Return of the Red Tails – May 24, 2014
The Tuskegee Airmen signing autographs.
The CAF Red Tail Squadron participated in Return of the Red Tails in Elmira, New York over the Memorial Day weekend. At this once-in-a-lifetime gathering, seven original World War II Tuskegee Airmen were in attendance with other VIP’s and special guests.
Several hundred people gathered on Saturday, May 24 at the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center in Horseheads, New York for the afternoon program which included military re-enactors, a car show, and other activities. Among the special guests was Bill Strapko, a B-17 pilot who was escorted by the Red Tails during a bombing mission to Berlin in March of 1945. WENY TV News captured this unique reunion.
One of the highlights of the event was the participation of the CAF Red Tail P-51C Mustang. The crowd enjoyed seeing the Mustang flyover the festivities around 2:00 pm on Saturday.
During the Grand Gala evening program, Dr. Roscoe Brown served as the Keynote Speaker, and the CAF Red Tail Squadron was represented by Bill Shepard. The gala included a live band, a dinner, and some of the Airmen addressed the crowd about their experience as a Tuskegee Airman and life after the war.
On Sunday morning, the TAI Chapter gathered at Elmira-Corning Regional Airport for a unique photo opportunity and a chance to see the Mustang up close with Bill Shepard as their escort.
Please click here to see the photo album of this event.
©CAF Red Tail Squadron 2014
