Tennessee Valley chapter named AAAA National Super Chapter of the Year
HUNTSVILLE – The Tennessee Valley Chapter of the Army Aviation Association of America has been named the AAAA National Super Chapter of the Year, a top honor recognizing its impact in supporting Army aviation soldiers and their families.
The announcement was made during the chapter’s recent annual social sponsored by PeopleTec at Rocket City Tavern, where local military leaders, industry partners and community supporters gathered to celebrate the chapter’s work and recognize sponsors.
“This will be awarded at Summit, you are the distinguished Super Chapter for the year,” said Brig. Gen. Timothy J. Edens, Ret., senior vice president of AAAA National, in announcing the honor. He credited the success of the chapter to the partnership between AAAA, Army Aviation and the Tennessee Valley community. “The success of today and what will be successful tomorrow, is all due to a great team between Quad A, Army Aviation and you are part of that.”
IronMountain, Stevens Aerospace honored
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of longtime sponsors IronMountain Solutions and Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems for their sustained support of the chapter’s mission.
Chadwick Ford, AAAA TVC vice president of operations, said the evening was designed to thank the companies and individuals whose contributions make the chapter’s programs possible.
“Without our sponsors, we can’t do what we do,” Ford said. “This doesn’t go into our coffers to spend on ourselves, it goes to scholarships and other events for our community, for young professionals and for students trying to go to college.”
Ford described IronMountain as a dedicated partner that has supported the chapter for years, while calling Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems one of the chapter’s longest-standing sponsors.
“Your partnership plays a vital role in helping us honor and serve the Army aviation community,” Ford said in presenting the awards. “We truly appreciate your commitment to those who wear and have worn the wings of Army aviation.”
Additional local partners, including Rocket City Tavern, Tito’s Vodka, Twin Peaks and Salt House, were also recognized for donating food, space and support for fundraising events throughout the year.
Scholarships and soldier support
The Tennessee Valley Chapter is the largest in AAAA’s global network, with more than 2,200 members across North Alabama and southern Tennessee.
AAAA was formed in 1957 by senior Army aviation officers and is the only not-for-profit organization dedicated to representing the broad interests of Army Aviation. Today, it has more than 18,000 members across 79 chapters worldwide, including active duty, Reserve and National Guard soldiers, government civilians, retirees, industry partners and friends of Army Aviation.
The chapter’s primary focus is supporting Army Aviation soldiers and their families through scholarships, grants and professional development opportunities.
Last year, the Tennessee Valley Chapter awarded more than 40 scholarships totaling over $99,000. This year, more than 90 applicants are under review, with approximately 30 percent expected to receive awards. The chapter also funds technical and licensing grants, known as TLC grants, and supports youth participation in Aviation Challenge programs.
“We do this for our members,” one chapter leader said during the event. “Their students and their families, all the way down to their grandkids, qualify for scholarships.”
AAAA TVC Golf Tournament
Much of that funding is raised through community events, including the chapter’s annual golf tournament, set for June 26 at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.
The all-inclusive tournament, which includes breakfast, lunch and on-course activities, serves as the chapter’s largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds support scholarships for Army aviation families, active duty and veteran warfighters, and community and professional development programs.
Sponsorships are available at multiple levels, with organizers encouraging businesses and individuals to participate.
“Our sponsorships are what allow us to have the tournament and to have significant money left over for the scholarship fund,” said VP Community Relations, LTC Bradley N. Bruce, Ret.. “It’s a great cause, and it directly supports deserving kids and Army aviation families.”
For the Tennessee Valley Chapter, leaders said the Super Chapter recognition reflects not only strong membership numbers, but a community-wide commitment to those who serve.
“On behalf of our national president and staff, thank you for what you do every day,” Edens said. “The soldiers need it, and they appreciate it.”
