Squadron Leader Bill Shepard had the audiences dialed in to the RISE ABOVE outreach program.
Each year, the headquarters of the Commemorative Air Force hosts an event for their unit leaders and members as way for all to share ideas and build connections – CAF Wing Staff! This year’s event was also filled with many touching moments that swelled the hearts of all in attendance.
Everywhere you looked, old friends greeted each other, and first timers were quickly welcomed to the fold. There is simply no escaping the fact that what draws members to the CAF is their love and respect for vintage military aviation, but it’s the PEOPLE – their passion for the cause and their dedication to one another – that is absolutely the backbone of this worthy organization and why they stay for upwards of 30 years.
A few laughs were shared during one of the presentations. CAF units are made up of good natured, fun loving volunteers!
The CAF Red Tail Squadron team was proud to be asked to share our unique brand of inspiration with other CAF units. LaVone Kay, Marketing Director, Marvona Welsh, Logistics Coordinator, and Darcy Castro, PR and Communications Coordinator, presented a session to event attendees that gave creative ideas to integrate veterans into CAF unit events. Bill Shepard, Squadron Leader and CAF VP of Education, held a session that gave a look at upcoming ways units will be able to apply educational outreach programs in their areas. The spirit of collaboration was strong and everyone – the Squadron included – walked away with exciting ideas of how to inject these invigorating ideas into their own missions!
One of the highlights of the event was the CAF Hall of Fame Awards, where four members were recognized for their accomplishments and outstanding contributions to the organization over the decades they have been faithful members. Two of the recipients were represented by their spouses, as they were posthumously inducted. It was difficult to find a dry eye in the house.
Squadron Leader Bill Shepard with CAF Red Tail Squadron ground support team (from left to right) Darcy Castro, LaVone Kay and Marvona Welsh.
CAF President Stephan C. Brown and CAF Rocky Mountain Wing Leader Bob Caskey present Mrs. Dorothy Dutton with the CAF Hall of Fame Award for her late husband CAF Col Tom Dutton. This was one of four awards given the final night of the Wing Staff event.
The CAF Red Tail Squadron had three different donations to the event’s successful silent auction. All items were snapped up!
At the close of the event yesterday, it was apparent that there are a LOT of CAF units doing a LOT of interesting and exciting things (not to mention the big plans in store for the new CAF National Air Base at Dallas Executive Airport!). It was an honor to attend an event that afforded the Red Tail Squadron team the opportunity to not only share our strengths with others, but to learn about and apply lessons from some really great projects taking place at units around the county.
We are proud to be a part of the CAF family!
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.
