Current Issue Articles
AAAA Family Forum
By Judy Konitzer: We are so fortunate to have Jodie Francis and Patty Schloesser at the helm of our Aviation community, as they are sincere and genuine supporters of our Aviation Soldiers and their families. Like us, they are disappointed at not being able to gather in Nashville, but they have graciously shared their thoughts and prayers for us… Judy From the Desk of the Aviation Branch 1st Lady, Jodie Francis Greetings from Ft. Rucker! We are all certainly disappointed that the 2021 Summit will not happen this year but thank the AAAA staff for attempting everything humanly possible to...
Learn MoreFuture Vertical Lift Cross-Functional
Team Update / By MG Walter T. Rugen with LTC John Michael McClean: Since my update last year, the Future Vertical Lift Cross-Functional Team (FVL CFT) remains on glideslope with the Aviation Enterprise, Joint Services, and industry partners to deliver transformational maneuver and tempo to our Army’s corps and divisions, and I am excited about the future. Future Vertical Lift Cross-Functional The Arcturus JUMP 20 lands at Fort Benning, GA during the FTUAS Rodeo, March 2021. Moving ahead and building on our past, I look forward to the Experimental Demonstration Gateway Event (EDGE) 21 this May to test out new tactics,...
Learn MoreOur Total Force
Branch Chief’s Corner / By MG David J. Francis: As Army Aviation continues to perform missions at home and worldwide, the depth, resilience, and flexibility across our force is consistently impressive. A California Army National Guard CH-47 helicopter on final approach for one of multiple rescue pick-ups during the Creek Fire near Shaver Lake, CA in early September 2020. / CALIFORNIA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD PHOTO A significant aspect of our enduring successes involves leveraging the integration of all three components (Active, Guard, and Reserve). Crucial to our success is our ability to fuse the necessary resourcing, training, and modernization across...
Learn MoreSupporting Our Total Force
President’s Cockpit / By MG Jeff Schloesser, U.S. Army Retired: As you read this you may already know we have cancelled the 2021 Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit scheduled for 21-22 April in Nashville following the Army’s decision that it would not be able to support the Summit based on an Army Health Risk Assessment as well as the current environment. COL (Ret.) Harry Townsend at the 2017 Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit. Rest in peace, old Warrior (See page 55)./ AAPI FILE PHOTO Since we depend on the Army for our key speakers and leader attendance, aircraft displays, and...
Learn MoreDeployment Through the Eyes of National Guard Spouses
Family Forum / By Judy Konitzer: Soldiers from National Guard units have gained national attention as we watched their mobilization to D.C. in January, but what about those who are currently deployed? The 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade deployed to Kuwait and outposts in Syria in September and won’t return until late spring in support of Operation Inherent Resolve designed to defeat DAESH (ISIS). I acquired a greater and genuine appreciation for the service of their spouses and how they are coping with this separation after interviewing a few of them. Members of Susan Girvin’s church family provided cookies for...
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