Texas – A young man visited the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit and was filled with enthusiasm after seeing the original film “Rise Above” inside the panoramic mobile movie theater. After an opportunity to meet original Tuskegee Airman Col Charles McGee, he was even more inspired to follow his dream. From that moment on he was determined to try out for the basketball team and do his best, despite having a medical condition that requires him to wear braces on his legs for support. On his own initiative, he researched to learn even more about the Tuskegee Airmen. The inspirational dog tag featuring the Six Guiding Principles he received from the CAF Red Tail Squadron became his constant companion. On the day of the try-outs, he held the dog tag in his hand and repeated, “Aim High, Believe in Yourself, and Never Quit!” Not only did this young man make the team, but he also scored two points in their first game!
Caryl W. Jones Stortz
Caryl W. Jones Stortz January 1, 1918 – February 24, 2009 Class: 43-W-5 Training Location: Avenger Field (Sweetwater, Tex.) Assigned Bases: Camp Davis Army Air Field (N.C.) Planes flown: PT-17, AT-6, A-24, A-20 Caryl “Suds”