Minneapolis, Minn. – April 21, 2015 – The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron, America’s tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, will present a special recognition today to Fred Perry, CEO of Paul Kramer’s Learn to Fly Center, today at the SUN n’ FUN International Fly-In & Expo. Perry is being honored for his significant contributions to the Squadron’s mission 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 Tuskegee Airmen embodied the best of America – self motivation, personal responsibility, hard work, strong personal ethics, courage and a winning spirit. The lessons we can learn from these brave and uncompromising Americans must remain in us all,” said Perry.
Perry has been involved with the CAF Red Tail Squadron since 2005 after being introduced to the Squadron and their efforts by Leo Gray, an original Tuskegee Airman. He had a desire to help young people find and identify with role models like the Airmen, so alongside Gray he founded the Ionosphere Club for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, Fla., of which he is a volunteer and board member. Club members learn about all aspects of flying, including science and mechanics.
Since then Perry has made great efforts to raise funds and support for the club as well as the CAF Red Tail Squadron. In March, he spearheaded the efforts to bring the Squadron’s RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit and P-51C Mustang to Paul Kramer’s Learn to Fly Center in Pompano Beach, Fla. Nearly 1,000 visitor came through the mobile theater, including local school children, who learned about Squadron’s six guiding principles – Aim High, Believe In Yourself, Use Your Brain, Be Ready To Go, Never Quit and Expect to Win.
“We are grateful for Fred’s ongoing support of our mission and work to educate audiences everywhere about the Tuskegee Airmen. His efforts have given us the opportunity to reach many young people in the south Florida area with our inspirational message,” said Brad Lang, CAF Red Tail Squadron Leader. “In the future, we look forward to continuing to work with Fred as he implements new and innovative ways to help these young people excel in life through the excitement of aviation and by exemplifying the values of the Tuskegee Airmen.”
About the CAF Red Tail Squadron
The CAF Red Tail Squadron is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) charitable 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. Their three-fold outreach program includes an authentic, fully restored WWII-era P51C Mustang, the signature aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen; the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit 53’ mobile theater featuring the original panoramic film “Rise Above”; and educational materials and programs for teachers and youth leaders. The CAF Red Tail Squadron is part of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). To learn more about the organization, it’s mission or to become a donor, visit www.redtail.org or follow the Squadron on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cafredtailsquadron.
About the Commemorative Air Force
Collecting and flying warbirds for over half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is the largest flying museum in the world. The CAF is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to honoring American military aviation history through flight, exhibition and remembrance. The organization feels this is best accomplished by keeping the aircraft flying. The CAF has approximately 11,000 members and a fleet of over 160 airplanes assigned to 70 units across the country. These units, comprised of CAF volunteer members, restore and operate the planes, which are viewed by more than 10 million spectators annually. Visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (877) 767-7175 for more information.
###
Press Contact
Marvona Welsh
CAF Red Tail Squadron
marvona@redtail.org
(812) 240-2560
Visit www.redtail.org/news-media-kit for access to more photos and materials especially for the media.
