, Somali-American Congresswoman