ECCTAI News & Announcements

Celebrity Charity PoloXJazz marks 10 years while supporting Tuskegee Airmen youth programs

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 03:22:22 GMT

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.

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ECCTAI Announcement: Celebration of Life for Diane Louise Mohr

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 04:44:39 GMT

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

East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen to host golf tournament in support of youth aviation and scholarships programs

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 02:58:02 GMT

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.

Tuskegee Airmen host ‘Legacy of Excellence’ Memorial Day weekend fundraiser at MGM National Harbor to support youth aviation and STEM programs

Tue, 20 May 2025 17:36:26 GMT

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.

ABOUT THE EAST COAST CHAPTER TUSKEGEE AIRMEN, INC.

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.

East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen to honor students at annual Youth Recognition Breakfast Fundraiser

Tue, 13 May 2025 02:22:27 GMT

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.

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.

ABOUT THE EAST COAST CHAPTER TUSKEGEE AIRMEN, INC.

Tuskegee Airmen chapter to honor World War II service members with wreath-laying ceremony

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 02:47:57 GMT

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.

ABOUT THE EAST COAST CHAPTER TUSKEGEE AIRMEN, INC.

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Funeral services planned for one of D.C. area’s last surviving Tuskegee Airmen

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:44:21 GMT

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.”

ABOUT THE EAST COAST CHAPTER TUSKEGEE AIRMEN, INC.

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East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen’s Youth Flight Day soars at Baltimore/Washington Airport

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 06:34:25 GMT

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.

Top 4 Reasons to Attend the Tuskegee Airmen’s Annual Convention

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 23:33:19 GMT

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.”

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East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. tees up golf tournament to support youth aviation and scholarship programs

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 23:31:16 GMT

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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Coca-Cola Consolidated to Donate School Supplies to East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. to Support Nonprofit’s Youth Programs

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 23:04:42 GMT

WASHINGTON — As part of its ongoing commitment to enrich the academic experience of underserved students, in mid-August Coca-Cola Consolidated will donate 100 backpacks filled with school supplies to the East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.’s (ECCTAI) Youth in Aviation Program.

The backpacks will be distributed during the 2024 Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.’s (TAI) National Convention and Annual Business Meeting scheduled Aug. 14-17 in Crystal City, Virginia, to students from area high schools, including two named after Tuskegee Airmen: Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and Charles Herbert Flowers High School in Springdale, Maryland.

"Coca-Cola Consolidated’s donation of backpacks and school supplies will ensure our students are well-prepared for the new school year,” said Jerome Hodge, president of ECCTAI. “This support is invaluable in helping us inspire and equip the next generation of aviation and aerospace professionals."

The TAI convention’s Youth Day on Aug. 17 caters to high school students with a strong interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Planned activities include meetings with original Tuskegee Airmen, small-group STEM challenges and an opportunity to link up with the International Space Station, where local teens will communicate with Astronaut Dr. Jeanette Epps.

In addition to the donation of school supplies, Coca-Cola Consolidated donated more than 200 beverages to ECCTAI and pledged its commitment to supporting the chapter’s Youth in Aviation Program.

“The Mid-Atlantic Market Unit and the Capitol Heights branch is proud to have a strong relationship with the East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.,” said Aaron Bell, Coca-Cola Consolidated General Manager of Sales Operations for the Mid-Atlantic Market Unit. “Some 1,000 Black pilots were trained at Tuskegee Army Airfield and had great success escorting bombers during World War II. We have been able to partner with our local chapter and airmen who live in Prince George’s County on various events. We are thankful for their military service and their partnership in the communities where we live and serve.”

The Tuskegee Airmen organization has more than 55 chapters across the country and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information about ECCTAI, visit https://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 125 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 legacy and supports workforce development initiatives in underserved and underrepresented communities. ECCTAI’s geographical focus area is the District of Columbia and its surrounding jurisdictions. The chapter is incorporated in Washington, D.C and has its 501(C)3 designation.

About Coca-Cola Consolidated

Coca-Cola Consolidated is the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States. Our Purpose is to honor God in all we do, to serve others, to pursue excellence and to grow profitably. For over 122 years, we have been deeply committed to the consumers, customers and communities we serve and are passionate about the broad portfolio of beverages and services we offer. We make, sell and distribute beverages of The Coca-Cola Company and other partner companies in more than 300 brands and flavors across 14 states and the District of Columbia, to approximately 60 million consumers.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Coca-Cola Consolidated is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “COKE.” More information about the Company is available at www.cokeconsolidated.com. Follow Coca-Cola Consolidated on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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Tuskegee Airmen convention to highlight famed trailblazers, focus on future of organization

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 03:09:36 GMT

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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Annual breakfast event honors youth achievements

Fri, 31 May 2024 03:18:44 GMT

The East Coast Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (ECCTAI) will host its annual Youth Achievement Recognition Breakfast from 9 a.m.-noon June 1 at the Harborside Hotel in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

The breakfast will honor the accomplishments of youth who completed Levels 2 and 3 of ECCTAI’s Herbert H. Jones Jr. Youth in Aviation Program (YIAP) and the recipients of 2024 financial educational assistance awards managed by the chapter’s Scholarship Committee.

The aviation program inspires and supports young people interested in careers in aviation and aerospace, providing them with exposures, resources and guidance to achieve their dreams.

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Clarence “CJ” Johnson, a Senior Executive Service member and former Senior Diversity and Inclusion Adviser for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is the keynote speaker.

ECCTAI members should wear the chapter uniform of red blazer with the organization’s patch on the left chest pocket; white shirt with tie or collar tab, as appropriate; black slacks or skirts; and black shoes.

Registration is required to attend the breakfast. For more information, contact communications@ecctai.org.

Reps. Blunt Rochester, Holmes Norton Celebrate President Biden’s Message on Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 22:48:44 GMT

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) join in celebrating a message from President Joseph Biden recognizing Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day on March 28.

In February 2023, in partnership with the East Coast Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated (ECCTAI) and the national Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated (TAI), Blunt Rochester and Holmes Norton led a group of members requesting President Biden formally recognize Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day on the fourth Thursday in March.

In a successful effort, the president has recognized March 28, 2024, as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day. “I am so proud to join my colleague, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, in celebrating Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day and this message by President Biden,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester. “When we called on the president to recognize this day last year, we did so in honor of the heroic sacrifices made by these men and women in our country’s hour of need, as well as their trailblazing legacy for black members of our military and Black aviators at large. We are so grateful to the Tuskegee Airmen for their perseverance and unparalleled success. This is a terrific day for the state of Delaware, which is home to a rich history and lineage of Tuskegee Airmen. I look forward to marking this day each year going forward.”

"As an elite corps of African American pilots and crew, as well as others, who fought in World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen deserve this recognition from President Biden," Holmes Norton said. "Thank you, President Biden, for your acknowledgement. It will be deeply meaningful to the veterans, their family members, and the succeeding generations of Black service members who surely deserve our thanks. Thank you to Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester for her partnership in the effort to bring this group of brave Black servicemen and women the recognition they deserve."

Jerry Burton, president of TAI, and Jerome Hodge, president of ECCTAI, also issued a joint statement about the presidential salute.
“President Biden’s recognition of Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day reaffirms the enduring legacy of these trailblazers and their contributions to the military and society,” the statement said. “This acknowledgment not only celebrates the airmen’s historic achievements, but also motivates us to continue inspiring future generations to soar beyond any limits imposed by prejudice or discrimination."

The Tuskegee Airmen were pilots, ground crews and support personnel serving in segregated units of the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. As the Black flying units in the U.S. Army, their many successes paved the way for the desegregation of the U.S. military. The story of the Tuskegee Airmen runs through six Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that participated in a trailblazing pilot training program which opened access to Black Americans by the Civilian Pilot Training Act in 1939. The achievements of these pilots laid the critical groundwork for the legendary military service that would begin just two years later.

The month of March holds significance for the Tuskegee Airmen: The first Tuskegee Airmen cadets received their wings in March. The first maintenance crew began training at Chanute Field, Illinois, in March. The first Pursuit Squadron, the 99th, was activated that month; and President George W. Bush presented the airmen with the Congressional Gold Medal in March. A wreath-laying ceremony for deceased members of the Tuskegee Airmen, known as “Lonely Eagles,” is held on the commemoration day at the U.S. Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.

Text of the message can be found here and below.

March 28, 2024

I send my warmest greetings to all those celebrating National Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day-a time to honor the story, service, and sacrifice of the Black pilots, bombardiers, navigators, mechanics, instructors, and crewmembers who changed the course of history.

It's a story that continues to inspire us today. Daring and determined, the Tuskegee Airmen blazed a new path-becoming our Nation's first Black military pilots. They flew and supported over 15,000 sorties in battle and destroyed over 100 enemy aircraft. They defended the Allies and became one of the most decorated fighter groups during World War II. Time and again, they risked their own safety for the safety of their fellow Americans, stepping up to fly some of our country's most dangerous and critical missions.

But as these patriots fought the forces of fascism abroad, they continued to face enduring discrimination at home: signs on restaurants that read "whites only"; seats on buses that were off-limits; and schools, streets, shops, and military units divided by segregation. And even after the Tuskegee Airmen helped lay the groundwork for President Truman's Executive Order ending the unconscionable racial segregation of our Armed Forces, Black troops continued to confront intense inequality, racism, and oppression from those whose very freedom they defended.

Like the generations of brave Black Service members before them, the Tuskegee Airmen never stopped believing in the founding vision of our Nation: the vision for a more perfect Union, one where all women and men are created equal. We are the only Nation in the world built on this idea. We haven't always lived up to it, but we've never walked away from it either. And we've never ever walked away from our troops, who dare all and give all for our Nation.

As Commander in Chief, I am committed to keeping this sacred promise – including ensuring all Service members and veterans of color are treated with equal dignity and respect. We're working to address racial bias, strengthen equal opportunity, reform the military justice system, and ensure the full diversity of our Armed Forces is reflected at every level. And we will remain unwavering in our efforts to ensure that all women and men who wear the uniform can reach their full potential and have their contributions valued.

Today – as we honor the courageous "Red Tails" who defended our democracy against the forces of darkness-we remember their immense service and sacrifice. And together, we recommit to the future they fought for: one of greater security, equality, and opportunity for all.

President Joe Biden

East Coast Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. to memorialize famed black aviators with wreath-laying ceremony

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 00:20:34 GMT

WASHINGTON ̶ In a solemn tribute to honor its deceased “Lonely Eagles” members, the East Coast Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc. (ECCTAI) will hold a wreath-laying ceremony from 10 a.m. to noon March 28 at the U.S. Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.

The ceremony, part of Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day (TACD), is typically held on the fourth Thursday in March and recognizes the nearly 15,000 men and women from various military professions who comprised the “Tuskegee Airmen Experience.”

“Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day is more than just an annual event,” said Jerome Hodge, president of ECCTAI. “It’s an opportunity to honor the legacy of the courageous Tuskegee Airmen and to motivate, inspire and stimulate young people to seek and achieve successful careers in the fields of aviation and aerospace.”

Officials invited to the wreath-laying ceremony include retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert D. Bowie, former special assistant to the Director Air National Guard for the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Energy, Installations, and Environment, Headquarters Air Force; retired Lt. Col. Shelton Ivan Ware, one of the last living original Tuskegee Airmen; distinguished senior military leaders; officials from key veteran service organizations; and aviation executives.

The ceremony comes on the eve of a presidential proclamation and congressional resolution to honor the famed airmen whose exploits are well documented and inspired the issuance of Presidential Executive Order 9981, which led to the desegregation of the U.S. military in July 1948. Members of the Tuskegee Airmen Experience included aircrew, ground crew and operations support team members who were part of the Tuskegee Airmen ̶ the segregated black Army Air Forces who trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field, Alabama, during World War II. For more information about ECCTAI, visit ECCTAI - Home.

Tuskegee Airmen Inc. 45th Annual Convention Celebrates 75 Years of Excellence

Tue, 26 Apr 2016 21:59:33 GMT

Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen Honored for Lifetime Legacy of Valor

Indianapolis, Indiana - Tuskegee Airmen Inc. is set to host its 45th Annual Convention, July 12 - 17, 2016 at the Westin Indianapolis Hotel, Indianapolis, IN. An exciting treat is the continued year-long commemoration of the accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen; the long awaited Grand Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the "Tuskegee Airmen Experience."

Pilots, nurses, mechanics, ground crew, air traffic controllers, meteorologists, stenographers, armorers and other support personnel saw the activation of the first black combat aviation unit at Tuskegee Army Air Field and other locations. March 22, 2016 marked the 75th anniversary of the inauguration of the U.S. Army Air Corps 99th Pursuit Squadron on March 22, 1941. Distinguished Honorees - Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen will be in attendance.

This year's convention will proceed over several days and will feature a "Welcome Day", "Heritage Day", "Diversity/Military Day", and "Youth Day" intermingled throughout TAI organizational business meetings, training seminars, historical documentation, and more. Rounding out the convention and celebration will be the Tuskegee Airmen Grand Gala on Saturday, July 16, 2016 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m

About Tuskegee Airmen Inc.
Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (TAI), headquartered in Tuskegee, Alabama with 56 chapters in major cities and military installations across the U.S., was established over 40 years ago to educate the public and keep alive the legacy of those who were part of the Tuskegee Experience during World War II. Membership in TAI is open civilians, veterans, active duty and retired military from all service branches. For more information on TAI and a brief history of the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II, download the TAI Media Kit.