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