The Summit brings together the Army, industry and our foreign military partners in one location to discuss the challenges we face, the
lessons we’ve learned and to create pathways ahead to face the future. AAPI PHOTO BY AUBREY CANALES
Hard as it is to believe, it’s already been almost a year since our past president, MG Walt Davis, transferred the controls of AAAA to me last May. A lot has happened since then. Drone warfare, counter-drones, MV-75 Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft, (FLRAA), Artificial Intelligence, cyber, reorganization of our Army Aviation formations including the elimination of our Cavalry Squadrons, Syria, Venezuela, Iran and, of course, Ukraine are all shaping our Branch and the Army itself.
What has not changed is AAAA’s commitment to each and every one of you, our members, to make sure we best support you and your families through our leadership, advocacy, and determination. From our charter membership in the 6.5 million member The Military Coalition (TMC) which has achieved a significant recent victory on Veterans benefit sustainment, to sponsoring the Army’s first Drone Warfighter Competition in February at the University of Huntsville’s Drone Range, the just finished Army Aviation Congressional Caucus meeting sponsored by AAAA in March, and even the AAAA retired 3- and 4-star non-aviator volunteer advocacy group known as the Senior Executive Associates, held back in March chaired by retired GEN J.D. Thurman, we are working every day for you.
Through the four pillars of AAAA that actualize our support; specifically…Networking, Recognition, Voice, and Support, we make sure that AAAA is perceived to be relevant, effective, and truly representative of you and your families.
This Annual Summit encompasses each of those four pillars. The Chief of Staff, GEN Randy George will be helping present the national awards to include, Soldier of the Year, Aviator of the Year, Crew Chief of the Year, Active, and ARNG and USAR Units of the Year as well. Former Army Aviator and current Under Secretary of the Army, The Honorable Mr. Mike Obadal, will be our second day keynote speaker.
Leading-edge professional development discussions will take place nonstop through our workshops, while “networking” will continue during follow-up conversations in the hallways.
The Hall of Fame inductions on Thursday evening will again be an amazing event with two Medal of Honor recipients among the Class of 2026. And of course, we will wind it all up with the Friday night informal Soldier Appreciation Concert with Dylan Scott.
I could not be prouder to help represent all of you as your AAAA President. I look forward to seeing many of you among our over 10,000 attendees in Nashville.
Above the Best!
MG Wally Golden, U.S. Army Retired
37th President, AAAA
walter.golden@quad-a.org
