Minneapolis, Minn. – December 1, 2015 – The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron, America’s tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, will participate in the CAF’s 12 Planes of Christmas, a unique giving program designed to raise awareness and needed funds for their fleet of over 164 vintage military aircraft. A fully restored WWII fighter and iconic aircraft of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, the CAF Red Tail Squadron’s P-51C Mustang is one of the fleet’s most admired aircraft.
To participate, visit the aircraft’s fundraising page from December 1 to December 31 to pledge your support directly to the Squadron’s P-51C Mustang, aptly named Tuskegee Airmen or visit redtail.org for more information.
The mission of the CAF Red Tail Squadron is 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 Squadron’s P-51C Mustang is flown in numerous air shows and events around the country for nine months out of each year in order to reach as many people as possible with our inspirational message. Pledges of support through this year’s 12 Planes of Christmas program will ensure the aircraft’s safe operation and continued ability to honor the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.
“Donating directly to support the maintenance and continued airworthiness of our P-51C Mustang is crucial to our mission,” said CAF Red Tail Squadron Leader and P-51C Mustang pilot Bill Shepard. “Our aircraft, along with the entire CAF fleet, is an important relic of American history. It requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure its safety and ability to stay in the air for the next generation. Tuskegee Airmen is a museum without walls and your support will help ensure it continues to inspire those who need to hear, see and feel the inspirational message of the Tuskegee Airmen through such a unique vehicle to tell the story.”
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 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 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 more than 12,000 members and a fleet of over 164 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.
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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.
