Richard “Dick” Healing is a renowned aviation safety expert with a distinguished career in government and the private sector. He served as a Presidential Appointee and Senate-confirmed board member at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), contributing to major investigations and advancing aviation safety. With leadership roles at the Department of the Navy and Battelle Memorial Institute, Richard championed safety innovations and military-commercial aviation collaboration. A retired U.S. Coast Guard Captain and licensed Professional Engineer, he continues to influence aviation safety worldwide. The Honorable Richard Healing Scholarship honors his legacy of mentorship and dedication to the next generation of aviation leaders.

“Dick is widely known for his commitment to aviation safety, but few may know of his passion for mentoring young aviation professionals,” noted Board Member Peggy Gilligan. “The Laura Taber Barbour Scholarship Program, which was his idea, supports his goal of bringing the best and the brightest into our industry.”

The Honorable Richard Healing Scholarship is awarded to a deserving former or active military student at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), reflecting Dick’s lifelong dedication to supporting the next generation of aviation leaders, especially those with military backgrounds.

The 2026 awardee of The Honorable Richard Healing Scholarship is Justice Heinrichs. After 4 years in the Maryland Air National Guard, Justice is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science and aims to become a professional pilot.