The Ashton Johnson Memorial CloudDancer Scholarship has announced its third annual Black Tie and Boots Gala. Founded in November 2021, the organization is a 501(c)(3) non-profit established in honor of Ashton by his father, Willow Park resident Joe Johnson, and Ashton’s his dream of becoming a pilot.
Get ready to tip your hats and kick up some dust, because on Saturday, Oct. 12, the River Ranch Stockyards in Fort Worth will be the stage for the annual Gala. With a Texas-style buffet, toe-tappin’ country music and more, this event promises a boot-scootin’ good time.
The real star of the show will be the live auction. Organizers have rounded up a stampede of treasures that’ll have you reaching for your wallets faster than a rattlesnake strikes. From handcrafted goods to authentic Western wear, there’s something for every buckaroo in this auction lineup.
The CloudDancer Scholarship is intended to help veterans interested in pursuing careers in aviation. They are looking for veterans with honorary military performance along with passion, drive, and tenacity either starting off or in the process of private pilot training.
Ashton Johnson was born in Fort Worth on Dec. 3, 1992. He graduated from Keller High School, attended Tarrant County College, and then joined the US Army in 2016. He served his country for nearly four years as an air defense specialist (MOS 14G). He received numerous medals and accolades and was honorably discharged in 2019. He completed an eight-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. 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.
For more background on Ashton, visit https://www.community-news.com/stories/willow-park-man-honors-son-with-scholarship-organization,10829.
For information on the Gala, visit www.CloudDancerScholarship.org or email info@clouddancerscholarship.org
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