It is great to continue the rhythm of events and activities that showcase Army Aviation’s essential capabilities, and your Association’s contribution to enabling the pillars of Networking, Voice, Recognition and Support for our Army Aviation soldiers and families.
On November 7, I had the privilege and honor to represent the Association at the U.S. Southern Command Change of Command and retirement ceremony for GEN Laura Richardson and induct her into the Gold Order of Saint Michael in recognition of her incredible accomplishments, service, and support to our Army, Joint Force, and the Army Aviation Community.
The event served as a reminder of how fortunate we are to now have five retired Aviation four- star generals (GEN Doug Brown, GEN Dick Cody, GEN Dan Hokanson, and GEN Jim McConville) that have been incredibly impactful and supportive of our Army Aviation family and Association. Additionally, I was honored to attend the retirement ceremony of CW5 Wade Ziegler, the 6th Command Chief Warrant Officer of the Army Special Operations Aviation Command and present him with the Gold Order of Saint Michael in recognition of his more than 32 years of dedicated service and accomplishments in support of our Army, Army Aviation, and the Army Special Operations community. What an incredible Army Aviation force we have!
Let me transition and speak about our AAAA Senior Executive Associates. Conceived over two decades ago by GEN Crosby E. ‘Butch’ Saint and Brig. Gen. Harry Bendorf, USAF (who at that time headed our AAAA Strategic Planning Committee), this is the group of our retired, non-Aviation Flag Officers, who volunteer their time to help generate understanding of Army Aviation capabilities, priorities, and challenges outside of the Army Aviation community.
The Associates come together twice annually to meet with the Chief of Staff of the Army and the Army Aviation General Officer Steering Committee led by our Branch Chief, MG Clair Gill… with our most recent meeting occurring on the heels of the Association of the United States Army’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition in mid-October. Our Senior Executive Associates perspective from the ‘Big Army’ point of view, as former Division, Corp, and Army Commanders, is simply invaluable. Under the leadership of the Chairman, GEN J.D. Thurman, Generals Dan Allyn, J.C. Campbell, Dave Perkins, Gus Perna, and Steve Townsend, along with Lieutenant Generals Dave Halverson, Mike Oates, Jim Pasquarette, Roger Schultz and Frank Wiercinski, work very effectively to ensure Army Aviation’s value is understood. We can’t thank them enough for their volunteer efforts in support of the Army Aviation Community and our Army Aviation soldiers and families.
By the time you read this we will have completed our second largest gathering of the year. The AAAA Cribbins Readiness Conference is always a signature event as we gather in Huntsville, AL to present and discuss all things acquisition and sustainment, in the context of being able to fight tonight and prepare for future operations with all the new emerging technology before us. Exciting times for sure as we meet the challenge of gaining effectiveness and advantage in protection, lethality, and supportability through the integration of uncrewed aircraft systems, launched effects, the modular open systems approach, and the realization of the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft.
Finally, if you haven’t already…please make sure to sign up and join us for the AAAA Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit, May 14-16, 2025, in Nashville.
From all of us at the AAAA Global Headquarters, we hope you and your families had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Thanks for all you do in support of Army Aviation!
Above the Best!
MG Walt Davis, U.S. Army Retired
36th President, AAAA
walt.davis@quad-a.org
