I AM BLACK HISTORY | Major General John H. Bailey II

Major General John H. Bailey II

Major General John H. Bailey II is Black History because his life represents service, sacrifice, leadership, and legacy in motion. He did not simply rise through the ranks of institutions that historically excluded Black Americans. He transformed his experience into opportunity for generations to come.

Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army on May 10, 1967, after completing Officer Candidate School at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, Major General Bailey returned to serve with the renowned 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. His military career reflects both courage and command. He completed overseas assignments in Germany and served two combat tours in Vietnam during some of the most turbulent years in American history.

During his first tour in Vietnam, he led soldiers as a platoon leader and company commander with the 101st Airborne Division. On his second tour, he served as a United States Army fixed wing aviator with the First Aviation Brigade, flying reconnaissance, surveillance, and search and destroy missions over Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. At a time when Black officers were underrepresented in aviation and combat leadership, he proved excellence was not an exception but a standard.

The final twelve years of his military career were spent serving the Military Forces of the State of Texas. There, Major General Bailey continued to lead at the highest levels, holding roles including S 3 of the 2nd Battalion 8th Brigade, Commander of the 8th Brigade, Deputy Commanding General for Operations and Training, and ultimately Commanding General of the Texas State Guard. His leadership helped shape operational readiness and training across the state while setting an example of disciplined, principled command.

Education has always been central to his mission. Major General Bailey earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master’s Degree in Education Administration and Supervision from Alcorn State University. He is also a graduate of the Army’s Basic and Advanced Airborne Schools, Fixed Wing Aviators Course, Ordnance Officers Advanced Course, and the Command and General Staff College. His academic and military preparation positioned him to lead not only in uniform but in institutions that shape the future.

In 2001, Major General Bailey founded Bailey Military Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing the next generation of aviation and aerospace professionals. BMI was created with a clear purpose: to equip young people with the skills needed to design, construct, process data, develop software, assess avionics, pilot, research, and manage the NextGen air transportation system. The vision extends beyond training. It is about building a nationally recognized aviation research center rooted in access, innovation, and excellence.

Through Bailey Military Institute, Major General Bailey has championed workforce development in airport management, air traffic control, and the civilian use of unmanned aerial systems and drone technology. The organization promotes the responsible and ethical use of drones while advancing education, research, and collaboration across industries. BMI reflects his belief that technology, when paired with purpose, can transform communities and create pathways into high demand fields where Black representation has historically been limited.

Today, Major General Bailey continues to serve through leadership and advocacy. He is a member of the Adjutant General’s Board of Retired Executives, Chairman of the Board of Unified Veterans of America, affiliated with the National Guard Association of Texas, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Aviation Science Department at Texas Southern University. His influence spans military service, education, veteran advocacy, and community empowerment.

Major General John H. Bailey II is Black History because he embodies more than personal achievement. He represents a bridge between generations. He turned military discipline into educational opportunity, combat experience into community leadership, and vision into institutions that will outlive him.

Black History is not only about the past.It is about who is still building the future.

And Major General John H. Bailey II is doing exactly that.