 He then returned to Dallas as a battalion executive officer.While serving in the Air Force, from 1991 to 1997, Tinderholt attended Excelsior College, obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree.During the Iraq War, from 2003 to 2005, Tinderholt finished his education, procuring his Masters of Education and Educational Leadership degrees from Trident University International, which was once an affiliate of Touro College.