In this episode, Thad and Tyler chat with Joey Johnson, an aviation professional with an inspiring and deeply personal story. Joey grew up in rural Louisiana, inspired by his uncle, a crop duster pilot, to pursue a career in aviation. He started flying with American Eagle and eventually became an FAA Designated Examiner and an American Airlines captain. Beyond his remarkable aviation career, Joey is a father and a man of many talents, from beekeeping to playing musical instruments.
However, the most important part of Joey's story is the Ashton Johnson Memorial Cloud Dancer Scholarship, which he founded to honor his middle son, Ashton, who tragically took his own life in October 2021. Joey reflects on the grief he experienced and how the scholarship became his purpose, providing financial support to veterans transitioning into aviation careers by bridging the gap in funding for their private pilot license training.
Links
Ashton JohnsonMemorial CloudDancer ScholarshipAshton Johnson Memorial CloudDancer Scholarship Donations
Veteran To Aviation Charity| Veteran-Run Non-ProfitOrganization | RTAG
Get your tickets for the Black Tie and Boots Gala on October 12th at the River RanchStockyards in Fort Worth, TX
Follow Cloud Dancer Scholarship on Instagram, LinkedIn,
and Facebook for updates and opportunities to help
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Grief and Loss
02:42 A Journey Through Aviation
09:51 The Impact of 9/11 on Pilots
16:56 The Struggles of Commuting Pilots
23:03 Mental Health in Aviation
30:44 Ashton's Journey to the Army
39:45 Ashton's Military Experience
52:42 The Impact of Purpose and Loss
01:04:09 Creating the Cloud Dancer Scholarship Foundation
01:18:40 Finding Purpose in Grief
01:30:18 Navigating the Scholarship Process
01:40:44 The Gala and Future Aspirations
Keywords
aviation, mental health, airline pilots, Joey Johnson, Ashton Johnson, Wingman Program, aviation career, challenges, family, military, military transition, mental health, aviation scholarships, veteran support, Ashton Johnson, Suicide awareness, Cloud Dancer Scholarship, community impact, legacy, grief, purpose
