As a follower and supporter of the CAF Red Tail Squadron you know that we are a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) charitable organization. It takes a lot of passion, heart and soul to meet our mission day in and day out. And a big chunk of that task is supported by our volunteers – our boots on the ground, if you will! We are fortunate to have several dedicated volunteers that we’d like to publicly thank. With April being National Volunteer Month, now seems the perfect time!
Today we give a big hurrah to volunteer Ken Mist. He has been with the CAF Red Tail Squadron since 2012. After retiring from a successful 36-year career with a global logistics company, we are very fortunate to have Ken’s attention and skill focused on our mission to educate audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.
To say Ken is an aviation enthusiast would be an understatement. Just check out his amazing photography to see for yourself. For years he has been working at air shows, first as a volunteer and then as chairman of the organizing committee for a static show in support of the Canadian Air & Space Museum.
“The camera came out and never went away,” said Mist. “I love to capture the feel of the air shows and aviation museums – the excitement, the people and of course the airplanes. I’m happy when someone likes my work and says it sparks a memory or emotion.”
Mist has been a supporter of the CAF Red Tail Squadron since an encounter with the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit at an event in Dayton, Ohio in 2012. He had seen our P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen at prior events, and knew Squadron Leader Bill Shepard. “The message of RISE ABOVE and the dedication of the squadron members is inspiring,” he says. “I am excited to play any part in sharing the story with today’s generation.”
When asked why he is spending his golden retirement years volunteering with the CAF Red Tail Squadron, he remarks that his service is an incredible opportunity to share the story of the Tuskegee Airmen and spread the RISE ABOVE principles to today’s youth. He also adds, “The Greatest Generation could have no better representation than these Airmen and we owe it to all of them to carry their courage and dedication forward. As their numbers dwindle the torch must be passed on!”
Thank you Ken for your continued service and dedication to the CAF Red Tail Squadron!
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.
