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Return of the Red Tails

by

Return of the Red Tails

on MAY 24, 2014
at WINGS OF EAGLES DISCOVERY CENTER
HORSEHEADS, NEW YORK
ReturnOfTheRedTails.com

NEWS RELEASE

Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated

RETURN OF THE RED TAILS

Capt. Claude B. Govan TRI-STATE CHAPTER

Please mark your calendars for an important historical event this Memorial Day weekend

HORSEHEADS — A legendary group of African Americans, the Tuskegee Airmen, are coming to our community to share their uplifting story on May 24 at Wings of Eagles Discovery Center, 339 Daniel Zenker Road, in Horseheads, NY.

There will be multiple festivities and events for the public that day, which will culminate with a Grand Gala at Wings of Eagles Discovery Center.

At this once-in-a-lifetime gathering, six of the original World War II Tuskegee Airmen are confirmed as honored guests at this reunion. Tuskegee Airman and Red Tail Squadron commander Dr. Roscoe C. Brown will be the Keynote Speaker for the evening event.

“It’s amazing that our community will host these Congressional Gold Medal winners, including Dr. Roscoe Brown, our keynote speaker, and his fellow Tuskegee Airmen,” said Michael Joseph II, Corning Incorporated, Sr. Project Engineer and event chairperson.

This incredible event supports multiple local charities such as:

The Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.’s (TAI) Claude B. Govan Chapter’s (CBG) Educational Assistance Fund (EAF). The EAF’s goal is to help young students pursuing higher education in aviation, engineering and technology.

and

Wings of Eagles Discovery Center (WEDC) youth education programs. This program supports the WEDC mission of, “Educating for our Future, while Honoring our Past” perfectly.

There will be a lot to do and see at the newly-renovated Wings of Eagles Discovery Center on the 24th. A new Tuskegee Airmen display will be dedicated, the Tuskegee Airmen’s Faithful Pursuit show car will be on display, and a simulated World War II era Officers’ Club for our Airmen to relax in.”

Additional details for this special event and fundraiser can be found at: ReturnOfTheRedTails.com.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, SATURDAY, RETURN OF THE RED TAILS; TUSKEGEE AIRMEN DAY

  • AFTERNOON PROGRAM: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
    • Youth 17 and under FREE, Adults $5
    • Tour Museum
    • Hip Hop Demonstration
    • Meet and Greet Tuskegee Airmen Veterans
  • GRAND GALA EVENING PROGRAM: 5:30pm – Midnight
    • Event tickets are $75
    • Live Entertainment, Dinner and Dancing
    • Black Tie Optional
    • Recognition of the Tuskegee Airmen Veterans and Other Honored Guests
    • Keynote Speaker Dr. Roscoe Brown, Squadron Leader, 100th Fighter Squadron

Confirmed as the keynote speaker is Dr. Roscoe Brown, one of the most famous Tuskegee Airmen, who was one of the inspirations for the George Lucas film “Red Tails” starring Cuba Gooding Jr. (2012, 20th Century Fox).

HISTORY

The Tuskegee Airmen were dedicated, determined young men who enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps to become America’s first black military airmen. They accepted the challenge during a time when many people thought that blacks lacked the intelligence, skill, courage and patriotism. Over 15,500 Tuskegee Airmen, including civilians, some whites, Hispanics, and women, served in all capacities during World War II.

Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. later became the leader of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II and the first black to be promoted to the rank of General in the newly formed US Air Force. Three hundred fifty of more than 990 pilots who trained at the Tuskegee Army Air Field served in the 332nd Fighter Group, composed of the 99th, 100th, 301st and 302nd Fighter Squadrons.

Throughout their training at Tuskegee, no standards were lowered for the pilots or for any of the others who trained in the fields of operations, meteorology, intelligence, engineering and medicine. In fact because no combat commanders wanted them initially, they endured much more training than their white counterparts. The Tuskegee Airmen will live on forever in the pages of history because they accepted the challenge proudly, and succeeded in proving to the world that blacks could fly. They displayed skill and determination; while suppressing their internal rage from humiliation and indignation caused by repeated experiences of racism and bigotry. These men fought two wars -one against a military enemy force overseas — and another one against racism at home.

For more information please contact Chairperson: Michael A. Joseph, II | Michael.Joseph@ReturnOfTheRedTails.com | 607-444-1751