02/06/2026
On this episode of Hometown Heroes Podcast, we welcome Chief Warrant Officer 5 (Ret.) John Fowler, a highly decorated Army aviator whose military and civilian flying career spans more than five decades.
Born and raised in Brownwood, Texas, John enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 1966 and retired in April 1999 as a Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5) and Master Army Aviator.
During his 12-month tour in Vietnam (March 1968–March 1969), John flew with the 116th Assault Helicopter Company and later with B Troop, 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry, serving as both a scout pilot and AH-1 Cobra gunner. He logged an incredible 826 hours of combat flight time during the Vietnam War.
Throughout his Army career, John flew and instructed in numerous aircraft.
His assignments included Fort Bliss, Fort Rucker, Fort Hood, and Austin, Texas. He served as an instructor pilot, maintenance test pilot, standardization instructor pilot, and commander of Fixed Wing Detachment 49.
After retiring from the Army, John continued flying as a civilian pilot, earning Airline Transport Pilot certification, Commercial Pilot certification, Certified Flight Instructor ratings, and an impressive 10 type ratings. He retired from active flying in October 2025 with over 27,400 flight hours.
Join us as John shares stories from Vietnam, Army aviation, leadership, combat flying, and a lifetime dedicated to flight.
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