Photo by Gary Chambers
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron, America’s tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, today announced the spring dates and locations for their RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit mobile theater and P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen. Each stop offers locals the opportunity to learn about one of the most remarkable and little-known groups of American history.
The mission of the CAF Red Tail Squadron is to educate audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen – America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel – so their strength of character, courage and ability to triumph over adversity may serve as a means to inspire others to RISE ABOVE obstacles in their own lives and achieve their goals.
“The RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit is designed to take visitors on a journey through time, then virtually through the air with our panoramic cinema experience. And there is nothing quite like seeing our Mustang and hearing the roar of the engine in person,” said Brad Lang, CAF Red Tail Squadron leader and one of the pilots of their P-51C Mustang. “This is an unique and inspirational way for people to see first-hand the struggles and challenges faced by the Tuskegee Airmen. These fine Americans showed extraordinary courage as they fought for their right to serve our country, and it’s a part of our history that simply must be heard.”
The CAF Red Tail Squadron is using the excitement of aviation as a tool to help change lives, and these events are a platform to bring this inspirational message to audiences everywhere. The spring 2015 event schedule includes:
Miami, Fla. – March 5-8
Wings Over Miami Air Museum
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. – March 11-14
Pompano Beach Airport
DeLand, Fla. – March 20-21
CAF Florida Wing
Tallahassee, Fla. – March 24-28
Tallahassee Airport
DeFuniak Springs, Fla. – April 10-11
5th Annual Marvel of Flight
New Smyrna Beach, Fla. – April 17-19
Balloon & Sky Fest
Lakeland, Fla. – April 21-26
SUN’n FUN
Pittsburgh, Pa. – April 30 – May 3
Beaver County Historic Weekend Celebration
Westminster, Md. – May 6-9
Carroll County Regional Airport
Chicopee, Mass. – May 16-17
The Great New England Air Show
Erie, Pa. – May 30
Erie International Airport Tom Ridge Field
Reading, Pa. – June 5-7
Mid Atlantic Air Museum WWII Weekend
For more detailed information, visit the group’s calendar at redtail.org/calendar. Entrance to the Exhibit is always free, although tickets may be required for entry to individual events.
While on tour, the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit makes additional visits to area schools where students are encouraged to think critically about the group’s guiding Six Principles – Aim High, Believe In Yourself, Use Your Brain, Be Ready To Go, Never Quit and Expect to Win. For the vintage aviation enthusiast, rides in the P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen are available for purchase. Contact Marvona Welsh, CAF Red Tail Squadron logistics coordinator, at marvona@redtail.org or (812) 240-2560 for more information about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity or to schedule an appearance of the Exhibit or the Mustang. All proceeds generated are used to fund the group’s educational outreach initiatives.
Individuals, businesses, community organizations and foundations that are interested in supporting the CAF Red Tail Squadron’s mission can learn more about sponsorship opportunities by contacting LaVone Kay, marketing director, at info@redtail.org or (888) 928-0188. One-time or recurring donations can be made securely online at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/crts or sent to: CAF Red Tail Squadron, 971 Hallstrom Drive, Red Wing, MN 55066.
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.
