In a perfect world, we would gas up the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit (for free), prepare the P-51C Mustang for flight (for free) and tour the country (for free) to spread the lessons and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen to audiences everywhere.
Wait, what? Fuel is not free?! Well, thanks to our amazing sponsors and donors, the CAF Red Tail Squadron attended 34 air shows and aviation events and over 26 additional educational outreach visits around the country in 2014. Even with the effects sequestration has had on the air show industry, that’s a whole lot of inspiration!
When we participate is these events, we rely on the generosity of sponsors to help get us there. Many companies have graciously supported us this year (several of which wish to remain anonymous in order to keep the focus solely on our mission!). These are companies and individuals who really care about their communities, and know that bringing the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit and the P-51C Mustang to town may inspire a generation to RISE ABOVE the obstacles in their own lives to triumph over adversity, as exemplified by the Tuskegee Airmen.
Sponsoring the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit is an investment into the future of a community. Listen, we all know it is not easy growing up, especially for today’s youth. But we continue to work hard to do what we do because we believe the history and lessons of the Tuskegee Airmen are helping to inspire and encourage young people to make their dreams a reality by staying in school and being proud to learn all they can.
Marvona Welsh is the Logistics Coordinator for the CAF Red Tail Squadron. No one knows better what it takes to ensure the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit and the P-51C Mustang are seen around the country. It’s a BIG job. She works hard to keep our schedule full, and to ensure the success of each event.
“I am in contact with air show directors, museum directors and school personnel – everyone who wants to bring inspiration to their community,” said Marvona. “Sometimes I work with a group for 3 years before we are able to visit their community. Right now I am booking for 2016 and 2017!”
And this is where our supporters factor in. To be able to bring our message to these events, sponsors are needed to make it happen, because as we’ve established, fuel is not free!
Companies and individuals interested in sponsoring our appearance at an event in their community should contact LaVone Kay, CAF Red Tail Squadron Marketing Director, at (888) 928-0188 or info@redtail.org. We are especially looking for sponsors to help us get to the areas where we are needed the most – communities with at-risk children. As a thank you, sponsors may be treated to CAF Red Tail Squadron prints, hats and dog tags, as well as a ride in the Mustang(!), depending on the level of sponsorship. This, of course, on top on the satisfaction that comes from helping and serving our communities!
Keep your eye on our calendar to find out where you can find us in 2015. Come visit us at SeaFair in Seattle, the Cleveland Air Show and the Great New England Air Show, just to name a few. We can hardly wait to see you!
And before you close the books on 2014, consider the option of donating to the CAF Red Tail Squadron in honor of a friend or family member. What a tremendous gift to give this holiday – to be a part of our mission, and to deliver the inspiration that just might change a young person’s life forever.
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.
