Today, I had the honor of joining the 101st CAB, 2-17 ACS and 5-101 as they recognized Medal of Honor recipients Mr. Michael John Fitzmaurice and Mr. Kenneth David aboard a UH-60M in recognition of the 2-17 casing ceremony and Week of the Screaming Eagles.
This one was special.
I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the Cavalry spirit, and Medal of Honor recipient Mr. Michael John Fitzmaurice is the epitome of a Cavalryman. Mr. Fitzmaurice served in 2-17 and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War. His service, sacrifice, and excellence became part of the foundation that shaped 2-17 into what it is today, simply a cut above.
We stand on the shoulders of giants, and it was an honor to stand amongst him today. Safe to say, this may be my new favorite coin.
It was also great being back on the flightline. The smell of JP8, the scream of APUs and engines, and of course, being back around Soldiers… that feeling never leaves you.
Phenomenal job kicking off the week by the 101st CAB, 2-17 ACS and 5-101 teams.
And just like that, my time on Army Staff as a PAO in the greatest Outreach Division has come to a close. This family here is unmatched.
Over the last year, I had the opportunity to do something I longed to do throughout my entire military career. Something I studied at Morgan State University and the University of Hawaii, and something I strive to apply in my personal life every day, I finally had the opportunity to wear it in uniform.
My PAO family has one of the most lethal jobs in the Army, weaponizing their pens to tell the Army story, connecting the American people to our day-to-day operations, remaining apolitical while communicating the messages that matter, and keeping the world informed. These are warriors. MY warriors. My Ohana.
From Kid Rock flyovers, Netflix and Paramount PAAs, professional sports engagements, UFC events, and everything in between, no matter the mission, ACOO stood ready to execute, and WE did exactly that.
I’m truly blessed to have been a part of the ACOO team as it continues transforming into the best branch in the Army.
I stopped serving as an Aviator for myself a long time ago. I serve to provide representation, inspiration, and hope to a generation that believes they can’t. It’s not who I am, it’s what I do.
Thank you to the entire ACOO team for allowing me to serve and be exactly who I am. Forever indebted to COL Butler, Miss Conway, Alta, CJ, Katie, MAJ Russell and Shaw, SGM Ferguson, COL Kelley, Samantha, Karen, COL Calhoun, Hill, and the rest of the team.
I will truly miss this fight and this family.
But for Aviation… THE JOB’S NOT DONE!
Aviation, it’s time to saddle back up.
The pinnacle of Queen Week. Happy Mother’s Day, QueenPri. This week is always special, beginning with your birthday, followed by Military Spouse Appreciation Day, and ending with Mother’s Day.
It’s truly a blessing watching you conquer the many roles and responsibilities you carry every single day. People see the joy and glamour on social media, but they don’t always see the hard work, sacrifice, and dedication that happens behind the scenes day in and day out.
You are the true definition of a multi-tool. There’s no task you can’t handle and no role people don’t lean on you for. Through it all, you continue to wear your crown with grace and strength.
I am proud of you. We are proud of you.
Just because you make it look easy doesn’t make the burden any lighter. Cheers to another Queen Week.
I love you!
@queenpri
Three dads linked up for a SpaDate with their daughters to celebrate young princess Liana birthday. It’s these sweet moments you appreciate the soft life, and having a group of like minded men to teach our children life experiences.
I’m reminded often that my daughter is just like her momma. Bold, Brilliant, Beautiful and Gifted..make no mistake about it, when I prayed for a Daughter, I wanted her to be just like her mom. She’s that, and some.
Today, on the eve on Mother’s Day, I am reminded of the beautiful things my wife has brought into my life and her contributions to the world.
Was truly amazing watching my daughter with HER girls, baby toddler gossiping and picking out polish colors.
To the three of you, remember you’re always THAT GIRL.
To @queenpri , you’re always THAT MOMMA!
Happy 35th birthday to the Queen of the Manning Ohana. We are forever grateful for your love, sacrifice, commitment, and resilience.
Over the last few weeks, we boxed up our home preparing for the next Army move, all while navigating the reminder that the Army always gets a vote. Through it all, we leaned on being comfortable with being uncomfortable… and celebrating your 35th birthday was no different.
From the early morning cards that always win your heart, I went full MDMP mode to plan and execute the day. No details provided… just “be ready to depart at this time” and “here’s your dress.”
We experienced a new restaurant with incredible views, made a quick stop at a Baltimore staple, and then headed to the final event. What you thought was simply dinner and a ride back home to the kids turned into a full night of uninterrupted sleep, relaxation, and a much-needed reset.
No matter the uncertainty, transitions, or chaos around us, one thing remains constant… you continue to be the foundation of this family. Happy birthday, dear. We love and appreciate you more than words can explain.
@queenpri
My team, my team, MY TEAM! My heart is full.
In 20 years of service, I’ve never experienced anything like this. I went from TDY at AAAA, to a surprise 38th birthday trip to the Dominican Republic, and then right back to work. When I returned, I was greeted by the most incredible, fully decorated birthday desk from my family at work… my teammates, my PAOs, my people who have accepted me for exactly who I am.
It may seem small to others, but to me, it meant everything. The attention to detail, the jokes, the laughter… all of it was felt and truly appreciated.
To my team, thank you. Katie, CJ, Cynthia, Karen, Samantha, Miss Conway… all of you. I can’t thank you enough.
I almost held off on posting this because of timing, but honestly, the world deserves to know how great you all are.
38 traffic patterns around the sun.
This year was a reminder that the fundamentals matter. Never forget where you came from, but don’t let your past define your future.
I made it another year surrounded by those who truly matter. I watched some fade to black, learned that blood isn’t always thicker than water, and realized that humility is one of the greatest traits we can carry.
As I take flight into this next traffic pattern, I’m looking forward to more life, more growth, and new adventures. I’m ready to seize every opportunity that comes our way. Don’t be surprised when things come that you once prayed for.
Appreciate my village. Shoutout to my wife, my young kings, and my princess. They make this journey, and this fight, worth it through the ups, downs, and everything in between.
I attended my first Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) Warfighting Summit in Nashville, and I was honored to do so from a Public Affairs Officer perspective.
This summit stood apart from others. We had the distinct opportunity to work alongside Bell in the rollout of the MV-75 Cheyenne II. There is a deliberate and meaningful process behind naming an Army aircraft, and seeing it from start to finish was incredibly rewarding. As part of that process, we also had the privilege of engaging with the Northern and Southern leaders of the Cheyenne tribe. The warrior spirit and legacy behind the name were unmistakable.
One of my highlights was supporting the Aviation General Officer Steering Committee, helping prepare and execute the media roundtable. Ensuring the public receives accurate, timely information about our Aviation transformation efforts is a critical responsibility. Providing truth and clarity is a cornerstone of our profession, and one we must never take lightly.
Army Aviation is in a period of transformation, led by the right leaders at the right time. The work being done now will shape the future of the force for decades to come.
We truly are Above the Best.
April 6, 2026 marked 20 years of service for me. I’ve spent more than half my life in uniform (38 in 5days)
Two branches, seven different jobs, eleven ranks, and countless leadership roles along the way.
My reasons for joining are very different from my reasons for staying. Over time, I’ve had to evolve and adapt my “why.” But one thing has never changed… serving this country has always remained at the top.
The Soldiers and leaders I’ve had the privilege to serve with continue to humble and inspire me. You all are a big part of what keeps me going.
Through it all, three things have remained constant over these 20 years: • Coming home to my wife and kids remains unmatched • Taking care of and rewarding Soldiers, regardless of rank or position • And of course, putting warheads on foreheads for anyone who threatens our democracy
Here’s to X more years of service.
2️⃣🔥 Mav’s Hibachi Birthday, Chef’d by King Manning 👨🏾🍳🥢
Disney did the celebrating… but Daddy made it personal. 💙
@apacheav8or said no way our baby was missing that intimate cake moment.
Pulled together in under 24 hours because we don’t play about our babies.
We really make magic anywhere. 🫶🏽
#MavTurns2 #HibachiAtHome #FamilyFirst #OhanaVibesAs
The road to FAA Part 107 licensed drone pilots hit a critical milestone yesterday ✈️🚁
Our students gathered at Junior Flight Training Academy Headquarters to tackle instrument training in preparation for their certification exam.
They spent several hours digging deep into airspace regulations, interpreting VFR sectionals, and understanding weather minimums 📊📍
Our Saturday sessions are intense, fast-paced, and rigorous 💪🏽 This is not just teaching to a test, it is developing disciplined, critical-thinking aviators ready to take flight 🚀
#JFTAAcademy #DronePilots #Part107 #AviationEducation #JacobsLadder
My SONshine, Maverick (Mavy)
In one of the heaviest seasons of my life, you became my light. You didn’t just change my life… you saved parts of me I didn’t even know were breaking.
Watching you grow into the most chill little soul is so full circle whether you’re posted up in the pantry or turning up at ANY party (your granddad would be proud) is such a joy to witness. You are pure light, laughter, and love with the sweetest smile. Straight heartthrob.
Happy 2nd birthday, my baby boy. We LOVE YOU more than words will ever hold 💙. A supernatural feel.
