Courtesy Photo ( From left)Capt. Robert Keeler, Augusta South Rotary President David Stacks, Capt. Jennifer Johnston, and Richmond County Deputy Sheriff Sid Hatfield. The Augusta South Rotary Club honored Capt. Robert Keeler and Capt. Jennifer Johnston, Oct. 6 for their extraordinary volunteer efforts in support of Jimmie Dyess Days, Oct. 3 on Barton Field at Fort Gordon.

Both officers were awarded the Club’s Quarterly Outstanding Leader- Volunteer Award. Johnston and Keeler were asked to assist in the aerial coordination of the “Jimmie Dyess Days Boy Scout Jamboree” and within only a few weeks, were able to use their aviation experience and expertise to ensure the safe and successful execution of several operations which included safe landing zone security, and dissemination of pertinent imagery and information to the crews. Johnston is a dual-military officer, a black-hawk pilot in the aviation branch, but attending the Signal Captain’s Career Course at Fort Gordon with her spouse. Keeler coordinated and supervised the Silver Wings Paratrooper 10,000 feet free fall operation with both the jumpers and the air crew. He acted as the subject matter expert for the Boy Scout rappelling excursion held at the Youth Challenge Academy.

Together with Johnston they successfully coordinated, de-conflicted, landed and launched and secured five aircraft throughout the day on Barton Field among over 3,000 Boy Scouts and civilian spectators.

Both officers are currently attending the Signal Captain’s Career Course and are assigned to the 442nd Signal Battalion.