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TUSKEGEE AIRMEN GATHER FOR INT'L BLACK AVIATION CO-CONVENTION: July 31 - August 5 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Other IBAC co-convention members are the Bessie Coleman Foundation; Black Pilots of America, Inc.; National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees; NAI, Black Wings In Aviation; Organization of Black Airline Pilots and the U.S. Army Black Aviation Association.
The event will be held July 31st through August 5th at the J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona.
Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (TAI) is a Section 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization whose goals are to perpetuate the activities and achievements of those Americans who served at Tuskegee Army Air Field or in any of the other projects stemming from the Tuskegee Experience between the years of 1941 and 1949.
TAI has 50 chapters in 28 states across the country with nearly 2,000 members, including 388 still-living original Tuskegee Airmen. Included in this still-living group is 130 pilots.
During World War II, 994 pilots graduated from the Tuskegee program. The first class graduated on March 6, 1942 with five pilots, including then Captain Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., who was later promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and became the commanding officer of the Tuskegee Airmen.
The heroic exploits of the 450 pilots who flew overseas in the war effort included 1,578 total missions and 15,553 total sorties. This also included 136 aircraft that was either destroyed or damaged in aerial combat, 273 aircraft on the ground, 619 box cars, 23 buildings and factories, 126 locomotives and one destroyer that was sunk at sea.
The Tuskegee Airmen had the unparalleled distinction during this period of never losing a bomber as they provided total protection for hundreds of U.S. bombers that destroyed the Nazi war machine under dictator Adolph Hitler.
As a result, the "Red Tails," a distinctive name they received for their combat record, received a Legion of Merit, a Silver Star, 95 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 14 Bronze Stars, two Soldier Medals, eight Purple Hearts and 744 Air Medals and Clusters.
Earlier this year, the Tuskegee Airmen gained a noted level of recognition as President George W. Bush signed into law a resolution which will make them recipients of the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor that can be bestowed by the U.S. Congress. The presentation is expected to occur later this year inside the Rotunda of the U. S. Capitol in Washington, DC.
Highlights of the six-day co-convention include:
- 944th Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Air Park Dedication at Luke Air Force Base
- Lonely Eagle Ceremony (where TAI members who died since last convention are recognized)
- Youth Luncheon
- Military Luncheon - Keynote Speaker: General Kevin P. Chilton, AFSPC/CC
- National Scholarship Meeting
- Exhibit Hall
- Spouses Tea
- Military Leadership Forums
Media credentials are available. Contact Ron Brewington at bron215@aol.com or 323-533-1036
For more information about the history of the Tuskegee Airmen and TAI, please see our website at: www.tuskegeeairmen.org
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source: Ron Brewington / National Public Relations Officer / 323-533-1036 / bron215@aol.com
