Ashton Johnson Memorial CloudDancer Scholarship announces its first annual Black-tie
Fundraising Gala. Founded in November 2021, the Ashton Johnson Memorial
CloudDancer Scholarship is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in honor of
Ashton Johnson and his dream of becoming a pilot. This year's dinner will be held at the
CR Smith Museum on October 15, 2022, at 6 pm. There will be VIP sponsor tables as
well as tables for individual donors. The evening will consist of a cocktail hour with hors
d'oeuvres, and a silent auction followed by appetizers and dinner, dessert, and a
presentation. The night will end with a live auction and door prizes for attendees.
The CloudDancer scholarship's mission is to provide flight training scholarships to
military veterans interested in a post-military aviation career by bridging the gap in the
GI Bill benefits. The GI Bill offers benefits that begin at the instrument rating, and this
scholarship will provide funds for obtaining a private pilot certificate. Veterans have
unique skill sets that make them ideal candidates for an aviation career. The
scholarship was created in honor of Ashton Johnson (Army SPC) who passed away at
28 years old in October 2021.
Ashton's father, Joseph Johnson, (ATP, DPE, CFI,II,MEl) said, “Hopefully, this
foundation can help to bridge the gap for veterans between the Gl Bill and the private
pilot certificate.” Captain Brian Schiff, NAFI Board Member, added “I sincerely hope that this endeavor shall help many veterans and ensure the memory of a fantastic person
who was called to be with God way too soon.”
For information on the Gala, contact the event coordinator Alexandra Stevens at (847)
468-4111. Tickets can be purchased here.
To learn more about Ashton and the CloudDancer Scholarship, visit www.CloudDancerScholarship.org. Scholarship applications will be accepted until June 1,2022.
For more information contact:
Joseph Johnson
Phone: (817) 729-7587
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.clouddancerscholarship.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clouddancerscholarship
About the Ashton Johnson Memorial CloudDancer Scholarship
The Ashton Johnson Memorial Scholarship is intended to help veterans interested in pursuing careers in
aviation. We're looking for veterans with honorary military performance along with passion, drive and
tenacity either starting off or in the process of private pilot training.
About Ashton Johnson
Ashton Johnson was born in Ft. Worth, TX, on the noteworthy date of December 3, 1992. He graduated
from Keller High School, attended Tarrant County College, then joined the US Army in 2016. He served
his country for over three years as an air defense battle management system operator (MOS 14G). He
received numerous medals and accolades and was honorably discharged in 2019. He completed an 8-
month combat tour in Afghanistan, where he was instrumental in several specialized military operations.
Before his enlistment, Ashton played paintball professionally with X-Factor of San Antonio, Texas. A
rising star within the paintball industry, Ashton became well known for his agility, grit, and wit.
Ashton was also an accomplished country dancer and shared a mutual passion for flying with his dad. On
the dance floor, there were no strangers. His innate ability to teach even those with two left feet was
uncanny. As for flying, one of his favorite spots was the family hangar. He often brought his friends there
to share the family PT-17 Stearman biplane, which he loved to fly. Although he had soloed numerous
times (his first solo was in June of 2020), Ashton didn't complete his venture before passing on October 4, 2021, at the young age of 28.
Finally, and most importantly, Ashton was a beloved brother and son. Cherished by his older brother and younger sister, he never missed an opportunity to return his affection to them.
