GEORGE T. JOHNSON

In 1982, CW3 (Ret.) George T. Johnson had a dream that significant historical deeds done by Black Army Aviators were falling through the cracks.  Mr. Johnson believed these deeds could be reclaimed and tracked for prosperity.  He shared his vision with a few of his long time military friends both active and retired Army Aviators.  Receiving positive feedback all around, he decided to try and make his dream a reality.

During this timeframe (1982), Beech Aircraft Corporation (now The Raytheon Aircraft Corporation) employed Mr. Johnson as an Executive Assistant.  The Beech Aircraft Corporation fully supported Johnson’s efforts by financially sponsoring several visits to Washington, D. C., Fort Eustis, Virginia, and several other locations to coordinate the first gathering of these warriors.  Initially, only Army aviators were considered for membership in the Black Pilot’s reunion.  However, at a later meeting this was changed to allow all U.S. Army aviation personnel and associates to join as full members.  In addition, the name of the organization was changed from the Black Pilot’s Reunion to U.S. Army Black Aviation Association (USABAA), Inc. to reflect the decision.

USABAA is certified by the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) as a 501(c) (3) tax exempt entity.  As such, it is our fondest hope that the aviation community will recognize the need for the goals and objectives we have set and assist in sponsoring our cause.  All donations are tax exempted.   We believe such sponsorships would be beneficial to both USABAA and the aviation industry. Sponsorships from the aviation industry will assist us funneling our youth into aviation training and thereby into productive aviation careers.  Any persons and/or organization recognizing the benefit of such an arrangement and would like to contribute to the sponsorship of such a program, please contact USABAA’s Treasurer, CW3 (Ret.) Carl Burhanan at 2747 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach California, 90803.  His e-mail address is: cbur@jps.net.

The First U.S. Army Aviation Association (USABAA), Inc. held its first reunion in Wichita, KS, June 22 - 26, 1983.  Subsequent reunions have been held in Washington, D. C.; Wichita, KS;  St. Louis,  MO;  Ft. Rucker,  AL;  Atlanta, GA;  Las Vegas, NV;  Hampton, VA;  New Orleans, LA;  San Antonio, TX, Memphis, TN; and Fayetteville, NC;

WHO WE ARE

The U.S. Army Black Aviation Association, Inc. is the results of a dream of CW3 (Ret.) George T. Johnson, a retired Army Aviator, that became a reality.  During a one-year period beginning in June of 1982, Mr. Johnson discussed his idea with many friends, both current and retired Army Aviators.  He realized that significant historical deeds done by Black Army Aviators were falling through the cracks.  Mr. Johnson’s dream was such that he believed these deeds could be reclaimed and tracked for prosperity.  As a result, Mr. Johnson set out on a mission to do just that.

During a one-year period, Mr. Johnson coordinated his efforts and shared his vision with long time friends; LTC (Ret.) Waddell Avery, CW4 (Ret.) Carl Burhanan, CW3 (Ret.) Joseph P. Holland, LTC (Ret.) Benjamin C. Johnson, CW4 (Ret.) Clarence T. Jones,  Col. (Ret.) Albert B. Luster,  LTC Jerry Hawkins and CW4 (Ret.) Ulyses Lamkin.  Receiving positive feedback all around, he was well on his way toward making his vision a reality.

During this timeframe, Beech Aircraft Corporation employed Mr. Johnson as an Executive Assistant.  The Beech Aircraft Corporation fully supported Johnson’s efforts by sponsoring, financially, several visits to Washington, D.C., Fort Eustis, Virginia, and several other locations to coordinate the first reunion.  Beech Aircraft Corporation, along with other Wichita Aircraft Manufacturers, also supported the first reunion financially.  Col. R. Butler of the Department of Defense (DOD), an Army Aviator and old friend of Mr. Johnson assisted in obtaining a roster with addresses of both active and retired Black Army Aviator.  Col. Albert B. Luster, Assistant Commandant of the Transportation School at Fort Eustis, also an old friend, was instrumental in obtaining the full support of the U.S. Army Transportation Center.

MISSION

The U.S. Army Black Aviation Association (USABAA), Inc. is dedicated to making sure that the latest aviation information is made available to the membership and interested young people. USABAA encourages good communication between Aviators and other aviation specialties of the Active Army, Army Reserves, Army National Guards and Retired Communities. In addition, USABAA encourages and solicits two-way communications and support with other aviation organizations throughout the country.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

USABAA, Inc. is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes, including the making of distribution to organizations that qualify as tax exempt organizations under Section 501c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law).

The organization was conceived to:
(a). Promote, support and encourage minorities to pursue educational and professional goals in the field of aviation.
(b). Develop scholarships and student aid programs that are sufficiently varied to provide youths the opportunity to become aviators, engineers, navigators, technicians or other aviation specialties.
(c). Enroll as many members as possible to increase the support base of the organization and provide funds for the achievement of the organization’s goals.
(d). Additionally, USABAA’s officers and selected members continue a concerted effort to:

• Identify the contributions black Americans have made to military and civilian aviation in this country.
• Encourage young people to enter the military and commercial fields of aviation and to pursue and complete educational objectives in related fields.
• Stimulate and encourage broad employment opportunities for Blacks and other minorities in all aviation fields.

THE FIRST U.S. ARMY BLACK PILOT REUNION

The First U.S. Army Black Pilot Reunion that later became the U.S. Army Black Aviation Association (USABAA), Inc. was held in Wichita, Kansas, June 22 – 26, 1983.  Then Brig. General Colin Powell, of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas was scheduled to speak at the first reunion, but was promoted and transferred to DOD prior to the reunion.

Maj. General Crosby Saint replaced General Powell as the luncheon speaker.  Maj. General Ellis D. Parker, commanding General, Fort Rucker, Alabama personally assigned Captain Olin E. Sanders to assist in the success of the first reunion.  Brig. General Charles E. Teeter brought six Black Army Aviators from Fort Rucker for a one-day visit at the reunion.  Maj. General Jerry R. Curry, the Army highest-ranking Black Aviator on active duty at the time was the Saturday night banquet’s speaker.

The following active and retired aviation personnel attended the first reunion in Wichita, Kansas.

1983 ATTENDEES

*CW4 (Ret.) Robert B. Akers
*CW2 Prince Alexander
*LTC (Ret.) Waddell Avery
CW4 (Ret.) Carl Burhanan
Maj. Gen. Jerry R. Curry
CW3 (Ret.) Cornelius Daniel
CW4 (Ret.) Fred Farmer
CIV William H. Gillespie
LTC (Ret.) J.B. (Jerry) Hawkins
CW3 (Ret.) Joseph P. Holland
CW4 (Ret.) Ulyses Lamkin
Col. (Ret.) Howard Williams
LTC. (Ret.) William H. Holloman
*LTC. (Ret.) Benjamin C. Johnson
CW3 (Ret.) George T. Johnson
CIV Robert Maurice Johnson
*CW4 (Ret.) Clarence T. Jones
Col. Albert B. Luster
CW3 (Ret.) George W. Murray, Jr.
CPT. Olin B. Sanders
CW3 (Ret.) Marion W. Sligh
LTC (Ret.) Raymond L. Smith
COL. (Ret.) Harry W. Townsend

*Deceased

 

Provisional Officers 1983 – 1984

President – COL. (Ret.) Harry W. Townsend
Vice-President – LTC (Ret.) J.B. (Jerry) Hawkins
Secretary – *LTC (Ret.) Waddell Avery
Treasurer – CW3 (Ret.) George T. Johnson

ADVISOR 1983 – 1984

*MG (Ret.) James F. Hamlet – Trenton, New Jersey

Program  Coordinator 1984

*LTC (Ret.) Waddell Avery – Washington, D.C. Area

Regional Coordinators 1983-1984

Northeast                                    LTC (Ret.) J.B (Jerry) Hawkins – Maryland
Northern Virginia and D.C.       *LTC (Ret.) Waddell Avery – Alexandria & Washington, D.C.
Southern Virginia                       CW3 (Ret.) Joseph P. Holland – Hampton, VA & Mid South
Southeast                                   *CW3 (Ret.) Dorsey Battle – Enterprise, AL
Southwest                                  CW4 (Ret.) Ulyses Lamkin – San Antonio, TX
Northwest                                  *CW4 (Ret.) Clarence T. Jones – Tacoma, WA
Northern California                    *LTC (Ret.) Charles A. Drummond, Jr. – Carmel, CA
Southern California                      CW4 (Ret.) Carl Burhanan, –  Los Angeles, CA

 

As a result of CW3 Johnson’s efforts as the coordinator our first reunion, the first U. S. Black Pilot Reunion received outstanding support from the Department of the Army, the State of Kansas and the City of Wichita.  Representatives from Fort Rucker, Alabama; Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; the Wichita Army Reserves and Recruiting Stations presented military seminars and displays.  Fort Riley, Kansas had static displays of the latest rotary wing aircraft.  State and local aircraft industry representatives were also on hand to make presentations and discuss their displays.  The first reunion was a huge success.  The attendees voted to make the reunion an annual affair.  They also voted to have the second reunion in the Washington, D. C. area.  *LTC (Ret.) Waddell Avery agreed to sponsor the reunion in the D. C. Area.

 

Officers

President:    LTC (Ret.) Charles H. Drummond
Vice-President:       CW4 (Ret.) Carl Burhanan
Secretary:         LTC (Ret.) Benjamin Johnson
Treasurer:      CW3 (Ret.) George T. Johnson
Parliamentarian:           Mr. William H. Gillispie

Executive Board

Chairman:                    COL. Harry W. Townsend
Members:                    CW3 (Ret.) Fred Farmer
CW3 (Ret.) Joseph P. Holland
CW4 (Ret.) Thomas Holmes
CW4 J. L. (Jay) Nance

 

Advisor

*Major General (Ret.) James F. Hamlet

 

It was noted at this meeting that USABAA’s number one priority was and still is to increase its membership.  As Major General (Ret.) James F. Hamlett once said, “This Association should be supported by all current and former Army Aviators.”  It will take an all out effort from each of us to reach our objectives, and it is through this medium that we still make this appeal.

Although our focus is directed toward getting more active and former U.S. Army blacks and other minority aviation personnel totally involved by becoming active members in USABAA, our membership is open to all active and former U.S. Army and “sister” services aviation personnel as well as other individuals that share our interest in aviation and education. Therefore, we welcome the total community’s help in achieving these goal and objectives.  In addition, we are strongly attempting to get our black and other minority youth to take a more active role in some of our activities.  Hopefully, they will have the opportunity to meet and establish personal relationships with the reunion attendees.  It is our strong desire that they will become more involved not only in our activities, but other aviation endeavors by seeking scholarships and mentoring through USABAA and other black aviation organizations.

During the year of 1984, USABAA was officially chartered in the State of Virginia.  (See attachment for a list of the chartered members.)  Also in 1984, the wives of USABAA’s members formally organized the ladies’ auxiliary of the U.S. Army Black Aviation Association, Inc.  The following officers were elected.

Officers of the Ladies Auxiliary – 1984

President:                    Pam Johnson
Vice – President:            Hilda Avery
Secretary:                     Gloria Akers
Treasurer:                 Phyllis Johnson

 

The following lists of names are chartered members of USABAA.
U. S. Army Black Aviation Association, Inc.
Chartered Members

CW2 Charles Achane
*LTC (Ret.) Waddell Avery (93)
CW4 (Ret.) Carl Burhanan
MG Jerry R. Curry
CW3 (Ret.) Cornelius Daniel
*LTC (Ret.) Charles H. Drummond
CW4 (Ret.) Fred Farmer
CIV William H. Gillespie
*MG (RET.) James F. Hamlet
LTC (Ret.) J. B. (Jerry) Hawkins
CW3 (Ret.) Joseph P. Holland
LTC (Ret.) William H. Holloman
*LTC. (ret.) Benjamin C. Johnson
CW3 (Ret.) George T. Johnson
CIV Robert Maurice Johnson
*CW4 (Ret.) Clarence T. Jones
CW4 (Ret.) Frank P. Joseph
CW4 (Ret.) Ulyses Lampkin
COL. Albert B. Luster
CPT. Michel E. Mack
LTC (Ret.) Oscar C. Mack
*CW3 (Ret.) George W. Murray, Jr.
CPT. Olin B. Sanders
COL. (Ret.) Harry W. Townsend
Col. (Ret.) Howard Williams

*Deceased