Mr. Johnson was born in Tampa, FL but raised in Bridgeport, CT. He graduated from Bassick High School and then joined the Air Force, serving as an Aircraft Fuel Specialist for 14 years. In that time, he obtained a Master Instructor rating to instruct in his career field. Johnson was eventually promoted to supervisor of the Air Force Fuels Specialist School. As an enlisted member in the Air Force, he attended college during his off-duty time, graduating from Eastern Illinois University in December 1979. Whereupon he was selected for Air Force Officer Training and commissioned a Second Lieutenant in June 1980. He served as Executive Officer for the Director of Fighter Pilots; Administrative Inspector for the Tactical Air Command, Inspector General; Squadron Section Commander; and finally, Operations Officer for the Military Enlistment Personnel Center in Baltimore, Md. In 1990, shortly after returning from Dessert Storm, Captain Johnson was selected as the Air Force’s Administrative Officer of the Year. December 31, 1993, Major Johnson retired from the Air Force after 28 years of honorable service.
After retiring from the Air Force, Mr. Johnson was employed as an Enforcement Specialist with the Division ofChild Support in Newport News, VA. In 1995, he was hired by Social Security as Claims Representative. His last assignment with the agency prior to retirement was as the Tidewater Area Public Affairs Specialist. He has been and remains a very active member of his community, participating in several community activities. In 1984, he delivered the First Black History presentation for the state of Idaho in Mt. Home. He served as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, First District Commander and is a past President of the Kiln Creek Kiwanis Club. Johnson hasalso served as a counselor for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Organization (HOBY). In addition, he served on the Board of Directors for Safe Haven and Board of Trustees for American Independence Foundation Youth Leadership Conference, organizations promoting the welfare and education of youth. Mr. Johnson has been recognized by the governor of North Carolina and the Social Security Administration as Volunteer of the Year for his community involvement. Finally, G.I. Jobs Magazine acknowledged him for his distinguished military and civilian careers. He received a National Citation and Gold Patrick Henry the Military Order of World Wars highest Award.
His educational accomplishments include a Bachelor Degree in Liberal Arts and a Master’s Degree in PublicAdministration, plus two Associates Degrees. He also completed numerous other technical courses. In 2018, he published a book entitled “Navigating Poverty and the Pitfalls of Life” which can be found on Amazon.
Earl Johnson was appointed Director of the American Independence Foundation of Colonial Virginia in January 2006, and elected Commander of the Hampton Roads Chapter, Military Order of the World Wars in 2013. Earl’s hobbies include fishing and playing Bid Whist.
Earl is married to the former Brenda A. Wigfall from Sheffield, Alabama, whom he met while serving in the Air Force in Great Britain. Earl and Brenda have four adult offspring, Earl II, Jacqueline, Julian, and Stephanie and lots of grandchildren.