Photo By Scott Slocum
Today we issued a press release announcing the dates and locations RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit mobile theater and P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen for the remainder of the summer and fall. There will be many new and diverse place around the country you will be able to find us, so mark your calendar!
These innovative outreach vehicles are a unique and FREE opportunity for all ages to experience the inspiring story of the Tuskegee Airmen – America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel.
As you know, our mission is to educate audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen 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. Each stop offers locals the opportunity to learn about one of the most remarkable and little-known groups of American history.
“The RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit is designed to take visitors on a journey through time, then virtually through the air with our panoramic cinema experience. And there is nothing quite like seeing our Mustang and hearing the roar of the engine in person,” said Brad Lang, CAF Red Tail Squadron leader and one of the pilots of their P-51C Mustang. “This is an unique and inspirational way for people to see first-hand the struggles and challenges faced by the Tuskegee Airmen. These fine Americans showed extraordinary courage as they fought for their right to serve our country, and it’s a part of our history that simply must be heard.”
We are using the excitement of aviation as a tool to help change lives, and these events are a platform to bring this inspirational message to audiences everywhere. We kicked off our travel season earlier this spring with a tour through Florida and the Northeast, and we are now heading across the country to continue the summer portion of our outreach visits.
The remaining 2015 event schedule includes the following locations, although event schedules are subject to change.
Mukilteo, Wash. – June 19-21
Historic Flight Foundation
(RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit only)
Grand Junction, Colo. – June 20
CAF Rocky Mountain Wing Open House
(P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen only)
Olympia, Wash. – June 27-28
Olympic Air Show
Tacoma, Wash. – July 3-5
Tacoma Freedom Fair Airshow
Arlington, Wash. – July 9-11
Arlington Fly-In
Hillsboro, Ore. – July 17-19
Oregon International Air Show
Oshkosh, Wis. – July 20-26
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
(P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen only)
Aurora, Colo. – August 15-16
Rocky Mountain Airshow
Kansas City, Mo. – August 22-23
Kansas City Aviation Expo Air Show
Brantford, Ontario – September 3
Brantford Municipal Airport Open House
(P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen only)
Cleveland, Ohio – September 5-7
Cleveland National Air Show
Toledo, Ohio – September 12-13
Toledo Express Airport Open House
Port Clinton, Ohio – September 19-20
Liberty Aviation Museum
Findlay, Ohio – September 26
Findlay Airport Open House
Auburn, Ala. – October 10
Auburn University Regional Airport Open House
Tallulah, Ala. – October 17
Tallulah Regional Airport Open House
New Orleans, La. – October 25-26
CAF AirPower History Tour at the National WWII Museum
San Antonio, Tex. – October 30-November 1
Joint Base San Antonio Air Show & Open House
Houston, Tex. – November 4-7
Texas Flying Legends Open House
Visit our calendar at redtail.org/calendar for event details and up-to-date schedule information. Entrance to the Exhibit is always free, although tickets may be required for entry to individual events.
While on tour, the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit schedules additional visits to area schools where students are encouraged to think critically about the group’s guiding Six Principles – Aim High, Believe In Yourself, Use Your Brain, Be Ready To Go, Never Quit and Expect to Win. For the vintage aviation enthusiast, rides in the P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen are available for purchase when time and conditions allow. Contact Marvona Welsh, CAF Red Tail Squadron logistics coordinator, at marvona@redtail.org or (812) 240-2560 for more information about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity or to schedule an appearance of the Exhibit or the Mustang in your community.
Individuals, businesses, community organizations and foundations that are interested in supporting the our mission can learn more about sponsorship opportunities by contacting LaVone Kay, marketing director, at info@redtail.org or (888) 928-0188. One-time or recurring donations can be made securely online at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/crts or sent to: CAF Red Tail Squadron, 971 Hallstrom Drive, Red Wing, MN 55066.
We hope to see you soon out on the road or in the air. 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.
