EAST COAST CHAPTER TUSKEGEE AIRMEN INC. PRIDE|POTENTIAL|PROGRESS|LEGACY
Star-studded Baltimore waterfront celebration blends professional polo, live music and aviation legacy to inspire next generation
BALTIMORE — The thunderous hooves of polo ponies, the soulful rhythm of live jazz and the legacy of American heroes will converge along Baltimore’s waterfront when the East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (ECCTAI) takes center stage as the primary beneficiary of the 10th Annual Celebrity Charity PoloXJazz Celebration, scheduled from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. May 23 at the scenic Baltimore Peninsula.
Produced by Grandiosity Events in partnership with The Law Offices of Duane O. King, PC, the milestone celebration will donate a portion of proceeds to support ECCTAI’s mission of preserving the legacy of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen while inspiring youth to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace sciences.
Part cultural showcase, part sporting spectacle, PoloXJazz has grown into one of the MidAtlantic’s most distinctive charity events, bringing together civic leaders, business executives, aviation advocates and community supporters for a day of polo, music and purpose.
Adding Hollywood star power, acclaimed actor Clifton Powell will host the afternoon’s festivities, guiding guests through a high-energy program featuring professional polo matches, live jazz performances, curated cuisine and appearances by family members of the original Tuskegee Airmen.
For ECCTAI, the partnership represents a powerful investment in youth development and aviation education, which comes at a time of renewed focus on underrepresentation in certain communities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers. Black Americans make up roughly 12% of the U.S. labor force, yet they represent only about 3% to 4% of aircraft pilots and flight engineers, according to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
ECCTAI is working to improve those numbers through education, mentorship and representation. The investment from donors — State Employees Credit Union, Arturo Fuente Cigars, Toyota and other organizations — will help fund scholarships and flight-training opportunities, a financial lifeline for aspiring professionals facing the high cost of entry into aviation careers, and the first step for students seeking careers in aviation and aerospace professions.
“We are deeply grateful for this investment in our chapter’s mission and, most importantly, in our young people,” said H. Thomas “Tommy” Herndon Jr., president of ECCTAI. “By honoring the courage and excellence of the Tuskegee Airmen through opportunities like this, we can help students see new horizons and prepare for careers in aerospace, engineering and beyond.”
Susan Smallwood, founder and CEO of Grandiosity Events and creator of PoloXJazz, made history as the first woman of color in the U.S. to own a premium caviar brand, La Grande Caviar, and produce an event with all-Black polo players. She has transformed PoloXJazz into a nationally recognized platform showcasing elite Black polo players and expanding visibility for diversity in equestrian sports.
“This 10th anniversary represents a decade of partnership, purpose and cultural pride,” Smallwood said. “We are proud to celebrate this milestone while continuing to invest in organizations like ECCTAI that are inspiring the next generation of leaders. Grandiosity Events’ mission is to bring culture to the cultures with GRAND experiences through philanthropy. From the ground to the sky, we are investing in teaching underrepresented kids how to fly. Ooh la la!”
The connection between the Tuskegee Airmen and the polo field reflects a shared story of breaking barriers. While the Tuskegee Airmen shattered myths of racial inferiority in military aviation during World War II, Black polo players have carried forward a proud tradition of equestrian excellence dating back to the U.S. cavalry units of the 19th century, the Buffalo Soldiers.
Together, those histories of perseverance and achievement will be celebrated throughout the day’s festivities.
Gates open at noon, with the polo match at 3 p.m. The evening concludes with a waterfront after-party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. featuring music by DJ Vytas Reid, morning meteorologist at CBS News Detroit. The celebration will be emceed by Shawn Yancy, award-winning anchor with NBC4 Washington.
Tickets and additional information for this milestone event are available at evite.
About East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.:
Founded in 1973, the East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (ECCTAI) is the oldest and largest chapter of the renowned Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. ECCTAI has more than 150 members from diverse backgrounds, which include Tuskegee Airmen heritage-kindred descendants, active-duty and retired military, civil servants and private citizens from all walks of life. At one time, the chapter included more than 50 Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen, combat veterans of World War II who received their military training at Tuskegee, Alabama. ECCTAI provides educational assistance scholarships to students and produces a Youth in Aviation Program that preserves the Tuskegee Airmen’s legacy and supports workforce development initiatives in underserved and underrepresented communities. ECCTAI’s geographical focus area is the District of Columbia and its surrounding areas in Maryland and Virginia.
About Grandiosity Events:
Founded by Susan Smallwood, Grandiosity Events is a luxury event-planning company known for curating experiences that blend entertainment, philanthropy, and education with cultural sophistication. Smallwood is also the creator of La Grande Caviar, making history as the first woman of color in the U.S. to own a premium caviar brand. Through her signature event PoloXJazz, Smallwood is also the first woman of color to build a powerful platform that combines style and excellence, Black equestrian polo players, live jazz and charitable giving.
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Diane Louise Mohr, a devoted Life Member of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (TAI), member of the local East Coast Chapter of The Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (ECCTAI), and a steadfast steward of the Tuskegee Airmen legacy.
Professionally, Diane dedicated her career to public service through librarianship with the District of Columbia Public Library. Her roles included serving as a Sociology Librarian at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library and later as Systemwide Adult Collection Coordinator, reflecting her lifelong commitment to education, access, and community empowerment.
Diane served ECCTAI with distinction for nearly two decades. Her leadership roles included First Vice President, Board Director, TAI Eastern Region Representative, and Chair of the Amenities Committee, a role she carried out with compassion, dignity, and unwavering care for our members and DOTA families. In 2023, she was honored with the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. National President’s Award in recognition of her extraordinary service.
Among her many contributions, Diane played a key role in several signature ECCTAI and TAI committees initiatives. She was actively involved in historic Obama-era events honoring the Tuskegee Airmen, served on the Ways and Means Committee supporting fundraising and chapter sustainability efforts, and was deeply committed to youth engagement through her involvement with the Youth in Aviation Program (YIAP). Through YIAP, Diane supported interviews, mentorship, and educational field experiences that inspired and encouraged the next generation of aviators.
Diane was also a proud Daughter of a Documented Original Tuskegee Airman (DOTA), Colonel Dean B. Mohr, and carried her family’s legacy forward through decades of faithful and dedicated service. Her mother, Louise Mohr, was a Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. Life Member and an active leader within ECCTAI, including serving as Vice President, a tradition of service and leadership that clearly lived on through Diane.
As a descendant of a Tuskegee Airman, Diane remained deeply engaged with multiple heritage organizations committed to preserving African American history and the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. Her involvement included the Tuskegee Airmen Family and Friends, the National African American History Working Group, and the Tuskegee Airmen Descendants group (formerly known as Tuskegee Airmen Daughters).
Diane is survived by her brother, Dean B. Mohr, Jr., cousins and other family.
Diane Mohr’s Celebration of Life
Friday, January 30 Trinity Episcopal Church 7005 Piney Branch Road, NW Washington, DC 20012
Viewing & Visitation: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Immediately following the service – George Washington/Mt. Lebanon Cemeteries, 9500 Riggs Rd., Adelphi MD 20783, 301.434.4640 Repast: Following interment, guests will return to the church for fellowship and repast
Live Streaming
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed via Trinity Episcopal Church’s YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@trinitychurchdc
In Lieu of Flowers
Donations in Diane’s memory may be made to the Herb Jones Jr. Youth in Aviation Program, supporting the next generation of aviators, an effort close to Diane’s heart.
Donate here: https://tinyurl.com/Honoring-Diane-Mohr
We ask that you keep Diane’s family and the ECCTAI community in your thoughts and prayers as we honor her life, service, and legacy.
Respectfully, East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.
www.ecctai.org
ROCKVILLE, Md. — With a powerful swing toward progress, the East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (ECCTAI) will host its signature fundraiser, the General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. 34th Annual Golf Classic, on Aug. 11 at Norbeck Country Club in Rockville, one of Maryland’s premier courses.
More than just a day on the greens, the Golf Classic funds the chapter’s Youth in Aviation Program (YIAP) and college scholarship effort, pillars of ECCTAI’s mission to preserve the legacy of the pioneering Tuskegee Airmen while inspiring deserving youth from underrepresented communities to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace sciences.
The fundraiser is the last of three key events ECCTAI launched this year to meet a critical $100,000 target to cover the budget for the nonprofit’s two key programs.
With a golf tournament registration deadline approaching the week of July 14, organizers are urging early signups, sponsorships and word-of-mouth support to ensure the event’s success.
“This tournament is more than a fundraiser; it’s a lifeline for the next generation of pilots, engineers and innovators,” said Robert Bullett, ECCTAI’s Golf Committee chair. “Every golfer, every donor, every sponsor is helping to launch future aviators and preserve the Tuskegee Airmen’s legacy.”
Started more than three decades ago, the tournament has become a cherished tradition, blending golf, camaraderie, gourmet food and a chance to win an array of prizes. But this year, the stakes are higher than ever.
The chapter recently marked a solemn milestone: the passing of its last living Documented Original Tuskegee Airman. And ECCTAI’s leadership has noted that current funds may not be enough to cover the budget for the aviation and scholarship programs.
That urgency is paired with the national reality: According to 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals from underrepresented communities account for less than 4% of the aviation industry workforce. ECCTAI sees its programs as an essential pipeline for aspiring aviators and aerospace professionals.
That commitment to building a more inclusive future finds powerful inspiration in the life and legacy of the late Tuskegee Airman Dr. Fenton B. Sands Sr., this year’s honoree at the golf classic. Sands’ contributions spanned both military achievements and global agricultural development. Commissioned in 1944, he became a decorated navigator-bombardier with the elite 477th Bombardment Group, flying B-25 bombers. Post-war, he built a 40-year career as an international agriculture expert, working in 24 countries before retiring from the World Bank in 1982.
ECCTAI encourages community members, aviation advocates, and corporate partners to join the fundraising effort by registering, donating or sharing the event with friends and colleagues before the July 14 deadline.
For more information or to register for the Golf Classic, visit ECCTAI’s website or contact Bullett at 703-729-5902 or golf@ecctai.org.
ABOUT THE EAST COAST CHAPTER TUSKEGEE AIRMEN, INC.
Founded in 1973, the East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (ECCTAI) is the oldest and largest chapter of the renowned Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. ECCTAI has about 100 members from diverse backgrounds, which include Tuskegee Airmen heritage-kindred descendants, active-duty and retired military, civil servants and private citizens from all walks of life. At one time, the chapter included more than 50 Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen, combat veterans of World War II who received their military training at Tuskegee, Alabama. ECCTAI provides educational assistance scholarships to students and produces a Youth in Aviation Program that preserves the Tuskegee Airmen’s legacy and supports workforce development initiatives in underserved and underrepresented communities. ECCTAI’s geographical focus area is the District of Columbia and its surrounding areas in Maryland and Virginia. The chapter is incorporated in Washington, D.C., and has its 501(C)3 designation.
WASHINGTON — Continuing its mission of transforming dreams into careers, the East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (ECCTAI) will host a “Legacy of Excellence: Tuskegee Airmen Fundraising Reception” from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. May 25 at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.
The Memorial Day weekend reception is aimed at generating funds to support deserving students pursuing aviation and aerospace careers through the chapter’s Youth In Aviation Program (YIAP) and scholarship grants.
Proceeds from the Legacy of Excellence reception will help offset the rising cost of flight training. Supporting programs like YIAP help bridge that gap — removing financial barriers and opening doors to life-changing opportunities in aviation, science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“Too often the dreams of many aspiring aviators are grounded before they ever reach the cockpit,” said H. Thomas “Tommy” Herndon Jr., president of ECCTAI and a former U.S. Air Force pilot. “Our chapter aims to improve that trajectory. This fundraiser is our lift-off point. It’s an investment in students from underserved communities.”
The reception will feature a special recognition of two community leaders who have supported ECCTAI’s mission of continuing the legacy of the pioneering World War II service members: Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) and the Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, senior pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, both known for their social activism and support of ECCTAI.
The fundraiser will also include a silent auction where attendees will have the opportunity to bid on prized items, including a seven-day stay at a private Caribbean villa in Jamaica; fine-dining and travel experiences in the D.C. area; and exclusive Tuskegee Airmen memorabilia. Bidding opens online May 19.
Since its creation in 1996, more than 200 students have been exposed to aviation and aerospace professional careers via ECCTAI’s Herbert H. Jones Jr. Youth in Aviation Program. Some now work as military and civilian pilots, aircraft mechanics and air traffic controllers.
“We are proud to provide access to in-demand careers where representation matters and opportunities are growing,” said Yvonne McGee, director of the chapter’s Youth in Aviation Program.
“The success of our alumni speaks to the power of early exposure, mentorship and a legacy of excellence.”
ECCTAI has awarded more than $217,000 in scholarships to deserving college students and has introduced hundreds of youth and adults to the experience of flight through its annual Flight Day at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to attend a free tribute performance by the United States Air Force Band featuring Tony and Grammy Award-winning performer Renée Elise Goldsberry — best known for her role in the Broadway hit “Hamilton” — at The Theater at MGM National Harbor immediately after the reception.
Tickets, priced at $200, for the reception may be purchased through http://bit.ly/4jHNj9V, and donations are encouraged from those unable to attend. For more information, contact commemorationday@ecctai.org.
WASHINGTON — History and hope will merge on June 7 when the East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (ECCTAI) hosts a Youth Recognition Breakfast Fundraiser from 10 am.-noon at the Harborside Hotel in Oxon Hill, Maryland.
The event will honor ECCTAI college scholarship recipients and students from the chapter’s Herbert H. Jones Jr. Youth in Aviation Program and its partner program in Southern Maryland, while raising funds to fuel the chapter’s mission of investing in the next generation of aviators and aerospace professionals.
Founded in 1973, ECCTAI is the oldest and largest chapter of the renowned Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., the organization dedicated to honoring the accomplishments and preserving the history of nearly 19,000 primarily African American men and women who participated as air crew, ground crew and operations support personnel in the Army Air Corps during World War II.
The breakfast will serve as both a celebration of achievements and a call to action. Attendees will hear firsthand from students and aviation professionals whose academic journeys and flight training were made possible by the chapter’s support, as well as from chapter leaders committed to continuing the legacy of the original Tuskegee Airmen.
“This isn’t just about honoring the past,” said H. Thomas “Tommy” Herndon Jr., ECCTAI’s president. “It’s about transforming lives. Every student we recognize is a living tribute to the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and their achievements, a symbol of the trailblazers’ standard of excellence.”
Proceeds from the breakfast will fund scholarships and flight-training opportunities, a financial lifeline for aspiring professionals facing the high cost of entry into aviation careers. Last year, ECCTAI awarded $15,000 in scholarships and provided ground school instruction for 15 students to take the FAA private pilot written exam. For many students, the program is the first step for students seeking careers in aviation and aerospace professions.
The fundraiser comes at a time of renewed focus on diversity in aviation, science, technology, engineering and mathematics. According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report, in 2023, 92.4% of aircraft pilots and flight engineers were White, while 3.6% were Black. ECCTAI is working to close that gap through education, mentorship and representation.
Tickets for the breakfast may be purchased through ECCTAI’s website, and donations are encouraged from those unable to attend. For more information, visit ECCTAI’s Youth In Aviation Program and its scholarship grants webpage.
WASHINGTON — The East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (ECCTAI) will recognize the groundbreaking legacy of the World War II service members during its annual Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day (TACD) and Wreath-Laying Ceremony from 10 a.m. to noon on March 27 at the U.S. Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.
Typically held on the fourth Thursday of each March, TACD ensures the bravery, sacrifice and enduring impact of deceased members of the nearly 19,000 primarily Black men and women who comprised the “Tuskegee Airmen Experience” are never forgotten.
This year’s event will feature speaker Kelly V. Porter, author of “The Weather Officer,” a biography of her father, Alonzo Smith Jr., a Navy and Air Force veteran who was among the nation’s first Black meteorologists. Inspired by the Tuskegee Airmen, Porter said her father dedicated his career to breaking barriers in weather forecasting, a field critical to aviation success.
H. Thomas "Tommy" Herndon Jr., president of ECCTAI, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the Tuskegee Airmen’s contributions and advancing their mission.
“The Tuskegee Airmen fought enemy forces abroad and prejudices at home,” Herndon said. “Their victories — on the battlefield and in American society — paved the way for integration in the military and beyond. We must continue to honor their memory, educate future generations and maintain their spirit of excellence.”
Invited guests include key legislators from the Washington, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area, senior military and veteran officials, as well as aviation executives. Together, they will pay tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen’s enduring contributions and recommit to preserving their legacy for future generations.
In a collective tribute to the valiant spirit of the Tuskegee Airmen, Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland, Gov. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia and Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, D.C., each issued proclamations declaring March 27, 2025, as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day. The unified recognition across the region underscores a joint commitment to uplifting the legacy of the airmen.
The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American military aviators in U.S. history, serving in the Army Air Forces during World War II. More than 16,000 men and women, including pilots, navigators, flight engineers, bombardiers, mechanics and support personnel were part of the Tuskegee Airmen Experience. The pilots flew more than 15,500 combat sorties and earned 96 Distinguished Flying Crosses. Their success in combat helped lead to the integration of the U.S. armed forces in 1948.
However, their numbers are dwindling. Of the nearly 1,000 original combat pilots, only one remains, and about 16 Tuskegee Airmen are still alive, according to Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., the national organization that has oversight of the more than 50 chapters around the country and tracks the original airmen.
ECCTAI continues the mission of the Tuskegee Airmen by exposing high school students to aviation and aerospace sciences with its Youth in Aviation Program, and by supporting college students through an educational-assistance award program.
For more information about Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day and information about ECCTAI, visit www.ecctai.org.
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WASHINGTON — Family members and a community of veterans and friends will celebrate the life of retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ivan S. Ware, one of the last few survivors of the nearly 19,000 World War II-era Tuskegee Airmen, at two services in March.
Lt. Col. Ware, who was a beacon of bravery and excellence throughout his lifetime, died September 12, 2024, at age 101, of natural causes, his family said.
The People’s Community Baptist Church will host the first service on March 18 in Silver Spring, Maryland, followed by an interment March 19 at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
"We fought two wars," Lt. Col. Ware told a reporter during an interview published in September on Military.com just before his passing. "You had to fight the war of segregation and you also had to do your duty as far as the enemy was concerned: keep them from killing you and the rest of your buddies."
Born on Jan. 29, 1923, in Neptune, New Jersey, Lt. Col. Ware was among a generation of African American airmen who broke racial barriers and overcame tremendous odds to serve their country during World War II. He played a critical role in the war effort as part of the renowned Red Ball Express, the vital World War II logistics operation, primarily run by African American soldiers, who transported critical supplies from Allied supply depots in Normandy, France, to the frontlines after the D-Day invasion.
As a member of the trailblazing Tuskegee Airmen, Lt. Col. Ware not only contributed to the Allied war effort, but also helped lay the groundwork for the integration of the U.S. armed forces in July 1948, which opened doors for generations of African Americans in the military.
Lt. Col. Ware’s military career was marked by numerous accomplishments. While assigned to Col. Benjamin O. Davis Jr., he led a convoy to Eglin Army Base, Florida, in ground support of the Tuskegee Airmen’s 332nd Fighter Wing’s participation in Operation Combine III in September 1948. Later, he served as assistant director at the Army Food Service School at Fort Hood, Texas. His contributions to military food service training were pivotal during his time at the Army Food Service School, where he trained Air Force cooks and bakers.
After his honorable discharge in 1946 as a staff sergeant, Lt. Col. Ware continued his education at Howard University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in government. His dedication to service led him to become one of the first graduates of Howard’s Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Program. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in June 1948 and went on to serve a distinguished 30-year career in the Air Force.
Throughout his career, Lt. Col. Ware continued to break barriers and make history. After serving as director of military training at Wiesbaden Air Base in Germany, he returned to the U.S. and served with the Tuskegee Institute AFROTC Program in Alabama. His final military assignment was as professor of Aerospace Studies from 1969-1972 at Howard University, where he helped shape the next generation of military leaders.
Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., the national organization that provides oversight of more than 50 chapters around the country focusing on preserving the airmen’s legacy, honored Lt. Col. Ware with a Hall of Fame Award during its 2024 annual convention. According to TAI officials, he was the last living member of the original 40 Tuskegee Airmen who formed TAI in 1972.
Lt. Col. Ware lived and contributed to the community of Silver Spring, Maryland, for over 50 years. He was one of the original volunteer math tutors at the Olney Saturday School, sponsored by his Mu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
In 2007, Lt. Col. Ware was among the Tuskegee Airmen honored by President George W. Bush during the Tuskegee Airmen Congressional Gold Medal Award ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. His tireless efforts to educate others about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen left an indelible mark on the Washington, D.C., area and beyond.
“My godfather was known for his wit and storytelling — especially about his military service,” said Dwayne Foster, who frequently accompanied Ware to numerous events that highlighted the Tuskegee Airmen. “He left behind a legacy rooted in service, resilience and advocacy for racial equality.”
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BALTIMORE ̶ Aimed at inspiring young people to explore aviation and aerospace careers, the East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (ECCTAI) and AvDyne AeroServices, LLC hosted Youth Flight Day on Sept. 14 at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
The annual event is designed to introduce young people to the worlds of aviation and aerospace, with the goal of igniting interest in careers in these high-demand industries.
Youth Flight Day featured guided tours of aircraft, free flights, networking opportunities with ECCTAI members and aviation professionals, as well as free refreshments ̶ all geared toward engaging young minds with the possibilities of working in aviation and aerospace.
Participants also learned about the history of the pioneering World War II Tuskegee Airmen and the critical role they played in aviation and the military.
Jerome Hodge, president of ECCTAI, who is also CEO and president of AvDyne AeroServices, emphasized the importance of the event.
"Our goal was to ensure that the next generation is aware of the vast opportunities available to them in the fields of aviation and aerospace,” Hodge said. “We hope this flying experience helped inspire them to explore careers in these industries."
Youth Flight Day aligns with ECCTAI's mission of preserving the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen by investing in the next generation of aviation professionals.
Aligned with that mission, ECCTAI officials said they are encouraging high school students interested in science, technology, engineering, aviation and mathematics to apply for the organization’s Youth in Aviation Program. The next class begins in October. For additional details, email yiap@ecctai.com.
By TAI Communications Team
The 2024 National Convention and Annual Business Meeting of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (TAI) will be more than just a membership reunion, its organizers emphasized.
“We come together annually to celebrate the courage, resilience and legacy of the pioneering Tuskegee Airmen, but we must also focus on the future,” said Convention Planning Committee Chair MaryAnne Drummond, who is also the National Parliamentarian for TAI. “That’s why we have selected the convention theme ‘Preserving Our History, Building Our Future.’ It’s a salute to our trailblazers, while acknowledging that we must continue building a pipeline of future aviation and aerospace professionals.”
Drummond’s father was an original Tuskegee Airman. As such, she is considered a “heritage” family member, one of many groups of about 200 regulars to include active-duty service members, military veterans, as well as defense and aviation industry officials who make an annual pilgrimage to the convention.
They gather to pay homage to the achievements of the nearly 19,000 World War II-era original Tuskegee Airmen. This year’s Convention event will be held Aug. 15-17 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport in Virginia. Preliminary events will be held Aug 12-14.
Drummond offered four compelling reasons to attend the 2024 convention:
1.EDUCATIONAL EMPOWERMENT. Did you know that in addition to the national TAI, Inc. based in Tuskegee, Alabama, there are more than 50 Tuskegee Airmen chapters around the nation and the U.S. Virgin Islands? The convention will be an opportunity to educate members on a range of topics, to include TAI policies, nonprofit financial management, how to recruit and sustain members, management of youth educational programs; best practices of chapter leadership; and how to develop strategic partnerships.
2. RECONNECT AND RECHARGE. The convention is a hub for reconnecting and recharging, with touch points on Heritage Day on Aug. 15, Military Day on Aug. 16, and Youth Day on Aug. 17. These specially themed days are opportunities to build community, collaborate and honor the legacy of the airmen. Further, for those who never miss a tee time, the annual Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. Golf Classic is another occasion for renewal. Scheduled Aug. 12 and hosted by the East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (ECCTAI), the golf classic is a fundraiser for the organization’s youth aviation programs. With the Washington, D.C., area being home to numerous military bases and organizations, it’s important to register early, since a larger-than-normal crowd is expected.
3. MEET AN ORIGINAL TUSKEGEE AIRMEN. The TAI convention is the most likely place to meet some of the few remaining Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen. Two retired Lt. Col. Shelton "Ivan" Ware and Yale graduate Lt. Col. "Woody" Woodhouse II are expected to attend, while two others will participate virtually. TAI will honor Ware, a 101-year-old Maryland resident, with its Hall of Fame Award. Convention-goers may have the chance to interact with them at events, such as book signings and panel discussions.
4. INVEST IN TOMORROW’S AVIATION & AEROSPACE PROFESSIONALS. With the majority of original Tuskegee Airmen now in the Lonely Eagles Chapter of deceased service members, Drummond said promoting, preserving and protecting the legacy of the airmen are TAI priorities.
“We are encouraging corporations and individuals to attend the convention,” Drummond said. “Their financial donations will help sustain our youth programs and initiatives.”
WASHINGTON – Developed to raise funds for the organization’s Youth in Aviation and college scholarship programs, the East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (ECCTAI) will host a memorable day of golfing Aug. 12 at the Norbeck Country Club in Rockville, Maryland, one of the state’s premier courses.
Scheduled to tee off at 6:30 a.m., participants of ECCTAI’s General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.’s 33rd Annual Golf Classic will enjoy lush greens, challenging fairways, numerous prizes and an appetizing lunch, while contributing to a worthy cause.
"The annual golf classic is a wonderful opportunity to come together, enjoy a day of golf, and support programs that empower the next generation of aviators, aerospace professionals and scholars," said Robert Bullett, who chairs the golf tournament for ECCTAI.
The golf tournament will also be used to honor retired Lt. Col. Ivan “Shelton” Ware, a Documented Original Tuskegee Airman (DOTA). Ware was a charter member of ECCTAI and is the only surviving member of the group of original airmen who started the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.
A graduate of Howard University and alumni of its Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, he was honored with the creation of a award, given to a deserving cadet in D.C.-area HBCUs. Ware was also among the DOTAs honored by President George W. Bush in 2007 at a Tuskegee Airmen Congressional Gold Medal award ceremony.
In 2023, ECCTAI awarded $25,500 in educational grants to students with financial need, an increase of $7,500 over 2022 thanks to sponsors. ECCTAI also provided more than $20,000 to fund the Herb Jones, Jr. Youth in Aviation Program. Seven students also completed their training and flew solo in 2022.
The tournament is a preconvention activity of the 2024 Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.'s National Convention and Annual Business Meeting, which will be held from Aug. 14-17 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport in Crystal City, Virginia. The convention will bring together TAI members and chapters, supporters and aviation enthusiasts from across the nation to discuss future initiatives and celebrate the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.
For more information about the golf tournament, visit this link.
EAST COAST CHAPTER TUSKEGEE AIRMEN, INC.®120 Waterfront Street, Ste 420-2189
National Harbor, MD 20745
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