On July 29, 2010 members of Tuskegee Airmen Inc. (TAI) and their spouses gathered for the opening of their 39th National Convention in San Antonio, TX. This well-attended annual meeting has a full schedule of general business sessions, recognition, awards, and exhibits, but any attendee will tell you that the best part is being able to reconnect with friends who are only seen in person once a year.
While the National Convention is a highlight, TAI is active all year long through its chapters and scholarship programs. It has more than 50 chapters across the country that are dedicated to three main goals:
- Honoring the accomplishments and perpetuating the history of African-Americans who participated in air crew, ground crew and operations support training in the Army Air Corps during WWII.
- Introducing young people across the nation to the world of aviation and science through local and national programs such as Young Eagles, TAI youth programs and special activities such as the sponsorship and facilitation of regional Youth Academies. These Academies typically cover aerodynamics, flight navigation, aircraft mechanics and weather.
- Providing annual scholarships and awards to deserving individuals, groups and corporations whose deeds lend support to TAI’s goals. TAI also gives awards to deserving cadets in the Air Force Reserve Office Training Corps. For more information about the TAI scholarship program click HERE.
The Tuskegee Airmen Inc. website has a wealth of information about the Tuskegee Airmen and the various programs it sponsors. Visit www.tuskegeeairmen.org to learn more.