With April’s National Volunteer Month upon us, the leadership of the CAF Red Tail Squadron is pleased to recognize those individuals that give of their time and talent to help us advance our mission to ensure people of all ages across the country learn about the importance of the Tuskegee Airmen. Today, we are pleased to recognize Jacqueline Covington, one of our most dedicated volunteers who has been in service to the Squadron for four years!
Traveling around to different destinations with the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit and the P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen may be hard work, but it sure is rewarding! Covington was inspired to join the cause after seeing the original film “Rise Above” in our panoramic mobile theater and meeting an original Tuskegee Airman. The experience left her with the desire to help the Squadron reach as many people as possible with our positive message.
“I am a firm believer in the ‘power of one’,” she says. “I try to bring energy and dedication to my service and it’s been an honor to be a part of the important work of the CAF Red Tail Squadron. I am also a member of the Greater Cincinnati Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. and am committed to doing my part to honor the Tuskegee Airmen and their history!”
Now retired, Covington enjoyed a 42-year career with GE Aviation. She was able to dedicate herself to local community programs, which provided support and outreach services to inner city disadvantaged youth. Within GE, she served as the focal point between the company and local non-profit organizations in the Greater Cincinnati/Dayton and northern Kentucky areas. The commitment she dedicated to the communities she served has won her many recognitions, including GE’s first African American Forum ICON Award for Community Service.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg. There is a long list of organizations she’s worked with in several different capacities – serving as a board member, being elected to office and even receiving a proclamation from the city of Cincinnati. The “Power of One” indeed!
CAF Red Tail Squadron volunteer Jacqueline Covington with members of the Toledo Buffalo Soldiers, a community service group who came to see RISE ABOVE Red Tail in Ohio.
“I’m proud to be a member of the Commemorative Air Force and play a part in this worthy cause,” remarked Covington. “Community service has always been one of my personal commitments. It’s exciting to work with an organization that working to change hearts and minds with the important inspirational message of the Tuskegee Airmen.”
If you are interested in joining us in our mission, contact CAF Red Tail Squadron Volunteer Coordinator Ken Mist at volunteer@redtail.org to learn more.
“There is no better time than now to become an ambassador for the CAF Red Tail Squadron,” says Covington. “Please join us! The time is critical. The remaining documented original Tuskegee Airmen are getting quite elderly. We want them to know that their sacrifices and their history are still valued. And because of individuals like us, their legacy shall be preserved for generations to come.”
RISE ABOVE!
The CAF Red Tail Squadron is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to educating audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel. Learn more at www.redtail.org.
