Port Clinton Open House – May 14-17, 2014
RISE ABOVE display at the Liberty Aviation Museum.
Photo courtesy Ken Mist.
The CAF Red Tail Squadron arrived in Port Clinton to visit with Dr. Harold Brown’s hometown for the third consecutive year. With a new emphasis on education, local schools were invited to the Liberty Aviation Museum for a spectacular tour of the museum including the P-51C Mustang, Tri-Motor Project, a B-25 and a B-17.
Dr. Brown by the P-51C Mustang “Tuskegee Airmen”.
Photo courtesy Christopher Aust.
Dr. Brown was on site every day, and he met with each class as they toured the Museum. He shared his experience with the students and assisted as they created their paper airplanes. Afterwards students were escorted to the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit, where they were inspired by the Tuskegee Airmen’s story and the Mustang.
On Saturday, despite the cold and rainy conditions the museum was filled with spectators including other veterans. Melvin Shafer was escorted by the Red Tails, as he flew a B-24 over the skies of Italy. He wanted to stop by and shake Dr. Brown’s hand. They compared missions and it is possible they might have flown a mission together. Clyde Gilbert, a F-86 pilot, came to the museum to meet Harold and share pictures with him. They talked for hours and shared stories. Clyde actually trained Benjamin O Davis Jr. during his time in the service.
Interviews were conducted before and during the event by Dr. Brown and member of the CAF Red Tail Squadron. They were successful in capturing this unique experience to share with the community.
CAF Red Tail Supporters who wore their sponsor hats were William Peterson and Dan Jadwisiak. They enjoyed meeting with Dr. Brown and having their picture taken with him.
When the sky was clear, the Mustang flew missions on both Friday and Saturday by CAF Red Tail Pilots, Paul Stojkov and Bill Shepard. The crowds cheered as they watched the Mustang prepare for each flight and they were entertained as they viewed the passes over the airfield. On Friday, two people took their once-in- a-lifetime ride in the Mustang. And they enjoyed their experience so much; they want to do it again next year.
Educational Outreach – Liberty Aviation Museum invited students from Danbury, Put-In-Bay, Benton- Carrol-Salem and Port Clinton Schools. The Museum created a schedule with unique stations where the students could visit to learn more about flight and the Tuskegee Airmen. Over 530 children were able to enjoy the RISE ABOVE Experience and receive their inspirational dog tag.
The Red Tail Team for this event consisted of Marvona Welsh, Terry Hollis, Tracy Reddy, Jeanette Hollis, and Melanie Burden.
Click here to see photos of the event.
©CAF Red Tail Squadron 2014
