TAI Newsletter – September/October 2013 - Tuskegee Airmen Inc.

16 Pages·2013·5.57 MB·English

September/October 2013
Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.
Newsletter
2013 LONELY EAGLES
“BRIDGE TO THE PAST - GATEWAY TO THE FUTURE”
Charles I. “C.I.” Williams
President 42nd Annual Convention, St. Louis, MO
Brig. Gen. Leon Johnson, USAFR (Ret.)
Charles S. Ellington

1st Vice President The 42nd annual Tuskegee Hotels & Resorts, GE, Rita Harvey Alexander
CMSgt. John B. Patterson, USAF (Ret.)
Airmen, Inc. convention was Raines & Leon Johnson, the US Fitzroy “Buck” Newsum
2nd Vice President held July 31 to August 3, 2013 Navy, and the National Geo-
Brig. Gen. Stayce Harris, USAF Ruth Alice Lucas
at the Union Station Double- Spatial Intelligence Agency.
Immediate Past President Tree Hotel in St. Louis, MO. Paul Menefield
Lt. Gen. Russell Davis, USAF (Ret.)
Julius Calloway
Financial Secretary
(Vacant) Lenard L. Yates

Treasurer Paul Adams
Ms. Rosario Biggs-Dickerson
Clayo Rice
Parliamentarian
SMSgt Tyrelle Felder John Miles

Public Relations Officer Noel Harris
Ms. Sandra Campbell
LeRoy Gillead

Central Region President
Miles S. Washington Jr.
MSgt. Marv K. Abrams, USAF (Ret.)
Charles K. Kerford
Eastern Region President
CMSgt. Quincy Magwood, USAF (Ret.) Clifford S. King

Western Region President Luther McIlwain
Mr. Larry Jackson
Leonard A. Altemus
The co-convention drew over Convention activities included William Childs
Inside this issue: 200 members and guests in- business meetings, youth day, George Porter
cluding 35 Documented Origi- Chapter operations training, Leonard C. Hall
nal Tuskegee Airmen (DOTAs). documenting history, and more.
President’s Message 2 Wiley W. Selden
This year’s sponsors included The Exhibit Hall featured vendor
Perry Thomas
Southwest Airlines, American displays offering products and
2013 Convention 3 Airlines, United Services Auto- services. Many of these were Quentin P. Smith
mobile Association (USAA), open to the general public. Elmer D. Jones
DoubleTree Hotel, Millennium Humphrey C. Patton
Western Region News 9
Central Region News 10
Eastern Region News 12
DOTA Spotlight 14
Tom Joyner 15
From the Desk of the National President

Thank You for Attending and for Your Support and Participation
I want to take a moment to thank you for your support of Tuskegee Air-
men, Inc. during our 2013 Annual National Convention.
The success of our programs and convention is directly driven by involve-
ment of our members, exhibitors, journal advertisers, support volunteers
and organizations such as Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, USAA, the
National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, the Navy Recruiting Command
and General Electric.
We appreciate the time and effort extended on behalf of Tuskegee Air-
men, Inc. by the Union Station Doubletree Hotel and their staff as well as
the staff at the Millennium Hotel for the successful change in convention
location due to unforeseen circumstances.
Working together we can continue to build on the successes of the past, highlight the role models of today
and develop the transportation, aviation and aerospace vision of tomorrow.
One of the important aspects of our Strategic Plan is a revitalization of our outreach to youth. Our
goal is to connect with more youth with emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
(STEM) as a baseline for their educational involvement which could result in careers in aviation, aero-
space and transportation for them. Your support, attendance and participation at the 2013 convention
helped to further solidify the realization of our goals.
I would like to invite you to join us again in 2014 when we hold our national convention in Orlando, Fl
at the Rosen Centre Hotel & Resort from 30 July though 2 August. We are already in the pre-planning
stages for the 2014 convention and would also like to
have your support and participation in a short survey
that will help us to make the 2014 convention a suc-
cess. Please check your emails for the survey, and take
a few moments to complete it so that we may take into
consideration your observations, needs and wishes for a
memorable and positive experience. Additional infor-
mation about the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. 2014 Annual
National Convention will be available on our web site at
www.tuskegeeairmen.org in the near future.
Again with the warmest regards, thank you for your support of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.

Sincerely,
Leon A. Johnson

Leon A. Johnson, National President
Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.
2
2013 Convention: Opening Night Reception
took care of convention and TAI
business.
The day ended with a fabulous
Welcome Reception where old
friends reminisced and new ac-
quaintances were made.
Photographers and camera
crew from KSDK-TV, the Metro
Sentinel Journal, and the St.
Louis American were on hand
throughout the reception, cap-
The day began with registration of
turing a history-making reunion
DOTAs, widows, other family and
of living legends and others
TAI members and guests. By the end
there to honor the men and
of the day more than 150 were
women who served in the
registered.
Tuskegee Experience of WWII.
As guests continued to arrive and
KSDK featured the welcome
check in throughout the day, board
reception on the evening news
TAI President, Leon Johnson, opened the re-
officers and convention planners
at 5 and 10 p.m. ception and welcomed Charles Bryson, Direc-
tor of the Civil Rights Enforcement Agency
with the City of St. Louis, who presented a
proclamation to TAI on behalf St. Louis Mayor
Francis G. Slay.
Heritage Day Luncheon Features Momentous Presentation
Gigi Gilliam (Atlanta Chap- aircraft was shot down over his gear again. Gregg, also
ter), newly-appointed chair- Cambodia. In receiving the a Vietnam veteran, had
person of the Heritage Com- helmet from Gary Gregg of spent the past 20 years
mittee, was emcee for the Lincoln, Neb., Randall tearful- working with Dominique
Heritage Day luncheon. In a ly remarked that “the good Eluere, a Frenchman who
special ceremony, Col. James Lord was with me that day. I purchased the helmet in a
Randall (Hubert “Hooks” landed at the edge of the Ho Chi Minh market, to find
Jones Chapter) was reunited jungle, discarded my equip- the rightful owner of the
with the helmet he lost during ment, and hid from the ene- item bearing the inscription
the Vietnam War nearly 48 my.” Randall said he never “Maj. Randall; 562 Tactical
years ago when his F-105 imagined he would see any of Fighter SQ.”
3
Lonely Eagle Ceremony
The traditional Lonely Eagle ceremony was
facilitated by Dr. Sarah Williams (San An-
tonio Chapter), with posting of colors and
folding of the flag by the USAF Honor
Guard from Scott AFB. Nearly 40 DOTAs,
their spouses, offspring, and TAI members
who have passed on since the last conven-
tion in August 2012 were recognized.
“Chief” Anderson Panel
Christina Anderson, shared personal stories
granddaughter of DOTA of their experiences
Charles Alfred "Chief" training with the late
Anderson, led a panel "Chief," who is being en-
discussion on her grandfa- shrined in the National
ther's legacy as lead Aviation Hall of Fame on
flight instructor for the October 4, 2013, at
Tuskegee Airmen. The Wright-Patterson AFB
panelists included Tuskeg- in Dayton, Ohio.
ee Airmen and others who
Elder Care Panel
One attendee
The Western Region
sponsored a very in-
commented ...
formative discusson on
Elder Care that was about the fun
produced by Sunnye
she had, stating
Simpson (James B.
Knighten Chapter) and that she “never
moderated by Dr. Lisa
knew getting
Bratton (Atlanta Chap-
ter), with representa- old could be so
tives from VITAS, Vouga
ing process were both educational funny. “
Law, Michael Morley, Dr. Arnold Bull-
and entertaining. One attendee
ock, and the Veterans Administration.
commented after the program
Sherman George, first African-
about the fun she had, stating that
American fire chief with the city of St.
she “never knew getting old could
Louis, discussed ways to navigate the
VA system. Conversations on the ag- be so funny. “
4
The Diversity/Military Day Luncheon
The final report of the
The "Diversity/Military Day" events began Awards for outstanding contributions in car-
with the second general session where the rying out their duties were presented to: Military Leadership
members and board of directors discussed Maj. Christopher G. Keown (Gen. Benjamin
Diversity Committee
the status of TAI and recommended im- O. Davis, Jr, Military Award), Capt. Carissa
provements to move the organization for- L. Sabellico (Capt. Robert W. Williams Mili-
addressed
ward. tary Award); MSgt Lisa Wright (CMSgt
Fred Archer Military Award); and SRA Ryan
MSgt Will Williams, Jr. was emcee of the underrepresentation of
Kelly (SMSgt Margaret Frances Barbour
Military/Diversity luncheon which opened
Military Award).
with the Scott AFB Honor Guard. Gen (ret) minorities in military
Lester Lyles, Chairman of USAA Board of
leadership and the
Directors, delivered a rousing keynote ad-
dress in which he shared the results of the
need for more
Military Leadership Diversity Committee
which he chaired. The Committee issued its
aggressive outreach
final report in 2011 which addressed the
issues of underrepresentation of minorities in and mentorship
military leadership and the need for more
aggressive outreach and mentorship pro- programs.
grams.
The Spouses Tea The Spouse's Tea included spouses and
heritage members of Documented Origi-
nal Tuskegee Airmen (DOTAs). Dr. Sarah
Williams (San Antonio Chapter) intro-
duced Clara White, widow of DOTA
Hugh J. White and president of the chap-
ter bearing his name, who led the pro-
^ Sandy Taylor, National Park
gram which included musical solos by
Service (Superintendent), gives an
Peggy Shivers (Hubert "Hooks" Jones update on improvements at Mo-
ton Field; (below) Carol Alexan-
Chapter) and Harold Dorch, and en-
der (San Antonio Chapter VP)
gaged the audience in an interactive
visits with BGen Stayce Harris, TAI
game of "Truth or Dare." 2nd VP
5
Convention Youth Day
Youth Day began with a
field trip to Scott AFB for
98 young people, ages 11
to 17, and several TAI
adult leaders and other
chaperones. They spent the
morning engaged in a vari-
ety of activities; a scaven-
ger hunt, watching videos
of Boeing’s history and
contributions, and engaging
The Youth Luncheon
in discussions on aviation
and aerospace careers
Youth Luncheon sponsored Chapter), 19-year old
with Boeing employees who
by Southwest Airlines. The pilot and a sophomore
volunteered to spend their
Mascoutah High School Air air traffic control major
day off to support the TAI
Force JROTC posted the col- at Lewis University,
Youth program. Upon re-
ors, Jade and Jezmin Thomas shared his recipe for
turning to the convention,
led the National Anthem and success in the face of
these young people, repre-
invocation, and the Pledge of seemingly overwhelming
senting the “gateway to the
Allegiance was led by Quinn physical challenges he
future,” were hosts and
Thorne (Claude R. Platte faced with cerebral
special guests at a Lunch-
Chapter) and Damien Marcus palsy as a child and a
eon sponsored by South-
Long II (Claude B. Govan more recent diagnosis
west Airlines.
Chapter), two of the youngest of cancer. With a positive atti- In his summary remarks, he
members of TAI. tude and a courageous spirit, challenged his fellow partici-
he praised the SWA and TAI pants to “keep climbing and
...always have a backup, Following programs that have enabled never level off no matter your
lunch, Col- him to meet powerful role speed or angle of attack; nev-
ton Ward models, such as Calvin Spann er give up on your goals no
to start now planning for
11, gave and Dr. Robert McDaniel. matter what obstacles are in
a speech Tyrell always wanted to be a the way; and, let’s get out and
their future, build a in which pilot and although countless show what our generation is
he surgeries thwarted his goal to made of!”
thanked become a fighter pilot, he is
village, and get out and
the still able to live his dream of After the luncheon, the youth
Tuskegee an aviation career. Tyrell chal- participated in several
do it! Airmen for lenged the young people in breakout sessions—a panel
paving the way for minority the audience to always have a discussion with DOTAs Ted
—Tyrell Rhodes aviators and expressed ap- backup, to start planning now Lumpkin, George Boyd, Dr.
preciation to TAI and South- for their future, build a village, Robert McDaniels, James A.
west Airlines for the Continu- and get out and do it! Sheppard, and Claude Platte;
ing the Legacy Program in a student panel of ROTC and
which he was a participant. “It’s never too late to start CAP cadets, USAF A1C Mala-
planning,” he said. It was chi Busby, Tyrell Rhodes, Na-
Shaniyah Mayes, 17, talked Tyrell’s mother, Robin Rhodes thaniel Roberts grandson of
about opportunities she has (Lewis Lynch Chapter), who DOTA Spanky Roberts, and
had as a participant in the encouraged him to have a Justin Grady, ACE Academy
Youth Seminar sponsored by plan-B. Following that advice, participant; a presentation by
TAI Central Region, the annual Tyrell set his sights on air traf- LT Jamis Seals, first African
TAI seminar at Scott AFB, col- fic control. American female Navy heli-
lege tours, the national de- copter pilot; and
bate club, and the school the history of Afri-
speech team, all of which are can Americans in
helping her prepare for a aviation presented
bright future. She was espe- by Chauncey
cially proud of her visit to Spencer (Detroit
Chaney University in Pennsyl- Chapter).
vania—her first tour of an
HBCU.
Youth Luncheon Speakers: Shani-
yah Mayes (R) & Tyrell Rhodes
Tyrell Rhodes (Lewis Lynch
6
The Grand Gala
The grand finale of the convention was the
Reception and Signature Gala, attended
by more than 250 people. As part of the
program, Dr. Florence Parrish-St. John (East
Coast Chapter) and Mrs. Faye McDaniel
(Indianapolis Chapter), presented the Noel
Former Noel Parrish Award Winners, with Dr. Florence Parrish-St. John
F. Parrish Award to Jerry "Hawk" Burton
Trent Dudley (C) standing in for Jerry Bur- recalls the life of her husband as
(East Coast Chapter), Eastern Region Public ton, 2013 recipient Mrs. Faye McDaniel looks on
Relations Officer and ECCTAI Speakers Bu-
reau Chairperson, for his formidable effort
in assuring the Tuskegee Airmen legacy re-
mains at the forefront of the American sto-
ry. Trent Dudley, ECCTAI President, accept-
ed the award for Jerry.
The crowd swayed and dance the night
away to the soulful music of legendary R&B
singer/songwriter Lenny Williams who was
lead singer of the 1970's award-winning
group, Tower Of Power.
Three prints donated by artist Kermit W. Col Charles McGhee high-steps to Lenny Lenny Williams, R&B songwriter
Williams’ What Is Hip and lead singer of the 1970’s
Dyer (Heart of America Chapter) for the
group “Tower of Power,” per-
Silent Auction generated $2,200 for the TAI forms
Scholarship Foundation and Youth Pro-
grams. The prints included renderings of The
Red Tail airplanes and the Congressional
< Pictured are: Sandra Campbell,
Gold Medal presented to the Tuskegee Air-
Heart of America Chapter; Carol
men. Alexander, San Antonio Chap-
ter; Lenny Williams; and, Dr.
Sarah Williams, San Antonio
Chapter.
Scenes from Around the Convention
Rich Simms (Lewis Lynch Chap-
ter) and Sandra Campbell, TAI
Military representatives at the Exposition National Geospatial Intelligence Agency National Public Relations Of-
Exposition representatives ficer, producing daily reports
7
DOTAs Visit Scott Air Force Base
The visit was hosted by General Paul Selva,
Commander, Air Mobility Command; Lieutenant
General Darren McDew, Commander, 18th AF;
and Major General Timothy Zadalis, Command-
er, 618th Air and Space Operations Center
Tanker Airlift Control Center. The DOTAs also
surprised the shift-workers on the floor by sharing
in a group photo. Overall it was AWESOME to
see how the men and women of the largest Air
Operations Center (AOC) opened their arms and
embraced America's living legends.
DOTAs were touched by the warm, loving welcome given by active duty
airmen who lined the hallways.
DOTAs pose with their Scott AFB hosts DOTA Lumpkin exchanges greetings with Lt Gen McDew
Awards Reception
Friday ended with a reception in which in-
dividuals were recognized for outstanding
contributions to TAI at the national and re-
gional levels. TAI President Leon Johnson
presented awards to Cmdr (ret) Robbin
Alex (3rd right) and Gen (ret) Lester
Lyles (2nd right). Regional awards were
presented to Lanelle Brent (3rd left) by
Western Region VP Rod Gillead; Kenyat-
ta Ruffin, by Central Region President
Marv Abrams (far left); and, Stephan
Wilkerson by East Region President
Quincy Magwood (far right).
Also pictured: Faye McDaniel (2nd left).
8
Western Region News
The Hubert L. "Hooks" Jones Chapter's she would return to Denver Jet Center,
Mile High Flight (MHF) Program enjoys drop off her instructor, and begin her
another success as Coraima "Cora" solo flight. A great sense of pride over-
Chavez gets closer to her goal to be- came them as they watched as the in-
come an airline pilot. Chavez, a gradu- structor deplaned and Chavez took full seum, introduction to beginning avi-
ate from Denver's East High School and command of "her" airplane and her ation at Centennial Airport, fighter
now a freshman in the Aviation Pro- future. Chavez's next three (solo) take- operations at Buckley Air Force
gram at Metro State University, is the offs and landings were as perfect as Base, the United States Air Force
most recent "Phase 2" solo student in the first three. Upon her return to the Academy, C. U. Aerospace Engi-
the MHF Program. hangar and completion of after-landing neering Sciences Department
On the beautiful, Rocky Mountain morn- checks, Chavez shared hugs and tears (including briefings from NASA as-
with an admiring and tronauts), Metro State University's
grateful family. nationally ranked Aviation Depart-
The Hubert L. "Hooks" ment, the United Airlines Flight Simu-
Jones Chapter is proud lator Training Center, and both
to have provided this powered and glider orientation
opportunity for an ex- flights. Each year, the Chapter se-
ceptional young lady lects the most outstanding student(s)
in helping her realize in the program and teaches them to
that her life has no fly.
limits! This year, the Chapter added a tour
Chavez Chavez is one of the United Launch Alliance, which
ing of August 18, 2013, Chapter mem- of three MHF graduates whose goal is builds and launches rockets for the
bers, family and friends, listened as to become an airline pilot. She follows Department of Defense, NASA, the
Chavez and flight instructor John Nafie, in the "flight path" of previous gradu- National Reconnaissance Office,
prepared for her solo flight. They lis- ates, First Officer Tommy Fortson and and other organizations.
tened to her crisp, clear radio calls as Captain Andrea Menijura. New contacts were made and fu-
she taxied the plane to Runway 17L at The MHF Program has provided avia- ture plans are underway to add the
Centennial Airport, and observed as tion/aerospace related field trips and Terminal Radar Control Center
she made three, outstanding "touch and "hands-on" flight experiences for mid- (TRACON) in Longmont, Colorado,
goes" under John's watchful eye. They dle and high school students since to next year's tours.
waited with anticipation as she request- 1966. Participants experience tours at
ed a "full stop" landing--signaling that Wings Over the Rockies Aerospace Mu-
Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day—Phoenix, AZ
The Archer-Ragsdale Arizona Chapter (ARAC) of Tuskeg- na Congressional Delegation attended and spoke . Sever-
ee Airmen, Inc. celebrated the passage of Arizona Senate al original Tuskegee Airmen, their wives, and widows who
Bill 1128 that established Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration reside in the state of Arizona were present for this cele-
Day on the fourth Thursday of March, commencing 2014. bration. The passage of SB 1128 assures that the
The Recognition Ceremony & Reception was held Thurs- Tuskegee Airmen will be remembered and their legacy
day, 26 September 2013 at the State Capital Build- celebrated in the State of Arizona for many years to
ing,1700 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona come.
85007. The Governor and several members of the Arizo-
9
Central Region News
Claude R. Platte Chapter Co-Sponsors ACE Camp
Some 33 young people participat- represented the Chapter at
ed in the annual DFW Aviation DFW Flight Safety, where he
Career Education (ACE) Camp held provided participants with t-
at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport this shirts, goody bags and a
summer. Now in its fourth year, this presentation on the history of
week-long camp is organized and the Tuskegee Airmen.
directed by the Organization of
The FAA Southwest Region
Black Aerospace Professionals
Management Team will rec-
(OBAP), and co-sponsored by the
ognize the Chapter on Octo-
TAI Claude R. Platte Chapter
ber 21, 2013, for their con-
(CRPC TAI), Federal Aviation Ad-
tributions to ACE Camp.
ministration (FAA), Vintage Flying
Members of the Chapter’s
Museum of Fort Worth, and Dallas-
executive board and local
Fort Worth International Airport. DOTAs are planning to at-
tend.
On Monday, June 10, 2013, Gor-
don Guillory, CRPC TAI president,
Central Region Youth Seminar
This year’s Seminar was held ing Training Squadron all got a check-ride in a
in San Antonio, TX June 21- (successor of the famed 99th Cessna piloted by a visiting
23, 2013 . Thirteen students Fighter Squadron). They also Bronze Eagle. Evening ac-
from across the region
viewed the historical film, tivities included an awards
(Chicago, Biloxi, Kansas City,
Double-V, and visited the T- banquet where students
Houston, and San Antonio)
1 simulator and air traffic received their flight certifi-
attended.
control tower. Afterwards, cates and engaged in a
Upon landing at San Antonio
they were transported to the Q&A session with DOTA Dr.
International Airport, the
T-1 simulator and the air Eugene Derricotte about his
students were whisked away
traffic control tower. experiences as a Tuskegee
a tours of Randolph Air
Airmen. Sunday’s activities
Force Base led by Lt. Col. Saturday tours included the
included a tour of static air-
Gavin Marks, Squadron Aviation Museum at Stinson
craft at Lackland Air Force
Commander of the 99th Fly- Municipal Airport where they
Base.
Photos on left Top-Bottom:
-Students de-plane after their flight
-DOTA Dr. Derricotte signs autographs
-Stinson Air Museum Tour
Touring the 99th Flying Training Squad-
ron narrated by Lt Col Marks
10