Amy Hannah Johnston

Amy Hannah Johnston, a retired Brigadier General, dedicated over 30 years of service to the U.S. Army, where her leadership and commitment to service earned her widespread recognition. Born in Edina, MN, and raised in Findlay, OH, Amy grew up with strong values of hard work, discipline, and community throughout her military career. She held key leadership roles in critical locations such as Seoul, Korea, Mons, and Belgium, serving with the United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command in Korea, and NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).

Amy’s military service was marked by her involvement in significant humanitarian and combat operations. She was instrumental in Operation Sea Signal in Guantánamo Bay, assisting Cuban and Haitian migrants, and played a crucial role in disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina.

Amy also deployed to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where she substantially contributed to military operations and post-conflict stabilization. As Chief of Army Public Affairs, Amy was pivotal in reshaping military communication strategies and served in senior leadership positions at SHAPE and U.S. Forces Korea.

After the sudden passing of her husband, Major General Gary W. Johnston, a distinguished Military Intelligence Officer, Amy honored his legacy by establishing the Gary Johnston Leadership Award at Arkansas Tech University, continuing his commitment to excellence and leadership.

Amy remains an active contributor to local and global initiatives in retirement. She serves on the Advisory Council for the Center for Information, Democracy, and Citizenship at the American University in Bulgaria, promoting democratic values and informed citizenship. Amy is also a Tree Steward with Tree Fredericksburg, working to enhance urban green spaces.