WASHINGTON Centered on the theme “Preserving Our History, Building Our Future,” the 2024 Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (TAI) National Convention and Annual Business Meeting will be held Aug. 15-18 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport in the Washington, D.C. area.
Organizers said the convention’s theme is a salute to the World War II Black service members’ achievements, while acknowledging a passing of the baton that laser-focuses TAI’s mission of exposing young people to the worlds of aviation and science.
“Our annual convention is an opportunity to celebrate the rich legacy of the pioneering Tuskegee Airmen,” said Jerry Burton, president of TAI. “But we must also use it to reinvigorate our mission of propelling the next generation of leaders and trailblazers to heightened success.”
The convention will feature an impressive lineup of activities and events: At least two Airmen retired Lt. Col. Shelton "Ivan" Ware and Yale graduate retired Brig. Gen. Enoch "Woody" Woodhouse II are expected to attend the convention and be available for interviews. Two others are expected to participate via Zoom. TAI will honor Ware, a 101-year-old Maryland resident, with its Hall of Fame Award.
Heritage Day on Aug. 15 will be highlighted by luncheon speaker Bruce Jones, Pentagon lead for the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial at Ramitelli Air Field, Italy. Jones will co-present with Marco Altobello, director of the Red Tails museum in Campomarino, Italy.
A "Spouses' Tea and Love Stories" session on Aug. 15 includes wives sharing first-hand accounts about their lives with the Tuskegee Airmen.
Youth Day on Aug. 17 offers a linkup with the ARISS International Space Station, where local teens will communicate with Astronaut Dr. Jeanette Epps.
An exciting preconvention activity is also planned. The East Coast Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc. will hold its annual fundraiser Golf Tournament on Aug. 12.
The Tuskegee Airmen organization has more than 55 chapters across the country and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information about the convention, visit this link.
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