Brian C. Johnson, Senior Airman, USAF (Fallen)
December 16, 1982 – November 29, 2023

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brian “Kody” Christopher Johnson, 40, was a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. Kody entered active duty on Aug. 27, 2018, and served as a CV-22 Special Missions Aviator and Unit Deployment Manager assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

Kody distinguished himself by earning Honor Graduate at Basic Military Training in 2018. Upon graduating BMT, Kody attended and successfully completed the Basic Special Mission Aviator Course where he would earn an assignment to fly the Air Force Special Operations CV-22B Osprey. Upon completion of the CV-22B Initial and Mission Qualification Course at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, in 2020, he was assigned to the 20th Special Operations Squadron, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico as an Operational Special Mission Aviator for the CV-22B. Following his assignment at Cannon Air Force Base, Kody received orders to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan in December 2022 where he began working as the Unit Deployment Manager.

As a CV-22 Special Missions Aviator, Kody was an aircraft system expert responsible for aircraft power calculations, configuration and loading, weight and balance, and aerial gunnery.

“Kody was a beloved son, brother and uncle as well as an outstanding Special Mission Aviator,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tyler Oldham, 21st Special Operation Squadron commander. “Kody brought energy and focus into the organization. His tireless work ethic ensured that mission-essential tasks were performed correctly, on time, and without complaint. His knowledge, skill and attention to detail inspired competence and trust amongst his fellow aircrew.”

During his career, Kody was recognized with the Air Medal, Air and Space Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.