On October 16th and continuing through to October 19, 2013, The Commemorative Air Force will present “Operation Rise Above” , an exhibit that pays tribute to the heroics of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, WWII Black pilots who fought racism at home while conquering fascism abroad. Sponsored by UPS and hosted by the Frontiers of Flight Museum this exciting exhibit features the P51-C Mustang – Red Tail Airplane, symbolic of the Airmen and a 30 minute film documentary highlighting the history of the Airmen.
In concert with this event is the 2nd Annual charitable event: Celebrating the Legacy of The Legendary Tuskegee Airmen: “The Wind Beneath The Wings – Women In Aviation!” On October 18, from 7-10 pm, we will pay tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen and honor the many achievements and contributions of Women In Aviation. The event will be held at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, 6911 Lemmon Avenue, Dallas, TX 75209.
This event hosted by Inez Clark of the Texas Eagles for Aviation Mentoring (TEAM), Jesse Hayes of Black Pilots of America (BPA), members of the local Tuskegee Airmen Inc. chapter and emceed by the incomparable Ester Davis of the award winning Ester Davis Show, will present Major Yolandea Wood, an Air Force Academy graduate and retired combat navigator as our keynote speaker. In addition, the evening’s events will also feature a re-enactment performed by Melissa Thibodeaux on the life of Bessie Coleman, the first licensed African American pilot, male or female and a tribute to Mrs. Azellia White, a centurion and the first African American female pilot to be licensed in the state of Texas.
This event will benefit organizations that are devoted to promoting aviation experiences and opportunities, ensuring that these opportunities are open to people of diverse backgrounds and committed to preserving the history and continuing the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.
As the Regional Catering Manager for Taco Cabana, I am proud to participate in the event. As a retired MSgt form the USAF, I feel like part of the family. may God bless this event and everyone involved. Special gratitude to Inez Clark.