TAI Newsletter June_July 2015

June-July 2015
Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.
44TH ANNUAL CONVENTION, LAS VEGAS, NV
Newsletter
“Celebrating National Patriots... Cultivating Worldly Potential ”
President
Brig. Gen. Leon Johnson, USAFR (Ret.)
1st Vice President
Brig Gen Randolph Scott, USAF (Ret.)
2nd Vice President
Vacant
Immediate Past President
Vacant
Financial Secretary
Ms. Michiko Williams
Treasurer
Mr. Cedric Flounory
The 44th annual Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.
Convention will be held at the JW Marriott
Resort & Spa, Las Vegas, Nevada. It will draw
members and guests from across the USA
including Documented Original Tuskegee
Airmen (DOTAs). The Convention will include
themed days including welcome, heritage,
diversity/military, and youth along with business
meetings, training seminars, documenting
history, and more. The Exhibit Hall will featured
vendor displays offering products and services
— many open to the general public.
Parliamentarian
SMSgt M. Tyrelle Felder
ENCOUNTERS OF A LIFETIME
Public Relations Officer
Vacant
Central Region President
MSgt. Marv K. Abrams, USAF (Ret.)
Eastern Region President
CMSgt. Quincy Magwood, USAF (Ret.)
Western Region President
Mr. Rodney Gillead
Inside this issue:
President’s Message
2
TAI News
3
DOTA News
8
TAI Member News
12
Convention Info
13
Announcements
24
Kermit Dyer, HOA-TAI member, artist and
history buff, first met Greg Pavlakis at the
Naval Air Station Expo in Olathe, Kansas in late
August 2013. Upon learning that Kermit is a
member of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Greg
enthusiastically shared some of the stories his
father tells about how his path has crossed
with many Tuskegee Airmen. What Kermit
George Pavlakis signing prints of Henry Perry’s
P-51 "Apache II" providing cover for George
Pavlakis’ B-24 Liberator “She-Hazta.” (Photo:
Sandra Campbell)
learned from Greg and George became the
inspiration for this interview with George,
Greg and Kermit by Sandra Campbell (HOATAI).
George, Greg, Kermit and Sandra sat around
the kitchen table of the retired Lt. Colonel’s
Prairie Village, Kansas home, listening intently
while the elder statesman talked about his
chance meetings with Tuskegee Airmen during
his military service. Now and then, Greg would
chime in to remind his dad of a story or
incident he had heard him tell. We were
amazed at his excellent recall of the events
during his military career of some six decades
ago. The highly decorated World War II pilot
had been part of the 724th Squadron, 451st
Bomber Group, 15th Air Force, flying 35
missions in B-24 Liberators out of Foggia, Italy.
Of all of his military honors, he was most
proud of his association with the outstanding
“Red Tails” pilots who provided outstanding
coverage for him and fellow fighter pilots. He
boasted about their excellent piloting skills.
George didn’t know at the time they were
being supported by the Tuskegee Airmen, until
one day at the briefing someone asked are we
Cont’d on page 3
FROM THE DESK OF THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT
TUSKEGEE AIRMEN, INC.
National Office
June 14, 2015
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I hope all of you are enjoying the transition from spring to summer
and are considering joining us in Las Vegas at the JW Marriott Resort
and Spa for our Annual TAI convention. With the August 19th opening
date of the convention approaching quickly, I want to give you an
important update:
The last date to register without being charged the late
registration rate has just been extend to July 15th.
The 2015 TAI Convention information and registration can be found on the website,
www.taiconvention.com. Based on inputs received from attendees at recent conventions the planning
team has made adjustments to our convention agenda. This will accommodate time for the necessary
business sessions and also allow time for member interaction.
Support of DOTA convention attendance is something each of us and our TAI Chapters needs to take
a proactive role to accomplish. The convention registration contains an option for a TAI member or a
supporter to pay a full convention registration for a DOTA or original widow.
I also encourage those who wish to make a partial registration for a DOTA or original widow to do
so. You cannot do this via the website, however, it can be done with a check made payable to:
“2015 TAI Convention” with the words “DOTA or Original Widow Sponsorship” on the memo line.
The mailing address is:
TAI Convention 2015/DOTA
P.O. Box 830600
Tuskegee AL 36080
As I have mentioned for the last two years, if each TAI Chapter takes on the task of sponsoring just
one DOTA or original widow registration we should be able to cover 100% of the cost of
registration for all DOTA and original widows who attend.
I look forward to seeing you in Vegas,
Leon A. Johnson
Leon A. Johnson
National President
Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.
2
TAI NEWS FROM ACROSS THE USA
(Cont’d from Page 1) going to have that same group
known for his quick wit. In fact, because of Knighten’s
supporting us tomorrow “they did a really good job.” Next funny, good-natured, and spontaneous wit, George and
day at the briefing someone asked about the pilots and
others encouraged him to pursue a career in show
they said yes they are all Black men, well educated and
business.
they will take care of you.
George remembers seeing Benjamin O.
Davis, Jr. climbing out of his fighter after
they had provided cover for them that day
and later meeting him in Japan when they
were both still in the service. It was a
chance meeting with the General, who had
just been appointed Deputy Commander of
Pacific AF Command. George and his two
young sons, five-year old George and 11month old Greg, were at the military base in
Japan in 1954 when they encountered the
legendary “B.O. Davis, Jr.” That brief
conversation left George with an impression
of a giant of a man whose kindness and
generosity made him appear even bigger
than life.
Kerm painted Red Tail Henry “Herky” Perry’s P-51 Apache II providing cover for
Another major highlight that George
George Pavlakis’ B-24 Liberator She-Hazta. Kerm and his wife use his art to
recounted was the long-lasting friendship he raise money for the Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Fund and various veteran
had with an original Tuskegee Airmen. It
related causes.
started when George and fellow officers
were surprised at having a Black officer in their squadron.
After retiring from the Air Force, Knighten had a 20-year
That officer was Lt. Col. John B. Knighten, one of the first
career with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as
African-Americans to become a pilot in the U.S. Army Air
an operations inspector in New York and later Los Angeles.
Corps after graduating flight school at Tuskegee Army Air
He also took his friend’s advice and became a standup
Field. Knighten was part of the famed 99th Fighter
comedian, performing from time to time in Las Vegas
Squadron.
under the name of “Jay Bernard” during his years at FAA.
George recalled a specific incident when Knighten, who
After retiring from FAA, he took up permanent residence
qualified as a co-pilot, had to do a check ride near the end in Las Vegas where he performed his comedy act full-time.
of his military tour. According to George, although
The next time George and John saw each other, Knighten
Knighten performed the check ride perfectly and was
was performing and managing the Club at McGuire AFB.
recommended to become aircraft commander, the
George also fondly recalls memories of his encounters
operations officer (a southerner) refused to pass him,
with a group of Tuskegee Airmen at the Andrews AFB
saying that passengers would be afraid to fly with a Black
Officers Club. At a time when the U.S. military was strictly
pilot. “This was so unfair,” George said, especially since,
segregated, Lt. Col. Pavlakis was certainly not in
according to George, “Knighten had a goal to get his airline
agreement with those policies. During this interview, he
transport rating so that he could get out of the service and
couldn’t say enough about the admiration and respect he
fly with the airlines”.
has for the Tuskegee Airmen and how proud he is that he
George is especially proud of the fact that he flew with
had the opportunity to get to know many of them as
Knighten twice—once as co-pilot and again for the check
friends.
ride, and found him to be an excellent pilot. He and
(Source: Sandra Campbell, HOA-TAI)
Knighten became friends, spending time together at the
[Officers] Club, where Knighten was very popular and
3
TAI NEWS FROM ACROSS THE USA
2nd annual commemoration day held
at Luke AFB by Emily Toepfer on Tue,
03/31/2015, West Valley View News, AZ
[In mid-March 2015] dozens gathered for the
second annual event at Luke Air Force Base in
Glendale to honor the airmen’s service.
“I ask that you remember the legacy of these
incredible men who fought for our future at a
time when they had the perfect excuse not to,”
said retired Senior Master Sgt. Ben Bruce,
historian for the Archer-Ragsdale Arizona
Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen. “America didn’t
want them, but serve they did, and with honor.
These American heroes, the Tuskegee
Airmen.”
Three of the eight surviving original Tuskegee
Airmen who live in Arizona were present
during the event: Lt. Col. Robert Ashby, Lt.
Col. Asa Herring and Tech Sgt. Rudolph Silas.
Also among the attendees was Goodyear
resident retired Col. Richard Toliver, who was
mentored by the Tuskegee Airmen during his
26-year career in the Air Force.
“After having been denied an opportunity to
believe that I could be a pilot, you can imagine
what it was like to meet these men as a 19-year
-old kid and then have my dream to fly
reignited,” he said.
RETIRED CAPT. BILL NORWOOD speaks March 26 at the second
annual Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day ceremony at Luke Air
Force Base. Norwood served in the Air Force and was the first black
pilot hired by United Airlines.
GOODYEAR MAYOR Georgia Lord, left, stands next to Tuskegee
Airmen Tech. Sgt. Rudolph Silas, Lt. Col. Asa Herring and Lt. Col
Robert Ashby during the second annual Tuskegee Airmen
Commemoration Day ceremony at Luke Air Force Base.
4
TAI NEWS FROM ACROSS THE USA
DOTAs relate their personal Tuskegee Experiences
Here Dr. Eugene Derricotte is
interviewed by ESPN's Hannah Storm
on Veteran’s Day 2014 at the
Center for the Intrepid at Brooke
Army Medical Center at Fort Sam in
San Antonio, Texas. Army Colonel
Don Gajewski, Center Medical
Director of the Center and was on
hand to welcome the guests.
DOTA Dr. Derricotte visits with Ms Storm
before the interview. Dr. Derricotte also
greeted a number of wounded warriors
some of whom received awards for their
service.
Oldest living DOTA keeps on Trucking
An impeccably dressed Walter Crenshaw beamed
from his wheelchair Sunday at the Veterans Home of
California — West Los Angeles as he looked out at a
sea of familiar faces. The oldest living documented
original Tuskegee Airmen member turned 104 years
old 27-Oct-13 (105 as of this publication) and was
celebrating with more than 100 fellow veterans,
friends and family who had come from around the
country to honor him. “I wish my momma could see
me now,” Crenshaw said to hearty laughter, after
asking for the microphone in the middle of a slide
show that included old family and military photos of
the Tuskegee airman, who was trained as a tailor in
high school. “This is a thanks to one and all. Love,
love, love. Keep yourselves together. Be nice to one
another. Let love control your lives.”
Alabama-raised Crenshaw was responsible for
checking the background and induction of each cadet,
The famed Tuskegee Airmen became America’s first
black military airmen during World War II. Crenshaw,
who was stationed at Tuskegee Army Air Field in
Tuskegee, Ala., from 1942 to 1944 and ultimately
attained the rank of sergeant, was not a pilot but
served as the administrative assistant to the provost
marshal during the initial training of cadets for the
99th Pursuit Squadron and the 332nd Fighters
Squadron, according to family members. The
whom he got to know personally.
Among Crenshaw’s most memorable moments, he
said “was sitting alongside a P-51 (fighter craft) with
the greatest aviator that ever stepped on a plane — my
boy, the Great (Daniel) “Chappie” James (Jr.)” James
Jr. would later become the first African-American four
-star general in 1975. (author
[email protected])
5
TAI NEWS FROM ACROSS THE USA
Tuskegee Airmen Dinner Presents 11 Tuition Awards
Featuring a small, elite group of World War II combat
veterans, the Maj. Gen. Irene Trowell-Harris Chapter of the
Tuskegee Airmen hosted its 17th Annual Tuition Assistance
Awards Dinner on Saturday evening, February 7th, at
Anthony's Pier 9 on Route 9W in New Windsor, New York.
The Lt. Lee A. Archer Jr. Red Tail Youth Flying Program is
creating a new generation of Tuskegee Airmen advocates,
many of whom will follow careers in aviation as well as in
other science, technology, engineering and math specialties.
At the dinner, B-24 pilot Vincent Lisanti spoke movingly
Prominent among the 300 attendees were three original
about his wartime experiences and said to the DOTAs
World War II Tuskegee Airmen as well as a B-24 Liberator present and the TAI attendees at large, "You guys saved my
pilot and a B-17 Flying Fortress navigator who both flew
life." He explained, "We were on one mission when we lost
with Italy-based bomber squadrons that were frequently
an engine and got separated from the rest of the squadron,
escorted by the Tuskegee Airmen's famous red-tailed P-51D
Mustang long-range fighters. The Airmen were the only
African-American pilots to fly in World War II, and they
included the only Black commissioned officers to serve the
country as members of the U. S. Army Air Force during that
conflict. As a direct result of the Tuskegee Airmen's
wartime record, in 1948 Pres. Harry S. Truman
desegregated the armed forces entirely. Truman's decision
is considered to be the first major step toward what became
the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
During the gala dinner, the Stewart Airport-based TrowellHarris Chapter awarded 11 $1,000 scholarships to deserving
Hudson Valley high school seniors. The recipients were
Steven Branche (New Paltz High School), Ashley Casamir
(Newburgh Free Academy), Taylor Chappel (Ellenville
High School), Julia Delgado (NFA), Justin Leathers (NFA),
Jenny Ly (NFA), David Mejia (NFA), Jeniffer Ortiz (NFA),
Dominick Peluso (Ramapo High School), Daryl Riley
(NFA) and Darab Sullivan-Davachi (Beacon High School).
Front row left to right, Tuskegee Airmen Audley
Coulthurst, Wilfred DeFour and Dabney Coleman,
B-17 navigator Harvey Horn and B-24 pilot
Vincent Lisanti. Back row, scholarship recipients
Ashley Casamir, Justin Leathers, Jeniffer Ortiz,
Dominick Peluso, Daryl Riley, Darab SullivanDavachi, David Mejia, Jenny Ly and Taylor
At the conclusion of the evening, this single local Tuskegee Chappel. (Julia Delgado not present.)
Airmen chapter had given a total of $158,000 in grants to
168 high-achieving seniors in the Hudson Valley. "It was a
tremendous evening," says chapter President Glendon
Fraser. "We have been doing this for 17 years and have
impacted the lives of over 160 students from the Hudson
River Valley." The chapter is named in honor of the widely
admired USAF Major General, Irene Trowell-Harris, now
retired. Trowell-Harris is the highest-ranking woman ever
to have served in the National Guard as well as its first
African-American general.
and we were getting beat all to hell by a bunch of Me-210s
and -410s--big twin-engine fighters. They were making
pass after pass just having target practice, shooting us up.
Well, a couple of Red Tail P-51s came out of nowhere, and
it took them about five minutes to blow all those
Messerschmitts out of the sky. "One of them called us and
said, 'You guys get on home now, we need those kills
confirmed.' Those guys were fabulous pilots--the best!"
Lisanti said. With the help of Vincent Lisanti's original
logbooks, the Trowell-Harris Chapter is currently fixing the
exact date and mission on which this occurred. When that
is determined, the Air Force Historical Research Agency, at
Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama will be
consulted to see if the two 332nd Fighter Group pilots can
be named, so the incident can be added to the files of the
Harry Sheppard Research Committee. (authors Glendon
Fraser and Stephan Wilkinson)
Also honored during the evening was Linda S. Muller,
President and CEO of the Greater Hudson Valley Family
Health Center, who was presented with the chapter's 2015
Leadership/Mentor Award. The 54 nationwide chapters of
the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., of which the Maj. Gen. Irene
Trowell-Harris Chapter is one, were formed to perpetuate
the legacy of the original Tuskegee Airmen as wartime
heroes and Civil Rights pioneers. The Trowell-Harris
Chapter also operates a vigorous aviation program, based at
Stewart Airport, in Newburgh, for school-age young people.
6
TAI NEWS FROM ACROSS THE USA
HBCTAI Donates lithograph Virginia State University
The Howard Baugh Chapter of The Tuskegee Airmen,
Inc. (HBCTAI) of Petersburg, VA donated a limited
edition lithograph to Virginia State University as part
of VSU’s 132nd Founder Day Convocation. The
30’’x40’’ framed lithograph entitled “Tuskegee
Trigger Time” by renowned Artist Robert Baily is
autographed by nine (9) DOTAs including
Petersburg’s native son, VSU class of 1941 graduate,
decorated 99th Fighter Squadron Pilot LTC Howard
Baugh (1920~2008). HBCTAI President Howard L.
Baugh addressed the Convocation audience of
approximately 300 and presented the lithograph to
then VSU President Dr. Keith T. Miller. The
lithograph is currently on display in VSU’s ROTC
Building.
“TUSKEGEE TRIGGER TIME”
by Artist Robert Bailey
HBCTAI Members in attendance: Seated L-R: VP Patricia
Aldridge, Exec VP Porcher “PT” Taylor, Pres. Howard L.
Baugh Standing L-R: T. Statton, K. Baugh, F. Underwood,
R. Baugh, R. Feggins, S. Dorsey, V. Jones, M. Jones, A.
Taylor, R. Clark, T. Mitchell, D. Mitchell
HBCTAI Provides Flag for Virginia War Memorial
The Virginia War Memorial (VWM) in
Richmond, VA requested that HBCTAI
provide a chapter flag so it could be
hung in their “Hall of Honor” with 50+
other US War & Military related
Virginia organizations’ flags to forever
commemorate the contributions and
accomplishments of the Tuskegee
Airmen. HBCTAI delivered the flag on
July 16 and presented it to the VWM
Executive Board in a formal ceremony
on October 17, 2014.
L-R: HBCTAI Exec VP, Col Porcher “PT” Taylor; Virginia War Memorial
Exec Director, Jon C. Hatfield; HBCTAI President, Howard L. Baugh;
HBCTAI Treasurer, Richard Baugh
7
DOTA NEWS
West Point Names Barracks for Black Graduate Who Was Shunned
WEST POINT, N.Y. — May 10, 2015, By MICHAEL HILL Associated Press
Benjamin O. Davis Jr. entered West as a three-star general in 1970 and
Point in 1932 as its only black cadet was awarded a fourth star in 1998
and spent the next four years
by President Bill Clinton.
shunned. He roomed alone, and no
one befriended him. The future
Tuskegee Airman and trailblazing
Air Force general later said he was
"an invisible man." Now, more
than a decade after his death, the
academy that allowed Davis to be
ostracized is honoring him.
A new cadet barracks being
constructed among the fortresslike buildings of the U.S. Military
Academy will be named for Davis
— a rare privilege previously
granted to graduates with names
like MacArthur and Eisenhower.
Officials at the storied academy say
Davis was a natural choice by dint
of his career and character. It also West Point graduated its first black
gives the academy a chance to
cadet at the tail-end of
belatedly do right by Davis."
Reconstruction in 1877, though no
black cadet had graduated in the
If you want to know what, 'Duty,
Honor, Country' look like, just read 20th century when Davis arrived at
a little bit about Benjamin O. Davis the academy along the Hudson
Jr., and your jaw will drop because River. Some cadets clearly wanted
he is the epitome of what we want to keep it that way.
at a time when we didn't know
what 'right' looked like," said Col.
Ty Seidule, the head of West
Point's history department and a
head of the naming committee. "So
it's our chance to acknowledge one
of our greatest graduates. "Davis,
who died in 2002 at age 89, has a
history-soaked resume that
includes commanding the all-black
332nd Fighter Group, known as the
Red Tails, and becoming the first
black general of the Air Force,
which he joined in 1947. He retired
autobiography. "What they did not
realize was that I was stubborn
enough to put up with their
treatment to reach the goal I had
come to obtain."
Davis wrote that while West Point
administrators could maintain the
silencing was not official, "they
knew precisely how I was being
treated."
Davis refused to buckle. He took
long, solo runs through the
surrounding hills, listened to his
radio and wrote cheerful letters
home. He graduated 35th in a class
of 276.
In the end, his steely tenacity won
respect from the very cadets who
made his four years so difficult. His
yearbook entry notes that he
earned "the sincere admiration of
his classmates."
Davis, a Washington, D.C., native,
went on to a long career in which
he persevered in the face of
racism, notably with the pioneering
Tuskegee Airmen.
Davis was "silenced," a coordinated
shunning usually reserved for
cadets who violated the honor
code. He roomed by himself, and
fellow cadets spoke to him only as
needed. Mess hall tables with
empty places would be too full for
him to sit at.
"He tried to tell us that it was not
going be easy, because we had not
been accepted as full citizens of
the United States," said Needham
Jones, 96, who served under Davis
in the 99th Pursuit Squadron in
ground support and the motor
pool.
"I was to be silenced solely
because the cadets did not want
blacks at West Point. Their only
purpose was to freeze me out,"
Davis wrote in his 1991
"He said, 'Don't you let nobody tell
you — don't you never believe —
that you are inferior to anybody
else,' ... it meant a hell of a lot to
us," Jones said.
8
Cont’d on page 9
DOTA NEWS
The home going memorial celebration for
DOTA, Dr. John Leahr, Lt, USAAC
332nd FG, who recently passed was held May
9, 2015
West Point (cont’d from page 8)
Davis Barracks, set to open in
January 2017, is now a rumbling,
sprawling $186 million construction
site jammed tight against older
barracks. It will rise six stories,
house 650 cadets and have a
granite exterior to match the Cadet
Chapel looming on a hillside above.
The extra space will alleviate some
crowding and allow West Point to
shift around cadets as they
modernize each of the current
eight barracks.
Lowell Steward dies
Seidule said Davis was an obvious
choice not only for his character,
but also because of his inspirational
story and a career that highlights
the role of West Point graduates in
the birth of the Air Force.
"This is not West Point at its finest
hour," he said, "this is a chance for
West Point to recognize one of its
finest."
The Associated Press | This
July 1943 photo provided by
the Los Angeles Chapter,
Tuskegee Airmen Inc., shows
Lowell C. Steward after his
graduation from flight training
at Tuskegee Army Air Field,
in Tuskegee, Ala. Steward, a
former member of the
Tuskegee Airmen who flew
nearly 200 missions over
Europe during World War II,
died Wednesday, Dec. 17,
2014, in California. He was
95. (AP Photo/Los Angeles
Chapter Tuskegee Airmen
Inc.)
9
DOTA NEWS
DOTA Paul Green Passes
AP Feb. 27, 2015
HIGHLAND, Calif. (AP) — Col. Paul L. Green, one
of the Tuskegee Airmen — the legendary black pilots
who escorted U.S. aircraft during World War II — has
died in a Southern California senior care home. He
was 91.
Green died Monday morning at Brightwater Senior
Living with Angel Green, his wife of 68 years, at his
side, Jennifer Lee, the home's executive director, told
the Riverside Press-Enterprise (http://
bit.ly/1ETutCR ).
The Greens had lived in Highland, a San Bernardino
community east of Los Angeles, since 1976. But they
moved into Brightwater just over a week ago.
"He (was) a very gentle, loving person, very
generous," Lee said.
Green grew up an orphan in Xenia, Ohio. He spent
part of his youth in the Ohio Soldiers and Sailors
Orphans Home. While flying kites there, he would
often see planes going overhead from a nearby airbase.
"I thought it would be a great thing if I could be one of
those guys flying a plane," he told the Press-Enterprise
in 1999.
Green got his chance after he was drafted into the
Army and sent to Tuskegee, Alabama, for pilot
training. Green flew 25 combat missions with the 99th
Fighter Squadron in Italy, escorting bombers.
The Tuskegee Airmen were considered an experiment
at a time when African Americans faced
discrimination both within and without the military.
They took part in more than 15,000 combat missions,
earning over 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses.
"Once you achieve something, you make it easier for
everyone," Green said in 2009. "We proved we were
not a bunch of dummies; that we could fly airplanes
and we were capable of doing whatever everyone else
10
does. Just the color of our skin was different."
After the war, Green joined the Air Force, later
served in Vietnam and near the end of a 30-year
military career became commander of Norton Air
Force Base in San Bernardino.
Last week, a city committee voted to name a street
in a planned new subdivision "Paul Green Drive,"
Councilman Sam Racadio told the Press-Enterprise.
DOTA Capt. Edward Woodward
joins the Lonely Eagles Chapter
Monday, June 7, 2015 in Norman
Oklahoma.
DOTA Fred Lawrence joins the
Lonely Eagles Chapter
Mr. Lawrence joined the Lonely
Eagles Monday, January 19, 2015.
DOTA NEWS
Two DOTAs, both 91, die on same day in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES — Clarence E. Huntley Jr. (below) and
Joseph Shambrey (bottom right) grew up running track
together in the same Los Angeles neighborhood in the
1930s.
AP Jan 12, 2015
Counting pilots and ground personnel, there were perhaps
as many as 19,000 Tuskegee Airmen, Brewington said, but
there are no accurate figures on how many are still alive.
Craig Huntly said his uncle and Shambrey weren't looking
to be pioneers or heroes when they enlisted. They were
simply serving their country in a war abroad against
fascism and one at home against racism.
When World War II broke out, they enlisted in the Army
and jumped at the chance to join the all-black group of
soldiers known as the Tuskegee Airmen. After the war,
they came back home together, married their respective
sweethearts and rarely let a month pass without getting
together or talking by phone. So it was ironic but perhaps
"At that time black servicemen were pretty much relegated
to menial type work and my uncle didn't want to do that,"
Huntly said. "But he was aware of the Tuskegee
Experiment and how important it was." Not that it would
bring a change in race relations immediately.
Years later, Shambrey would recall getting off a train in
segregated Alabama where a hospitality station was
welcoming returning white troops with handshakes and free
coffee. "When he and his buddies came off, dressed in
their uniforms, of course they didn't get any
congratulations," said Shambrey's son, Tim. They even had
to pay for their coffee.
By coincidence, Shambrey and Huntley were dispatched to
Italy together in 1944 and came back home together. As
the years passed, neither man talked much about his
military service, which isn't unusual for Tuskegee Airmen,
Brewington said. Shambrey would throw barbeques from
time to time and invite his old military buddies. As many as
150 people would attend.
not all that surprising when both died on Jan. 5 at 91.
"They were friends all the way to the end," Huntley's
nephew, Craig Huntly, summed up in an interview Monday
with The Associated Press. "As soon as I got the word that
my uncle had died," he said, "one of the first people I began
calling was Joe. And I got no answer."
Huntley's daughter Sheila McGee said he had a ready
answer when people asked about his service: "I was doing
what I was supposed to do, and that was to serve my
country." Both men served again during the Korean War,
After their enlistment in 1942, both men quickly set out to
be part of what was then called the Tuskegee Experiment
— the formation of the U.S. military's first all-black
squadron of pilots. The group went on to take part in more
than 15,000 combat missions, earning over 150
Distinguished Flying Crosses.
As Tuskegee Airmen mechanics, Huntley and Shambrey
did what they could to make sure the planes stayed in the
air until the mission was over. "When a pilot would go out,
he would say, 'This is my plane. You bring my plane back,
please,'" Ron Brewington said with a chuckle as he
remembered Huntley.
as combat engineers. After their military years, Shambrey
worked for the Los Angeles County Department of Parks
Brewington, president and historian of the Los Angeles
and Recreation. Huntley worked as a skycap at airports in
chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc., said his group has only
Los Angeles and Burbank, a job he held until his late 80s.
20 members of the elite group left after the passing of
Associated Press Writer Robert Jablon contributed to this
Huntley and Shambrey. Most are in their 90s.
story.
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TAI MEMBER NEWS
TAI VP garners 2014 FBI Community Award
The FBI Omaha Division honors Brigadier General
Randolph Scott for dedication to improving the
conditions of at-risk children and families needing
support services.
Since retiring from the United States Air Force 16
years ago, General Scott has volunteered with Boys
Town and has worked tirelessly as a national
advocate and spokesperson for military families in
crisis, including economically disadvantaged youth
and individuals needing behavioral health support. In
Omaha, General Scott works with disadvantaged
youth in the area of science, technology, engineering
and math education. In conjunction with the Alfonzo
W. Davis Middle School, he also works with youth
interested in aviation at Offutt Air Force Base.
Through these programs, General Scott has exposed
hundreds of disadvantaged students to science and
engineering opportunities.
In an effort to expose the students at Boys Town to
new cultures, General Scott regularly prepares Cajun
and creole dinners for students and staff—donating
not only his time but also the food itself. General
Scott is well known in the Omaha community and
serves on numerous community engagement boards
working toward the common objective of helping
youth in need. Some examples include programs that
encourage young people to stay in school, those that
work to prevent violence and gun crime in North
Omaha, and those that educate the community about
intervention services available to at-risk youth across
the state.
In a ceremony at FBI Headquarters on May 1, 2015, Director
James B. Comey recognized the recipients of the 2014 Director’s
Community Leadership Award. These leaders, selected by their
area FBI field office, have demonstrated outstanding
contributions to their local communities through service. The
FBI is grateful for the work of each of these individuals and
organizations on behalf of their communities.
“This year’s honorees have distinguished themselves in
remarkable ways through their hard work, their leadership, and
their strength of character,” said Director Comey. “They are
ordinary citizens, but what they have accomplished is nothing
short of extraordinary.”
Col McGee & TAI National Secretary Pause to Honor Fallen Vets
Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Yolandea Wood stands with Aniyah
Woodard, 3, during the 27th annual Salute to Veterans Memorial
Day ceremony Monday
outside the Boone
County Courthouse in
Columbia, MO. A
parade on Broadway
featuring a jump by the
U.S. Army Golden
Knights Parachute Team
preceded the ceremony.
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Col. Charles E. McGee, one of the renowned
Tuskegee Airmen of World War II, salutes as
honored guests are recognized
2015 TUSKEGEE AIRMEN INC. NATIONAL CONVENTION
Go online at http://www.taiconvention.com/default.asp for convention
information, registration, Journal advertising, exhibitor information, and
lodging.
Hotel Reservation Information
The TAI 44th National Convention
August 18 - August 21, 2015
REGISTRATION FOR THE TAI 44TH NATIONAL CONVENTION AT THE JW MARRIOTT LAS VEGAS RESORT AND
SPA IS OPENING SOON!
You can reserve your room by phone(1) or Online(2)
1. Hotel Registration by phone is open 24/7 - 1-877-622-3140





Hotel room registration for the "Tuskegee Airmen" Convention.
JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa
Hotel room rates are good for three (3) days prior to the Convention and three (3) days after the
Convention based on availability.
CONVENTION DATES: August 18 - August 21, 2015
GROUP CODE: Tuskegee
2. Hotel Registration Online - https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?
mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=13708818
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2015 TUSKEGEE AIRMEN INC. NATIONAL CONVENTION
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2015 TUSKEGEE AIRMEN INC. NATIONAL CONVENTION
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2015 TUSKEGEE AIRMEN INC. NATIONAL CONVENTION
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2015 TUSKEGEE AIRMEN INC. NATIONAL CONVENTION
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2015 TUSKEGEE AIRMEN INC. NATIONAL CONVENTION
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2015 TUSKEGEE AIRMEN INC. NATIONAL CONVENTION
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2015 TUSKEGEE AIRMEN INC. NATIONAL CONVENTION
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Announcements
Friends of Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
Another great organization is “Friends of Tuskegee
Airmen National Historic Site.” Have you heard of
them? Check them out at
http://www.friendsoftuskegeeairmennhs.org/
This organization is worth supporting. You can join
and encourage their good work. Let’s show them that
we greatly appreciate what they do.
GIVE LOCAL AMERICA!
TAI has joined over 8,000 other nonprofits in an
historic event. Last year collectively over $53
million was raised for nonprofits. Each year it gets
even bigger. Mark your calendars for
May 3, 2016 and go to
https://www.givelocal15.org/#npo/tuskegee-airmen-inc
The 2ND ANNUAL ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE GALA is
scheduled 6-11pm, September 18th, 2015 at
the Aviation Museum of Kentucky. Tickets are $40
each; couples $75; and $300 for a table of 8 [prepaid
only]. Make payments, contributions and ticket requests
to: BGNFP Chapter of TAI; PO Box 12467; Lexington,
KY 40583. Visit our Gala website at http://bgnfpgala.weebly.com/invite.html .
TUSKEGEE MEMORIAL PLAZA DEDICATION
FREEMAN MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
FORMER FREEMAN ARMY AIRFIELD &
Site of the Freeman Field Mutiny
SEYMOUR, INDIANA
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2015 – 1:00 PM.
For additional information contact Timothy Molinari
at [email protected] or 812-530-6789
2015 CONVENTION ART AUCTION AND CALENDAR SALE
Three artist have donated their artwork for the calendar and auction. Proceeds will go to National Youth fund. Contact
Yolandea Wood at [email protected] for further information or to preorder. Cost will be around $12 to $15 for
the 12 month calendar that will be available at convention. Pick up at convention to save shipping and handling charges.
BRIGADIER GENERAL NOEL F PARRISH AWARD
From: Faye J. McDaniel, Chair, National BGen Noel F Parrish Award Selection Committee
To:
Chapter Presidents
We present the prestigious BGen Noel F. Parrish Award to a deserving individual each year during our
National Convention. This award consists of a gold medallion, a certificate and $500.00 in cash. The recipient
must be a member in good standing of a chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. He or she must be nominated by the
chapter for acts which enhance equal access to knowledge, skills and opportunities during the award year. Each
chapter may nominate only one person. This committee will select the awardee from among the chapter
nominees.
Please begin your selection process early May. To be considered, submissions must bear a postmark date no
later than June 30th. Mail nomination packages to:
Ms. Faye J. McDaniel, Chair
BGen Noel F. Parrish Award Selection Committee
2247 West Coil Street
Indianapolis, IN 46260
Presenting the BGen Noel F. Parrish Award to an outstanding member of our organization is a convention
highlight. The process begins with you, so please ensure the screening and selection process used in you chapter
is fair and equitable and is in compliance with our National Bylaws. Everyone in this organization must be
confident that our brightest and best are being recognized for their outstanding service.
Cont’d on page 25
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Announcements
THE BRIGADIER GENERAL NOEL F. PARRISH AWARD
The Brigadier General Noel F. Parrish Award exemplifies the “Tuskegee Spirit” forged of
integrity, perseverance, moral courage and performance excellence. It honors and perpetuates the
memory of General Parrish for his intrepid stand against racial barriers in the armed services during
World War II.
General Parrish believed that all Americans should have equal access to knowledge, skills
and opportunities for use of their talents in the service of their country. He persevered with military
and political leaders, at great risk to his military career, to provide quality training for Tuskegee
aviation cadets and to provide combat assignments for flying units trained at Tuskegee. As
Commanding Officer, Tuskegee Army Air Field, then-Colonel Parrish demonstrated his respect for
the dignity, worth and ability of each man and woman in his command. He was confident that quality
training and their innate abilities would enable them to measure up to the highest traditions and
performance standards of the United States Army Air Corps. Graduates of the “Tuskegee
Experiment” confirmed his beliefs. Their fine record in combat helped to explode current myths and
to alter, forever, personnel utilization policies and practices that had fettered our national defense
potential.
The award consists of a gold medallion, a certificate of achievement, and $500 cash. It is presented
annually by Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated at the National Convention. Dr. Florence T. Parrish,
when present, presents the award. A national selection committee, appointed by the National
president, will select the award recipient from among the chapter nominees, The selection
committee also will publish appropriate supplemental nomination instructions specifying dates,
times, standard formats, etc., to implement a timely selection process.
Award Recipient
The award recipient will be regular member in good standing, nominated by his or her
chapter’s nominating committee for outstanding acts that “ enhanced equal access to knowledge,
skills and opportunities” for a person or entity during the award year. The award year extends from
July 1 of the past year through June 30 of the current year. This time frame will be strictly enforced.
The outstanding act or acts may still be in progress at the time of the nomination and should
favorably affect a person, group, program, organization, institution, or a state or national interest.
Acts may involve, but should not be limited to, education, training, counseling, transporting,
financing, organizing, sponsoring, assisting, designing, influencing content or enactment of laws, or
promotion of aerospace endeavors. The act or acts to be recognized should have required a
significant effort by the nominee and should have made a significant impact on the beneficiary of the
act or acts. If job related, the act or acts should have been clearly above the normal job
requirements.
Medallion
The gold medallion bears a likeness of a bust of General Parrish. Around the circumference,
at the top is engraved “TUSKEGEE AIRMEN, INC.”, and at the bottom is engraved “Brig. Gen. Noel
F. Parrish Award”. Below the bust is engraved “Tuskegee A.A.F., 1942-1946”. On the reverse side
is the historic logo eagle. Around the circumference, starting center left, is engraved “FOR
ENHANCING EQUAL ACCESS TO KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND OPPORTUNITES.” The name of
the recipient will be engraved above the eagle, and below the eagle will be engraved the convention
city, the year, and the serial number of the award. The award year is the current year.
Cont’d on page 26
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Announcements
Award Certificate
The certificate is framed in gold with dark blue matting. Wording is in the blue on a background of
the national logo in faint blue. Borders of the certificate have narrow stripes of red, white and blue
from inside out, ending one inch from the edge.
Implementation of Award Selection Process
Each chapter is requested and encouraged to publish this information through appropriate
chapter media. Early appointment of chapter selection committees will help to ensure that wellprepared nominations will be available on timely basis for consideration by the national selection
committee.
Instructions to Chapter Nominee for the Brigadier General Noel F. Parrish Award
The following information is requested for news releases and historical
uses only. Please use the following title and all item headings in the given sequence, and provide
the requested information in a concise manner. If an item does not apply to you, enter N/A. The
completed document, including the signature line, must not exceed two pages.
PERSONAL DATA ON CHAPTER NOMINEE FOR THE
BRIGADIER GENERAL NOEL F. PARRISH AWARD
1. NAME AND NICKNAME:
2. CHAPTER:
3. PLACE AND DATE OF BIRTH:
4. PRESENT ADDRESS:
5. HIGH SCHOOL NAME, ACHIEVEMENTS, DATES:
6. ACADEMIC DEGREES, COLLEGES, PLACES, DATES, HONORS:
7. JOB TITLES, EMPLOYERS, RELEVANT COMMENTS:
8. CIVIC AWARDS, PLACES, DATES:
9. MILITARY SERVICE UNITS, OVERSEAS THEATERS, RELEVANT COMMMENTS:
10. MILITARY AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
11. PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIPS:
12. FRATERNAL AND/OR CIVIC ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIPS:
13. FAMILY MEMBERS, RELEVANT COMMENTS:
14. TAI CHAPTER AND NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS:
OTHER RELEVANT COMMENTS:
_________________________________
Signature of Nominee
_________________
Date
Cont’d on page 27
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Announcements
TUSKEGEE AIRMEN, INC.
Instructions to Chapter Nominating Committee for the
Brigadier General Noel F. Parrish Award
Please use the following titles and item headings in the given sequence. Each numbered item is to be
followed by a clear and concise paragraph presenting the required information for the award year. The
completed document, including the signature line, must not exceed two pages. Auxiliary evidence, such as
audio or video tapes, news articles, or other publications and records, will NOT be accepted. Please do not
alter the wording of the certification.
NOMINATION FOR THE BRIGADIER GENERAL NOEL F. PARRISH AWARD FOR THE YEAR 1 JULY
THROUGH 30 JUNE.
NAME OF NOMINEE:
CHAPTER NAME AND ADDRESS:
CHAPTER COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN AND TELEPHONE NUMBER:
NOMINEE’S ACHIEVEMENTS ENHANCING EQUAL ACCESS TO KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND
OPPORTUNITIES DURING THE AWARD YEAR.
BENEFICIARIES OF NOMINEE’S ACHIEVEMENTS DURING THE AWARD YEAR.
IMPACT OF ACHIEVEMENTS ON BENEFICIARIES (Indicate the degree of motivation. This item is
weighted at 35% of the score.)
EFFORTS EXERTED BY NOMINEE (Indicate time of presentation, time spent with beneficiaries,
personal cash contributions, soliciting of funding. This item is weighted at 65% of the score.)
CERTIFICATION
We, the undersigned, have reviewed this nomination jointly, and we certify that the information contained
in it is accurate and relevant. We also certify that the nominee’s achievements occurred during the
designated award year.
_________________________________
Signature of Chapter Committee Chair
________________
Date
_________________________________
Signature of Chapter President
Date
_______________
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Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (TAI)
P.O. Box 830060
Tuskegee, AL 360830
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
DELIVER TO:
Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (TAI)
National Office
P.O. Box 830060
Tuskegee, AL 36083
(334) 421-0198 * Fax: (334) 725-8205
Administrative Director
Maggie Thomas [email protected]
"Tuskegee Airmen" refers to all who were involved in the so-called
"Tuskegee Experience” — the Army Air Corps program to train African
Americans to fly and maintain combat aircraft. The Tuskegee Airmen included
pilots, navigators, bombardiers, maintenance and support staff, instructors,
and all the personnel who kept the planes in the air.
TAI MISSION
TAI National Public Relations Team
[VACANT]
National Public Relations Officer (NPRO)
Ron Lacey
Western PRO; [email protected]
Evelyn Kelley-Antoine
Central PRO; [email protected]
Jerry Burton
Eastern PRO; [email protected]
Rick Sinkfield
CR/Member-at-Large; [email protected]
Honoring the accomplishments and perpetuating the history of AfricanAmericans 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 and
TAI youth programs and activities.
Providing educational assistance to students and awards to deserving
individuals, groups and corporations whose deeds lend support to TAI's
goals. TAI also supports the Tuskegee Airmen Award presented to
deserving cadets in the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
Program.
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