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.
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