Red Wing, Minn. – October 2, 2017 – Mark you calendar for CAF Dixie Wing’s fourth annual FREE Atlanta Warbird Weekend October 7-8, 2017 at the Dekalb-Peachtree Airport in Chamblee, Ga. The family-friendly event will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the formation of the Tuskegee Airmen and the achievements of African American pilots. Slated to appear are over 20 original Tuskegee Airmen, including Lt Col Robert Friend, Col Charles McGee and Lt Col Harold Brown, along with several other World War II veterans.
For too long, black Americans were excluded from meaningful military service opportunities, relegated to menial roles that denied the U.S. Armed Forces of their potential talent and contribution. But with the demands of World War II and pressure from civil rights groups, a new segregated flying squadron was created to allow black Americans the chance to serve their country as part of the air war, by training to be combat pilots and their support personnel. These brave Americans achieved great success in the war and became known as the Tuskegee Airmen.
This spectacular event is an all out tribute to these pioneering aviators, featuring almost every type of aircraft flown by the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II! Come hear the sound of these warbirds as they wow the audience, inspiring people of all ages with the excitement of aviation.
The PT-17 Stearman, BT-13, T-6 Texan, P-40, P-47, P-51C, P-51D and B-25 Mitchell bomber – all aircraft types flown by Tuskegee Airmen – will all be available for up close viewing. To learn how each of these exciting aircraft are significant to the Airmen, check out the free “Aim High: The Aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen” at redtail.org.
The event also features the CAF Red Tail Squadron’s RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit, a FREE panoramic movie theater experience that inspires and educates all ages with the remarkable history of the Tuskegee Airmen. This immersive experience is housed in an air-conditioned 53’ semi trailer with expandable sides and equipped with a ramp and hydraulic lift to ensure access to all. Because of its dynamic 160-degree panoramic screen, the film creates the feeling of being in the cockpit soaring above the clouds in a P-51C Mustang, the iconic signature aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen.
The Squadron’s rare P-51C Mustang, complete with red tail in homage to the Tuskegee Airmen “Red Tails,” will be on hand for up close viewing.
The weekend lineup also includes:
Outdoor movie on the airport ramp – Come enjoy the acclaimed documentary, “In their Own Words: Tuskegee Airmen” Friday, October 6 at 6:00 p.m., followed by a Q&A session with original Tuskegee Airmen! Bring your own chair and a $5 donation to support the education outreach efforts of the CAF Dixie Wing.
Take a ride in a B-17 – Get a close-up look at a real bomber from World War II, the B-17 flying fortress Aluminum Overcast, operated by the Experimental Aircraft Association. Purchase tickets for the ride of a lifetime!
Soar through the clouds in a warbird – If fast fighters and tough trainers excite the aviation buff in you, consider purchasing a ride in one of these meticulously restored and maintained World War II aircraft, part of the CAF Dixie Wing collection.
Hosted by the CAF Dixie Wing, Atlanta Warbird Weekend is celebration of the men, women and machines of the Greatest Generation. In metro Atlanta, there are significant historical resources and the event is the catalyst to bring together the organizations, aircraft and people that keep this history alive. The event will take place 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, October 7 and Sunday, October 8 at the DeKalb–Peachtree Airport. The event is FREE, and parking is available for $15.
About the CAF Red Tail Squadron
The CAF Red Tail Squadron is a volunteer-driven non-profit 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. RISE ABOVE: Red Tail, their three-fold outreach program, includes a fully restored WWII-era P-51C Mustang, the signature aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen; the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit 53’ mobile theater featuring the original panoramic film “Rise Above”; and resource materials for teachers and youth leaders. Each year, they embark on a nine-month cross-country tour that includes appearances at air shows, schools, museums and community events. The group’s Six Guiding Principles – Aim High, Believe In Yourself, Use Your Brain, Be Ready To Go, Never Quit and Expect to Win – serve as the foundation for their outreach programs and are based on the experiences and successes of the Tuskegee Airmen. The CAF Red Tail Squadron is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization part of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). Learn more at www.redtail.org.
About the CAF Dixie Wing
The CAF Dixie Wing, based in Peachtree City, Ga., was founded in 1987. The Wing, one of the largest units of the Commemorative Air Force, maintains and flies seven World War II aircraft including a P-51 Mustang, FG-1D Corsair and rare types such as the SBD Dauntless dive bomber and P-63A Kingcobra. The Dixie Wing organizes two large events a year; WWII Heritage Days and the Atlanta Warbird Weekend. The unit, composed of 300 volunteers, is a non-profit organization that relies on contributions of time and funds to carry out the mission of the CAF. Learn more at dixiewing.org.
About Atlanta Warbird Weekend
The Atlanta Warbird Weekend (AWW) is an annual event now in its fourth year, dedicated to the remembrance and celebration of the men, women and machines of The Greatest Generation. In Metro Atlanta, there are significant historical resources and AWW is the catalyst to bring together the organizations, aircraft and people that keep this history alive and engage families and businesses that want to keep this spirit alive. Our goal is to elevate awareness of historical organizations in Metro Atlanta, raise funds to “Keep ‘em Flying” and promote the sponsors and the DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, who make the event possible. Visit atlantawarbirdweekend.com for event information and details.
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Press Contact
Darcy Castro
CAF Red Tail Squadron
darcy@redtail.org
(203) 297-4994
Visit www.redtail.org/news-media-kit for access to more photos and materials especially for the media.
Moreno “Mo” Aguiari
CAF Dixie Wing
marketing@dixiewing.org
(404) 202-9348
