AAAA Aviation Center Chapter

05/28/2026

05/26/2026

Just after lunch today, IERW Class #26-016, Gold Class were inducted into the legacy of the Gold hats. The legacy mentor this afternoon was MG(R) William (Tim) Crosby who traveled from Huntsville to share his experience, knowledge and leadership from the perspective of being a legacy Gold hat.

He shared many aspects of the past as well as the future. He did one thing unique to beginning the session by having every student stand, state their name, compo or country and what is their aircraft of choice. 26-016 is multi-compo, multinational with a very diverse representation of our nation being represented.

After MG Crosby, the Warrior command team, Warriors 06, 07 and 08 shared keys to success.

Once the leadership is complete briefing the new Gold Class, our very own, VP for Membership, LTC(R) Mark Taylor issued complimentary hardback flight log books and a sign up membership sheet.

Congratulations to all those who've just began their career in our branch!





Photos by S. Baker

05/26/2026

The Army Aviation community, family and enterprise at work!

When one wonders about the work ethic of today's Army Aviation NCO, look no further! FOAA was blessed with 13 NCOs attending the 1st Maintenance Platoon, Class 26-009, Senior Leader’s Course (SLC) at the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy at Fort Rucker. These NCOs came out and put in a solid day of work preparing our new tech supply area for VIDMARS outfitting. After work, we had pizza, presented the NCOs FOAA coins and thanked them for being the "Backbone of Army Aviation" we veterans are accustomed to. We are proud to say Army Aviation is in great hands! Pictured with the class is FOAA President, COL (R) Chris Carlile (left), FOAA Director of Maintenance, CW4 (R) Dave Whalen (right), and Deputy Director of Maintenance and former Army Huey Crew Chief, Dave Tomlin. Still "Above the Best"!

05/21/2026

Interesting.....

In a combat experiment that oddly resembles the claw game at an arcade, the Army will strap a test dummy under an oversized drone at an exercise in Poland this week, the first step toward eventually evacuating injured soldiers from active combat.

As part of ongoing NATO exercises in Poland, the Army will test whether an oversized quadcopter, known as a Flowcopter, can safely fly a casualty out of combat and to a nearby field hospital, officials confirmed to Task & Purpose.

The Poland exercise follows a 2nd Cavalry Regiment medical evacuation demo with the Flowcopter unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, in Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland. On Sunday, soldiers prepared for the full exercise by loading a test dummy onto the drone during an Autonomous Triage and Treatment Challenge.

05/21/2026

Tuesday the US Army Fort Rucker & AVCOE Chief of Staff, Colonel Clint Cody with the assistance of the Chapter Vice President, Sam Baker, inducted LTC Kyle Burgamy into the Knight of the Honorable Order of Saint Michael. Through several assignments and positions, LTC Kyle Burgamy supported the aviation community, Soldiers and their families making him truly deserving of this honor.

More information about the KOSM:
While the popular and prestigious Order of St. Michael is designed as primarily an Army Aviation specific award, the AAAA recognizes that many other non-Army Aviation personnel work diligently to promote the success of our branch, mission, profession, and community. The legend of St. Michael defeating the dragon exemplifies the bravery and courage of Army Aviation personnel and the boldness and swiftness of Army Aviation on the modern battlefield. This image would be incomplete without the trust, confidence and support of others who have championed their cause.

This award is designed to recognize an individual’s long-term support and/or a legacy with significant and long lasting impact to Army Aviation. While there is no specific time period for this award, it is NOT normally represented by a single assignment unless recognizing an enduring achievement in direct support of Army Aviation Soldiers and their families. The nominee need not be a member of AAAA; however, the nominator must be a member.

Eligibility to be considered an Honorable Knight:

Officers, Warrant Officers and Noncommissioned officers of U.S. Army branches other than Aviation.

Foreign officers and Noncommissioned officers who work directly with U.S. Army organizations in support of Army Aviation missions.

Officers and Noncommissioned officers of other U.S. Armed Services (Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard) who work directly with U.S. Army organizations in support of Army Aviation missions.

Civil Servants, Industry Partners, and others who demonstrate continuing support of the missions, organizations, and personnel of Army Aviation and/or its professional association (AAAA).






Photo by S. Baker

05/12/2026

Monday was zero day for US Army Fort Rucker & AVCOE IERW Class #26-015 who is better known as the next colored hat class (Gray) to join the classrooms and flightlines of Fort Rucker. Thier legacy mentor and guest speaker was BG(R) Stanletly Budraitis whose bio is on photos with his image. After the general shared his experiences and the importance of flying "ABOVE THE BEST" with "SACRED TRUST". The general went on to challenge them on staying prepared daily four the flight line CBS those instructors teaching them. He congratulated them on their career choice and thanked them for their service.

This IERW class has eight foreign partnered nation student pilots joining the multi- COMPO class of LT's and WO1s.

After the general, usually the 110th Aviation Brigade command team shares the keys to success from Warriors 06, 07 and 08, however , today, the 1-14th command team stepped in. LTC Brian Haas and CSM Brett Babin with the assistance of Warrior 08, CW5 Dennis Eelkema shared those things that make you successful joining the Army's Aviation branch.

Our very own VP for membership, LTC(R) Mark Taylor presented complimentary Army Aviation Association of America one year memberships and a flight log book to ask 54 students starting their journey.

Congratulations are in order for Gray Class #26-015.






Photos by S Baker

04/29/2026

Monday was zero day for US Army Fort Rucker & AVCOE IERW Class #26-014 who is better known as the next colored hat class (Maroon) to join the classrooms and flightlines of Fort Rucker. Thier legacy mentor and guest speaker was MG(R) Kenneth Quinlan whose bio is on photos with his image. After the general spent 35 minutes sharing many experiences to open the eyes of these student pilots about their future, he ultimately congratulated them on their career choice and thanked them for their service.

The general also brought awareness to the fact that this IERW class has eight German student pilots joining the multi- COMPO class.

After the general, the 110th Aviation Brigade command team then shared keys to success from Warriors 06, 07 and 08. Our very own VP for membership, LTC(R) Mark Taylor presented complimentary Army Aviation Association of America one year memberships and a flight log book.

Congratulations are in order for Maroon Class #26-014.






Photos by S Baker

04/29/2026

This can be an awesome evening out for those who enjoy the sport.

Dothan United Soccer Club vs Fort Rucker Football Club
Saturday May 9th
Gates open at 6pm, Kickoff at 7pm
Dothan, AL – RIP Hewes Stadium

Free tickets are available to Military ID holders and their families, Retirees, and DOW CAC card holders using the link
Free tickets are also available at the gate on the day of the event with valid Military ID or DOW CAC ID
Ticket Link: https://dothanunited.flicket.io/events/4c76db84-3d42-456e-81a7-a713335857fd/reservation?slug=c2f5b2ef&code=fortrucker26

04/28/2026

At the Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker’s Advanced Leader Course graduation ceremony Apr. 28, 2026, on Fort Rucker, SGT Gene Phillips was recognized by the Army Aviation Center Chapter of the Army Aviation Association of America for his dedication and exceptional leadership. Aviation Center Chapter executive board member SFC Joshua Layne presented Phillips with the chapter’s Certificate of Achievement following the ceremony and a one-year complimentary membership to AAAA. The entire Aviation Center Chapter congratulates SGT Phillips on his outstanding achievement, his continued commitment to the Army Aviation Branch and his service to our Nation.

04/18/2026

Anyone ever wonder how the National trophies get to the Annual Summit from The Army Aviation Museum display at US Army Fort Rucker & AVCOE ? The Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) Aviation Center Chapter executive officers and volunteers annually begin updating and repairing trophies at the end of February until loaded on a truck for Nashville or wherever the next summit is. Thanks to everyone who gave up their personal time to assist this year!