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★ 501(c)(3) Veteran Aviation Nonprofit
Veterans Deserve
a Path to the Cockpit
The CloudDancer aviation scholarship funds flight training and aviation maintenance certification for U.S. military veterans. We’ve committed $112,500 in scholarships for 2026—and every dollar comes from people like you.
Providing aviation scholarship funding to veteran pilots and technicians since 2021.
Ashton Johnson Memorial CloudDancer Scholarship
Tickets On Sale Now
5th Annual Black Tie & Boots Gala
October 16, 2026 • 6:00 PM — River Ranch Stockyards, Fort Worth
An unforgettable evening of remembrance, scholarship, and impact benefiting the CloudDancer Scholarship Foundation. Every contribution helps us continue changing lives through aviation scholarships. Together, we honor Ashton’s legacy while helping future aviators pursue their dreams.
Limited Edition • Only 50 Made
2026 Commemorative Belt Buckle
$150 — In Memory of SPC Ashton Johnson
Crafted for the 5th Annual Black Tie & Boots Gala and limited to fifty, each buckle honors Ashton’s legacy — and every dollar funds veteran aviation scholarships. Reserve yours online and pick it up at the gala registration desk on October 16.
Proven Impact
Veterans Who Earned Their Wings
Class of 2025
2025 Gala
U.S. Armed Forces Veterans
“Ashton’s legacy gave us the chance to earn our wings.”
Class of 2024
2024 Gala
Multiple Branches
“CloudDancer made our aviation dreams possible.”
Class of 2023
2023 Gala
U.S. Army Veteran
“This scholarship changed the trajectory of my life.”
Class of 2022
2022 Gala
INAUGURAL CLASS
“The night that started it all — $61,500 raised for veterans who dream of flight.”
Stay Connected
Follow the CloudDancer Journey
Stay up to date with scholarship announcements, recipient spotlights, and the stories behind the mission — honoring Ashton’s legacy one flight at a time.
Visit on Facebook
See the Impact
What the Aviation Scholarship Is For
Hear directly from our team about how CloudDancer bridges the gap between military service and the cockpit—and why your support matters.
2026 Scholarships
Two Paths to the Sky
🛩️
Aviation Scholarship
$17,500 each
Upon Selection
$5,000
First Solo
$5,000
Solo Cross-Country
$5,000
Check Ride Complete
$2,500
5 awards for 2026
🔧
AMT Scholarship
$5,000 each
New for 2026—supporting veterans pursuing Aviation Maintenance Technician certification and careers in technical aviation fields. AMT recipients who enroll at the Thrust Institute of Maintenance qualify for an additional $5,000 scholarship, bringing the total award to $10,000.
5 awards for 2026
Our Origin
Founded in Memory of Ashton Johnson
Ashton served in the U.S. Army with a tour in Afghanistan. After his service, he began flight training and soloed in just weeks. The CloudDancer Scholarship was created by his father Joey to honor Ashton’s dream and give other veterans the same opportunity to fly.
Featured In
CBS NEWS
CBS News sat down with founder Joseph Johnson to discuss Ashton’s legacy and the scholarship’s impact on veterans pursuing aviation careers.
Proudly Supported By
The Dove Foundation
by Brian & Stacey Dove
Training Partnership
Thrust Institute of Maintenance — Up to $10,000 for AMT Recipients
AMT scholarship recipients who enroll in qualifying programs at the Thrust Institute of Maintenance automatically receive an additional $5,000 scholarship from the institute, covering FAA certification courses in airframe, powerplant, and advanced avionics.
Proudly supporting the following veteran charities
The 2026 Commemorative Belt Buckle
Only 50 made, in memory of SPC Ashton Johnson. $150 — every dollar funds veteran aviation scholarships. Pick yours up at the gala on October 16.
Make a Difference
Fund a Veteran’s Flight
Every dollar goes directly toward helping a veteran earn their wings. Choose an amount to see your impact.
$250 — Funds a veteran’s solo flight preparation
501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt · EIN: 87-3432788 · All donations are tax-deductible