The Tennessee Valley Chapter of the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) has been named the AAAA National Super Chapter of the Year, a top distinction recognizing its support of Army aviation soldiers and their families.
The honor was announced by Brig. Gen. Timothy J. Edens, Ret., senior vice president of AAAA National, during the chapter’s recent annual social at Rocket City Tavern. Edens credited the chapter’s collaboration with Army Aviation and the broader Tennessee Valley community for earning the recognition.
During the event, longtime supporters IronMountain Solutions and Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems were recognized for their continued partnership.
“Without our sponsors, we can’t do what we do,” said Chadwick Ford, retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 and the chapter’s vice president of operations. “It goes to scholarships and other events for our community.”
Supporting Army aviation families through scholarships and professional development is the chapter’s primary mission. Last year, the Tennessee Valley Chapter awarded more than 40 scholarships totaling over $99,000. This year, more than 90 applicants are under review.
“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.”
Much of that funding is raised through the chapter’s annual golf tournament, scheduled for June 26 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Hampton Cove. Organizers say the tournament serves as the chapter’s largest fundraiser of the year, with proceeds directly supporting scholarships for Army aviation families and veterans.
The Tennessee Valley Chapter is the largest in AAAA’s global network, with more than 2,200 members across North Alabama and southern Tennessee. Nationally, AAAA includes more than 18,000 members across 79 chapters worldwide.
