Awards Available Through AAAA

Order of Saint Michael Awards

The OSM was established in 1990 as a joint venture between the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) and the U.S. Army Aviation Center (USAAVNC). 

Induction into the Order of Saint Michael is intended to recognize individuals who have contributed significantly to the promotion of Army Aviation in ways that stand out in the eyes of the recipient’s seniors, subordinates, and peers. These individuals must also demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and moral character, display an outstanding degree of professional competence, and serve in the United States Army Aviation or civilian aviation community with distinction. 

For more information on this award, please email [email protected] . 

Army Aviation Personnel:

  • Bronze Order of Saint Michael 
  • Silver Order of Saint Michael
  • Gold Order of Saint Michael

Non Army Aviation Personnel:

  • Knight of the Order of Saint Michael

Order of Our Lady of Loreto Awards

In 2002, COL Tony Crutchfield requested that the AAAA create a parallel program to the Order of Saint Michael to honor spouses and other supporters of Army Aviation. Established in 2004 as a joint venture between the AAAA and the US Army Aviation Center (USAAVNC), the Order of Our Lady of Loreto recognizes individuals who are worthy of special recognition for outstanding support to the Army Aviation Family and Army Aviation Community. 

This award celebrates the sacrifice, support, security, and caring provided by those at home and in the larger Army Aviation Community that make it possible for Army Aviation soldiers to accomplish their missions despite changes in circumstances, location, and separation from loved ones.

A nominee for the Order of Our Lady of Loreto must have demonstrated conspicuous contributions to support the Army Aviation family and community. 

For more information on this award, please email [email protected]

Chapter Awards

Top Chapter Awards


Deadline: January 1
This national award was first presented in 1973, and recognized the Chapter judged to be most active in pursuing the goals and programs of the AAAA during the previous calendar year. The vitality of a Chapter, as measured by how many benefits were delivered to the Chapter members, determined the selection of the "Top Chapter". 

For more information on these awards, please email [email protected]

  • Super Chapter (500  members and over)
  • Master Chapter (200 – 499  members)
  • Senior Chapter (75 – 199  members)
  • AAAA Chapter (74 members and below)

Chapter Net Gain Awards

The Chapter showing the greatest net gain in membership from January 1 – December 31 wins the "Chapter Net Growth Contest". There are four competitions based on a Chapter's size so that every Chapter has an opportunity to win. Additionally, the Chapter with the overall highest percentage of gain, regardless of size, is also recognized. The five winning Chapters receive a plaque presented at the Membership Meeting during the AAAA Annual Summit .

For more information on these awards, please email [email protected]

  • Super Chapter (500  members and over)
  • Master Chapter (200 – 499  members)
  • Senior Chapter (75 – 199  members)
  • AAAA Chapter (74 members and below)
  • Largest Percentage of Net Gain (regardless of size)

Chapter Programs to Recognize Outstanding Individuals on Monthly/Quarterly/Yearly Basis

The AAAA supports a Chapter Awards Program in which Chapter-selected "Aviation Soldiers, NCOs and DACs of the Month" receive complimentary, one-year Association memberships underwritten by the AAAA.

For more information on these awards, please email [email protected].

Soldier, NCO, DAC of the Month

A Chapter may submit the name of one Aviation Soldier, NCO or DAC of the Month (Rank E4 and below) -- twelve (12) per year. Doubling up is not permissible if a Chapter selection is not made in a given month.

Soldier, NCO, DAC of the Quarter

A Chapter may submit the name of one Aviation Soldier, NCO or DAC of the Quarter (Rank E4 and below) -- four (4) per year. Doubling up is not permissible if a Chapter selection is not made in a given quarter.

Soldier, NCO, DAC of the Year

A Chapter may submit the name of one Aviation Soldier, NCO and DAC of the Year (Rank E4 and below) -- one (1) per year. Doubling up is not permissible if a Chapter selection is not made in a given year.

FORMS:

West Point Cadet of the Year

BACKGROUND - The selection of the most outstanding U.S. Military Academy Cadet who has been selected for the Army Aviation Branch is accomplished under the leadership of the West Point Commandant immediately following the Branching of a USMA Class in the January before graduation.

For more information on these awards, please email [email protected]

ROTC Cadet of the Year

BACKGROUND - The selection of the most outstanding ROTC Cadet who has been selected for the Army Aviation Branch is accomplished by a Selection Board under the leadership of the Commander, U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Command, Fort Monroe, Virginia, in November of the year prior to the Cadet's graduation.

For more information on these awards, please email [email protected]

Distinguished Graduate Awards

The Distinguished Graduate Awards are presented in the name of the Association to the Distinguished Graduates of aviation-related courses or to such other Distinguished Graduates as the National Executive Board may determine. The AAAA provides awards to the Distinguished Graduates of the Initial Entry Rotary Wing Aviator Course and certain enlisted, warrant officer, and officer courses at:

  • Fort Novosel, Alabama --- USAACE
  • Fort Eustis, Virginia -- 128th Aviation Brigade
  • Eastern -- EAATS
  • Western -- WAATS
For more information on these awards, please email [email protected]

Howze Gunnery Award (Not currently being presented)

BACKGROUND - The AAAA's "Howze Gunnery Award" is sponsored by General Hamilton H. Howze, Ret., & is presented annually to the top AH 1 & AH 64 crew in the annual GEN Hamilton H. Howze Gunnery Competition. Individual replicas of the permanent trophy are sponsored by Rockwell International Corporation, and are presented to the top three crews.

For more information on these awards, please email [email protected]