CAF Red Tail Squadron Pilot Bill Shepard
We are pleased to announce that Bill Shepard, one of the P-51C Mustang pilots for the CAF Red Tail Squadron, has been nominated for the Distinguished Kansan of the Year Volunteerism Award! The Topeka Capital-Journal featured Bill in an article espousing his dedication to the Tuskegee Airmen and the mission of the Squadron in honor of his recent nomination.
Those of us who work with Bill and many of you who have met him at one of our events across the county know that his enthusiasm and dedication to the Squadron’s mission is unparalleled. He’s a top-notch pilot, flying acrobatic maneuvers with ease, but his talents go far beyond the cockpit. Bill’s ability to connect with audiences and individuals, and leave a lasting impression upon them, is one of the great assets of the Squadron. Young and old alike have become friends and fans of this exuberant volunteer.
“For Lawrence native Bill Shepard, flying the P-51 Mustang, the premier American fighter of World War II, is only part of the thrill. It’s also teaching kids the principles reflected by the Tuskegee Airmen, the fighter pilots who rose above challenges in the Jim Crow era to achieve distinction as the first African-American group in U.S. Air Corps history.”
~ Topeka Capital-Journal
December 27, 2014
It is because of volunteers like Bill that the CAF Red Tail Squadron continues to be successful in spreading its inspirational message across the country. We are fortunate to be a team that works in concert to ensure the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, and their inspirational message, is shared with the next generation, and never forgotten. This team includes staff, volunteers and supporters like YOU who help us keep our wings in the sky and wheels on the road!
Congratulations, Bill. Your Distinguished Kansan of the Year Volunteerism Award nomination is not only well-deserved, but a great illustration of the integrity and enthusiasm you bring to the CAF Red Tail Squadron! RISE ABOVE!
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.
