Dallas – March 14, 2016 – The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron, America’s tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, is proud to announce that because of the generous support of their donors they were able to provide 178 of their RISE ABOVE Resource Kits to schools in honor of Black History Month.
Schools in 39 states received the kits that are specially designed for teachers and youth leaders to educate students about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel.
The kit is based on the CAF Red Tail Squadron’s Six Guiding Principles – Aim High, Believe In Yourself, Use Your Brain, Be Ready To Go, Never Quit, Expect to Win – bringing the lessons of the Tuskegee Airmen out of the history books straight into the everyday lives of students. It contains a collection of materials for classroom use that includes posters, DVD, pocket-sized books, inspirational dog tags, children’s book and classroom activities.
“We kicked-off this campaign in September 2015 with a goal to get our RISE ABOVE Resource Kits into the hands of as many teachers as possible in time for Black History Month. Working within communities across the country is integral to our educational outreach, and this project helped us fuel that effort,” said LaVone Kay, CAF Red Tail Squadron marketing director.
“The Tuskegee Airmen made history by tearing down racial barriers to rise above the obstacles set before them to serve their country. It is a lesson in inspiration as much as it is in history, and delivering this message to students is one of the hallmarks of our organization’s mission. We’re grateful to each person that made a donation to make this happen.”
The kits were delivered by the beginning of February so teachers could utilize the information in their lesson plans for Black History Month. Students also had the opportunity to participate in a contest to put into action what they learned about the importance of education and determination, based on the Tuskegee Airmen’s example of overcoming adversity.
Those who submitted essays were entered to win a Tuskegee Airmen memento from the CAF Red Tail Squadron. The winners were Christelle Paul, Danny Rodriguez and Luis Lagos. All participating students will also receive the booklet RISING ABOVE: Lessons Learned from the Legendary Tuskegee Airmen and an inspirational dog tag featuring the Squadron’s Six Guiding Principles.
About the Commemorative Air Force
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) honors the men and women who built, maintained and flew in these airplanes during World War II. The organization believes that is best accomplished by maintaining the airplanes in flying condition; taking the airplanes to the people allowing them to experience the sight and sound of the aircraft in flight. Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world.
The CAF is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has more than 13,000 members and a fleet of over 165 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 79 units located in 25 states for care and operation. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org.