A Vermont Heritage Gift: Johnson Woolen Mills Supports WOMEN BUILD PLANES
There are certain people whose calls you always answer. Gene Richards is one of them. He is both an expander and a tremendous champion of Habitat for Aviation. His calls are like little nuggets of gold—full of entrepreneurial spirit, possibility, and clever new ideas or offerings. In September, we were fortunate to receive one such call from the former Director of Aviation at Burlington International Airport—in his new role as owner of Johnson Woolen Mills, Gene had an offer we simply could not refuse.
This gift left us standing still for a moment in pure gratitude. Gene told us he wanted to donate Johnson Woolen Mills’ entire pink and purple women’s flannel inventory to support WOMEN BUILD PLANES–over 1000 garments. Thank goodness we had a truck. When Auntie Bonnie and I arrived at the historic mill site in Johnson, Vermont, nearly 200 years of heritage felt palpable as we jumped out and peered in through the loading dock.
Box after box, each filled with beautiful, 100% cotton flannels made right here in Vermont, were carried out. At least eight ratchet straps and more than thirty boxes later, we headed home. Overnight, the upstairs of our house transformed into an inventory and shipping operation—an ocean of pink plaid, pink envelopes, and pink address labels for supporters to whom we could not wait to send these gifts once winter arrived.
There is something especially meaningful about this donation because Johnson Woolen Mills is not just any company. Founded in 1842 in Johnson, Vermont, Johnson Woolen Mills it is a true Vermont heritage brand—one that has clothed generations of farmers, workers, makers, and outdoorspeople in rugged, well-made garments built to last. To have that kind of legacy align with our work feels deeply affirming. We are especially grateful to Gene—fellow aviation enthusiast, entrepreneur, and the current steward helping revitalize this iconic Vermont company—for believing in our mission and putting this extraordinary donation into motion.
Fast forward to winter 2025–2026. With the help of JoJo White, who has officially become the singular force in our “shipping department,” we have been packaging and sending these beloved flannels out to Habitat for Aviation champions near and far. We have now mailed well over 100 packages to the many beloved friends who have supported our work with donations, encouragement, and belief in what we are building.
Each package feels like more than a thank-you gift. It feels like a piece of Vermont, a piece of craftsmanship, and a piece of our story traveling outward to the people helping make this bold dream possible. In a way, it is a thank-you passed hand to hand—from the women sewing upstairs at Johnson Woolen Mills, to the women building airplanes in our hangar, and onward to the people who stand with us.
We feel lucky to be connected to a brand that understands durability, heritage, and pride of place. These rugged flannels are beautiful, yes—but they also represent something bigger: that Vermont-made quality, hands-on work, and a strong sense of identity matter. We are proud to send them into the world on behalf of WOMEN BUILD PLANES and grateful beyond words for the generosity spirit behind each piece.
