They’re housed in a nondescript metal building near Atlanta Speedway Airport and within sight of EchoPark Speedway: three Huey and three Cobra helicopters. Their years in military service during Vietnam and the Cold War are behind them.
But their stories are far from over.
The aircraft are part of the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation and Flying Museum, begun in 1997. Hampton’s Legacy Chapter was the first, with founder Mike Brady aiming to acquire Huey aircraft and make them flyable for local events. Since then, chapters have opened in Mesa, Arizona, and St. Louis, Missouri.
Brady’s wider goal was to promote the story of Army Aviation and its “Sky Soldiers.” These servicemen and women include his father: Major General Morris Brady, a WWII veteran, former Army Aviator and Commanding General of the 2d Infantry Division, Korea.
Hampton’s first Huey arrived in 1999.
John Woodward—who retired in 1990 after 21 years as an Army pilot—has been part of the Legacy Chapter’s work since its early days. His stories connected with the chapter include traveling to other states to acquire parts from decommissioned helicopters and seeing what their work means to veterans and others.
“It’s always a good feeling to walk in a hangar,” he says, “and to be part of something helpful, something that’s continuing legacy.”
The Foundation exists to honor those who have served in Army Aviation and educate civilians about their role in U.S. military history. Legacy Chapter volunteers do this by hosting school group tours, flying in air shows, displaying the helicopters and offering flights during aviation events, and more.
“Between all our engagements, we’re probably in front of about a million people a year,” says Fred Edwards, who served 22 years as an Army pilot and is now the Foundation’s Director of Operations.
Some activities are small and personal, such as funeral flyovers. Others are nationally recognized: they participated in the Grand Military Parade and Festival as part of the Army’s 250th birthday celebration in Washington, D.C., in June 2025.
They brought Vietnam to life during Serenbe Playhouse’s production of “Miss Saigon” by landing a Huey during a climactic moment in the play—and their pilots timed it perfectly for 19 consecutive nights.
But their most satisfying work is keeping the helicopters in perfect flying condition so others can experience them firsthand. A core group of volunteers helps make it happen, inspecting, maintaining, and rebuilding as needed.
Every hour of flight for a Huey translates to four to six hours of follow-up maintenance. For the Cobra, every flight hour equals at least six hours of maintenance.
They do it for the love of the aircraft, the camaraderie with fellow veterans, and the impact on their passengers.
The volunteers have countless stories of the people they encounter: Vietnam veterans who bring their families to air shows so they can fly in a Huey together. Civilians who climb aboard to conquer their fear of heights. Former POWs who find closure in one last flight. A former Army Aviator who learned the Legacy Chapter had acquired the Cobra he flew—so he traveled to Hampton simply to see it and sit in the cockpit again.
As Edwards says, “Every member who goes to an event brings back stories.”
“It’s the power of connection, both from the veteran’s side and the civilian’s side,” Woodward adds. “Maybe by doing this we can help enthrall the younger generation in aviation.”
Learn more about the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation and Flying Museum:
Reserve your seat for a Ride Day with the Legacy Chapter, held on select Saturdays throughout the year:
(770) 897-0444
By Leigh DeLozier
