Opportunity and adventure at Tuskegee Airmen Legacy Open House

Thursday, June 22 in Tuskegee and Saturday, June 24 in Montgomery

All ages are welcome to attend the Tuskegee Airmen Legacy Open House, two days of FREE events in Alabama June 22 and 24 in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the 100th Fighter Squadron, one of the first squadrons of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen – our country’s first black military pilots. Experience the thrill of flight at this family-friendly event featuring modern and vintage aircraft in the air and on the ground, plus hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities and more.

This is the third annual event organized by Legacy Flight Academy , a non-profit organization that conducts character-based youth aviation programs that draw upon the LEGACY of the Tuskegee Airmen. The group’s founder, United States Air Force Major Kenyatta Ruffin, is a fighter pilot who is dedicated to developing and leading innovative programs that help young people experience first-hand the exciting opportunities in aviation, aeronautics, engineering, technology and the military.

On Thursday, June 22, visit the National Tuskegee Historic Site at the historic Moton Field in Tuskegee for an Open House from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

On Saturday, June 24, join the 187th Fighter Wing and 100th Fighter Squadron of the Alabama Air National Guard at Montgomery Regional Airport for an Open House from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Please, no backpacks, coolers or pets at the June 24 event.)

To ignite excitement and build a deeper understanding of aviation-related career opportunities, this exciting event will feature military aircraft on static display for hands-on and interactive viewing, up-close sights and sounds of aircraft in flight, an American flag skydiving exposition, and guest speakers sharing insights on careers in the military and the aerospace industry. Career opportunities are continuing to expand in aviation, and Legacy Flight Academy wants young people to understand what those are and how to create a path to achieve their dreams.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron’s RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit, a mobile movie theater featuring the original film “Rise Above” about the inspirational history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. Because of its dynamic 160-degree panoramic screen, the film creates the feeling of being in the cockpit soaring above the clouds in a P-51C Mustang, the iconic aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II.

“This annual open house, with the support of our partner organizations, brings Legacy Flight Academy’s outreach programs and the important legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen direct to the Tuskegee and Montgomery communities,” said Ruffin. “Our outreach programs have provided hundreds of free flights, workshops and valuable mentoring for youth around the country. But this event is especially meaningful as the birthplace of the Tuskegee Airmen and the 75th anniversary celebration of the 100th Fighter Squadron. We’re proud to honor their important place in American history and encourage others through their legacy.”

Groups are welcome to attend. For further information or questions, call (334) 394-7157 or (334) 727-6485.

This unique event is a partnership between the Legacy Flight Academy, Alabama Air National Guard 187th Fighter Wing, CAF Red Tail Squadron and Golden Eagle Aviation. Come to the event to be inspired by the heroic determination of the Tuskegee Airmen. Follow the event on Facebook at LegacyFlightAcademy  and 187thFighterWing.