A U.S. Army AH-64E Apache Guardian aircraft assigned to the 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, out of Fort Wainwright, Alaska, flies over explosions during the Joint Forces Demonstration for the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 9, 2026. The AH-64E conducts armed reconnaissance, close combat, mobile strike, and vertical maneuver missions when required, in day, night, obscured battlefield and adverse weather conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Daniel Bellerive)

Soldiers, Aviators, and Local Community Members pose for a group photo before beginning a full day of golfing for a fundraising tournament on 6 August, 2026 at the Lichtenau Golf Club, Germany.

Soldiers and Aviators assigned to the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, alongside local community members, participate in the 12th CAB Army Aviation Association of America Chapter golf tournament at the Lichtenau Golf Club, Germany, Aug. 6, 2026. The 12th CAB AAAA Chapter hosted the event to raise funds for the local chapter, while educating the community on its organizational role, programs, and support services for military aviation personnel. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Grant Hockley)

Soldiers assigned to the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade salute while unit guidons are displayed during a change of command ceremony at Fort Drum, New York, July 29, 2026. The ceremony marked the transfer of command from Col. Jesse Blanton outgoing commander of the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade to Col. Brian Merkl, incoming commander of the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, honored the brigade’s legacy of service. The unit guidons represent the lineage, history, and esprit de corps of each subordinate battalion while symbolizing the continuity of leadership and the Soldiers who serve under them. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Amy Rayo)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, conduct post flight operations during training on Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, Romania July 17, 2026. Soldiers assigned to a Combat Aviation Brigade conducted a Forward Arming and Refueling Point operation and an air assault mission in Romania, demonstrating their ability to rapidly project combat power and sustain aviation operations in a dynamic environment. Training like this strengthens readiness, enhances interoperability with NATO Allies, and reinforces regional security and deterrence by ensuring U.S. and allied forces can respond quickly and effectively to emerging threats. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. Alexandria Romanack)

It’s hard to believe that summer is already here! Early June 2026 found the National Executive Group (NEG), consisting of myself, Senior VP Tim Edens, Treasurer Todd Royar and Secretary Ray Davis, along with VP Membership Liz Martin and VP Chapters John Broam in Connecticut at the AAAA National Headquarters.

We were joined by Bill Harris, Laura Arena, Art Agnew, Janis Arena and other members of the National Staff to conduct our annual review of AAAA programs, strategic plan, bylaws, management contract and proposed events including the Army Aviation Warfighting Summit.

We had enjoyable and productive sessions, evaluating the last year, planning for 2027 and working initiatives together as a team. It was especially helpful that we took a long-term approach to try synchronizing goals and objectives both now and in the future as we all look forward to supporting each other’s presidencies over the next seven years!

Bottom line is that AAAA is in great shape. From our record-setting 2026 Summit to membership, chapter activity, scholarships, and Trade-School Licensing and Certification programs, we are confident that we are meeting or exceeding your expectations.

We still have room for improvement, of course. We are looking to re-energize Congressional Caucus engagements in DC, becoming even more proactive in representing your needs while ensuring that we are 100% aligned with Aviation Branch objectives and initiatives.

We also had some lively discussions on reshaping the Annual AAAA Army Aviation Warfighting Summit, the Cribbins Futures Forum, the Survivability and Counter Drone Forum, and the Second Annual Army Best Drone Warfighter Competition. More to follow on these initiatives.

I just returned from an outstanding visit to the Air Assault Chapter at Fort Campbell, KY. As usual, Chapter President COL (Ret.) Hawk Ruth and his team were magnificent. I had the opportunity to visit the 101st Airborne Division headquarters, as well as meet with Soldiers from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade and 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). I was honored to be able to speak briefly about AAAA at their quarterly chapter meeting where several individuals were recognized with Orders of St Michael, along with opportunities to network while enjoying a complimentary all-you-can-eat barbecue dinner. I look forward to sharing more chapter visits with you in 2027.

During the first week of June, AAAA Past President, BG (Ret.) Howard Yellen, represented me at a well-deserved Gold Order of Saint Michael presentation to BG Travis McIntosh, Deputy Commanding General of the 101st, who is now enroute to his new assignment as Deputy Director for Regional Operations, The Joint Staff J-3, at the Pentagon. Thank you Howard for representing AAAA and congratulations to Travis for this well-deserved recognition.

All in all, it has been a great month. On behalf of the entire staff and leadership of AAAA, have a healthy and safe Summer and as always let us know what more we can do to best “Support the U.S. Army Aviation Soldier and Family”.

MG Wally Golden, U.S. Army Retired
37th President, AAAA
walter.golden@quad-a.org

A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter assigned to 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, prepares to land while being directed in by a U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate, assigned to the handling team aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), as part of Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026 in the Pacific Ocean, July 19, 2026. Thirty nations, 30 ships, five submarines, 15 national land forces, more than 190 aircraft and more than 30,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 24 to July 31. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2026 is the 30th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Olivia Cowart)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 809th Multi-Role Bridge Company, 15th Engineer Battalion, 7th Engineer Brigade, and the 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, conduct sling load and rafting operations at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, April 8, 2026. A CH-47F Chinook helicopter transported bridging equipment during the sling load operation while Soldiers from the 809th MRBC conducted rafting operations. The 809th MRBC is the only permanently assigned Multi-Role Bridge Company in U.S. Army Europe and Africa, providing personnel and equipment to transport, assemble, disassemble, retrieve and maintain standard and nonstandard bridging systems for wet and dry gap crossings. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jaime Robinson)

The District of Columbia Army National Guard’s Capital Cohort proudly commemorated the 108th Anniversary of the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Corps during a birthday ceremony at the D.C. Armory in Washington, July 8, 2026. Hosted by Chief Warrant Officer 5 Robert W. Gibson Sr., the District of Columbia National Guard Command Chief Warrant Officer (CCWO), the ceremony brought together Army Warrant Officers from across the District of Columbia National Guard, as well as Warrant Officers from multiple states supporting the DC Safe and Beautiful mission. The event celebrated more than a century of technical expertise, leadership, and unwavering service to the nation.

The ceremony recognized the indispensable role Warrant Officers play in building combat-ready formations through their expertise, mentorship, and commitment to developing the next generation of military leaders. As the Army’s premier technical experts, Warrant Officers provide specialized leadership across a broad range of career fields, including aviation, cyber, intelligence, logistics, engineering, and military bands, ensuring the force remains agile, capable, and mission ready. The anniversary also honored the enduring legacy of the Army Warrant Officer Corps while reaffirming the District of Columbia National Guard’s commitment to readiness, professionalism, and service in support of the nation’s capital. Since the establishment of the Army Warrant Officer Corps in 1918, Warrant Officers have served as trusted advisors, innovative problem-solvers, and technical leaders whose expertise enables mission success across every operational environment. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

Army Aviation senior leaders, state and local elected officials, and family members of PFC Garfield M. Langhorn cut the ribbon on the 76,000 square-foot PFC Garfield M. Langhorn Advanced Individual Training Complex on Fort Rucker during a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony July 9, 2026. Photo by Leslie Herlick.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 3rd Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, assigned to Joint Task Force-Southern Border in support of Operation Ardent Vanguard, pose for a portrait to document personnel readiness prior to conducting a night aerial monitoring mission to maintain situational awareness along the U.S.-Mexico border near El Cajon, Calif., June 15, 2026. U.S. Northern Command is working side-by-side with the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection within narrowly defined authorities to provide unique military capabilities to protect the territorial integrity of the U.S. southern border. (Dept. of War photo by Sgt. Nathan Hislop)