AAAA National President, MG (Ret.) Wally Golden, pauses for a Kodak moment with Vietnam Helicopter Pilots
Association past president, Art Jacobs, during an Air Assault Chapter meeting on June 15, at Cole Park
Commons, Fort Campbell, KY. AAAA MacArthur Chapter Photo.
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
