Willa Brown, Aviator Col. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. Ground Support Lt. and Sgt Smith Torch Bearer NewsletterWe Dare 2017 Not - 2018 Fail... Edition The Brigadier General Noel F. Parrish Chapter of , Inc.

Remembering the past; Building the future

Old soldiers never die; they just fade away s we were preparing the final edits to our newslet- ter, we received the news of our own DOTA, on SaturdayA August 18, 2018, that Corporal Frank Weaver, Crew-chief and Hangar-chief at Tuskegee, during WWII had died after a long illness. r. Weaver (aka "Uncle Frank" to many of us), has earned the Heavenly-wings of a "Lonely Eagle". WithM a heavy heart, we celebrate his transition along with fellow Tuskegee Airmen, M/Sgt James Shepherd, USAF-ret., Captain Bob Martin and others. o be absent here on earth, is to be in the presence of the Lord. “Blue Skies”, from here on out Eagles... TGBTG.T n lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Frank Weaver, DOTA I First Baptist Church of Jeffersontown Sunrise: December 28, 1926 in memory of Frank Weaver, where a memorial Sunset: August 18, 2018 fund will be established towards education and community assistance. 1 DOTAs from B.G.N.F.P. DOTA Members

1/Lt. Frank “Doug” Wa l ker Flt-Off Alvin LaRue, Sr. Cpl. Frank Weaver P40 Pilot B25 Bombardier/Nav. Hangar Chief 2013 Lonely Eagle 2014 Lonely Eagle 2018 Lonely Eagle Surviving Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen Sgt. William (Wild Bill) Davis, Mechanic, Louisville/Houston Cpl. Virgil Jewell, Crew-chief, Louisville

¼ LONELY EAGLES (Deceased) • B/Gen. Noel Parrish, Versailles • 2LT James McCullen, Frankfort • L/Col Washington Ross, Ashland/ • 2LT Roy M. Chappell, Williamsburg • Maj. Julius Calloway, Louisville • 2LT. John Harris, Richmond • Capt. Morris Washington, Louisville • F/O Thomas Smith, Lebanon • 1LT Eugene Runyon, Richmond • F/O Alvin LaRue, Navigator, Louisville • 1LT Frank “Doug” Walkler, Richmond • Cadet Herbert Glenn, Paducah • 2Lt. Milton Hall, Owensboro • S/Sgt Marcellus Smith, Louisville • 2Lt. John Sloan, Louisville • Sgt. Harold Alston, Paducah • 2LT. Jose Elfalan. Prospect • Cpl. Frank Weaver, Louisville • 2LT Dudley Watson, Frankfort • Pfc Bill Cornish, Lexington • Pvt. Thomas “T.B.” Miller, Winchester

Seventy-Seven Years Ago: Young, Proud and Ready to Serve

merica entered into on to Glory, with just a small while others served with the that resulted in a court-martial WWII on December percentage surviving. 16 477th Bomber Group. of the three “ring-leaders”. A7, 1941, with the million served during the While trained and It is estimated that there bombing of Pearl Harbor. Great War. It is estimated operational, The 477th BG, was approximately an 18:1 In August of 1941, The that less than 1 million are did not see action in WWII ratio of ground support Tuskegee Airmen Experi- surviving or less than 5%. due to the unit’s stand against personnel to the nearly 1,000 ment began with its first Throughout their 75th the Jim Crow military racism cadets/pilots from Tuskegee. class of 13 cadet students, year in 2016, there were many and bias treatment that We celebrate those in anticipation of being celebrations and observances resulted in the documented surviving Kentucky DOTAs included in the action. Only of WWII; therefore, it is fitting incident known as the (Documented Original Tus- five cadets completed their that we should embrace and Freeman Field Mutiny. kegee Airmen) who laid it aviation classes in primary participate whenever we can. By the time investiga- on the line and – whose true and advanced pilot training. Twelve Kentucky Cadets tions wre completed, it was legacy is, that they helped This is the 77th completed their training at too late for the Airmen to to defeat the Axis Powers of anniversary of both of these Tuskegee between 1941 and return to duty because the WWII and were an integral historical events. During 1946. As commissioned war with Japan was ending. role to defeat racism in the the past 77 years, many officers, pilots served with 101 flight crew members, had Armed Forces. WWII veterans have gone the 332nd Fighter Group been put under house arrest 2 President’s Remarks Sick & Shut-In If we know of your personal or family member Education: illnesses, the chapter will reach out to you for your Our primary needs and periodically we will send out cards to get Mission well soon. For this issue we pray for the healing power of: • Mrs. Millie McAtee As the president • Mrs. Marchelle Juliao of the BGNFP • Ms. Gloria Tompkins. Chapter, It is sometimes very TAPS & Home-going hard to pick the • Mrs. Constance Lewis, beloved wife of our best student - Chaplain, Elder Robert E.G. Lewis III. when in fact they • Cpl. Frank Weaver, DOTA, WWII veteran are all outstanding students at every grade level. • L/Col. Maurice “Rip” Ripley, USAF, ret. I am very pleased to acknowledge our two Class of Central Region Past President, TAI 2018 HS seniors, Trinity Wilson and Tarynn Grundy. Both were BGNFP Chapter winners. Ms. Wilson received a National TASF, the Lonely Eagle Award. For the Record Our Scholarships given Both she and Ms. Grundy received numerous awards and accolades for their scholastic achievements. Class of: Students At our Fund raising and Honors Gala, this past May, Pre-2014 4 Tarynn and Trinity along with their other classmates 2014 7 Lansdownne Club, Lexington 2015 7 Aviation Museum, Lexington became part of the more than 40 students we have 2016 8 The Galt House, Louisville awarded scholarships to. 2017 6 Hyatt Regency, Louisville Our chapter is one of the youngest in the national 2018 10 The Omni,Hotel & Spa Louisville organization and I am extremely proud of what our 2019 ___ The Mariott Hotel, Lexington chapter has accomplished over the past five years. It is TOTAL 42 $21,000 my hope that we will be able to obtain corporate support Just imagine how many more Kentucky students we could to match our base funds so that we can give out more have helped with corporate or your individual support. scholarships to more Kentucky students. Many of our student scholarships are given through the generosity of donors who are not even Kentucky residents. It is something of a concern that I am hoping COMING 2019 will change in the near future where to our Kentucky family and BGNFP membership will take care of our to the own - first. Our mission to support youths in their academic pursuits has several components. The Entire Education Mariott Hotel Suites Program includes, the Scholarship program, partial assistance towards aviation camps. Reach back and Newtown Pike, community service. Your financial support to our education programs is vital towards the success and Lexington, Kentucky overall involvement in the second purpose of our chapter’s mission. Saturday, Kudos to the BGNFP officers and our Events Committee for the outstanding job that they showed presenting our 5th Annual Gala. One of our main guest May 18, 2019 speakers was overheard saying that, “our event while modestly priced was better executed, than some $500 at 6:00PM dollar a-plate dinner” they had attended in the past. I cannot add any more than that as I look forward to the May, 2019 even, back in Lexington. As we B.G.N.F.P. continue to grow, the Class of 2018 event was one of Annual Scholarship Honors and our best events. Until we meet again, Fundraising Dinner Banquet Peace and Blessings. Mark Your Calendars

Dinner, Entertainment, Door Prizes, Raffles and Guest Appearances.

3 2018-2020 Elected Executive Committee President, Ron Spriggs is the Exec.Dir. and cofounder of RSETA, Inc. He’s a charter member of BGNFP, oral historian, keynote Please speaker and lecturer on Tuskegee Airmen history. Ron retired from IBM holding management and staff positions and later the Director consider of Business Training for CVC. Ron served eight years in the U.S. Air joining our Force, authored a book, “Amazing Management Styles“ In 2007 and 2010, for the entire Kentucky I-75 corridor, designation of the “Tuskegee Airmen chapter to Memorial Trail”. provide your skills and Vice President, Charles Walker is a Heritage Member (son of a Tuskegee Airman, Frank “Doug” Walker) of B/Gen. Noel F. Parrish experiences. Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Lexington, Kentucky. Charles has been with the BGNFP Chapter for eight years. He’s a retiree from Webasto Roof Systems Lexington Kentucky after ten years in the Quality Dept. and also We need and worked for IBM for 23 years. Charles graduated from E.K.U. with a Degree welcome in Applied Electronics Technology. skilled, 2nd Vice President, Andre’ Wilson is a Heritage Member (daughter of motivated a Tuskegee Airman, her dad Frank Weaver) of BGNFP Chapter of TAI., individuals is a native of Louisville, Kentucky and a graduate of the University of Louisville. Andre’ was a former employee at the VAMC in Louisville where to assist she was in service to our Veterans for over thirteen years. She has served in the as the Chairperson for the past three fundraisers, which supports her other management passion, education. of our Treasurer, Patricia Hayden has served seven years on the BGNFP Chapter chapter Board of Tuskegee Airmen. She has experience in business, state and local governments. After retiring from IBM/Lexmark, Patricia is also serving as and to chair the treasurer for the Roots & Heritage Festival, Inc., Chairman of the MLK various Youth Outreach Services Council, and Assistant to the Clerk at the Historic committees. Pleasant Green Baptist Church, among other community volunteer services. Even Secretary, Marchelle Juliao is a native of Pensacola, Florida. She began her career in the field of health care in the U.S. Army while parents of stationed at Ft. Bragg, N.C. She was a nurse and paratrooper as a youths and member of the 44th Medical Brigade attached to the 82nd Airborne students can Division. Marchelle has worked in the Medical Surgical Unit, Labor and Delivery, ER (trauma) and ICUs. She has a unique combination of nursing apply. Most skills and education, to provide care in the field of Mental Health. positions require just a nominal 2018-2020 Board of Directors amount of time. Approximate time: one hour to an hour and Dan Wooten Ali Robinson Dr. Bill McAtee Education Co Chair Events CoChair Parlimentarian a half per month

John Croft Eld. Robert Lewis Public Rel Offficer Chaplain 4 There are 3 of these, but only two are on the road; Detroit and now Lexington. The decals are completed as Phase-I. You wont believe what we have in store for Phase-II. Miss Kentucky State-Bunnie made her debut in the 2018 Lexington 4th of July parade.

The 4th of July Round-up. Whenever we are in a parade, any kid standing around and not moving, we’ll snatch them up, stick a flag in their hand and make them part of our parade procession. Here is our “borrowed kid crew”, along with some BGNFP chapter officers and L/Col. Tim Mitchell providing escort duties. It was hot but in the end, all seemed to have had a good time. Thanks gang; see ya next year.

5 Just a few of Our Youth & Alumni Members

ALUMS Jacob and Bradley Wooten, of and was accepted into Camp Cardiac BGNFP Alum Atlanta at University of Louisville’s Medical Randall are preteen School, for which she received a Spriggs, Class brothers scholarship. Grace will be attending of 2014, is and the DuPont Manuel High School this considered to grandsons fall. Through the years, Grace has be a BGNFP of Dan been ever present in parades the Alumnus, Wooten, BGNFP galas and other outings that having moved one of our represent her grandfather, DOTA on from high founding Frank Weaver. Grace has been school a few charter members. Both are “A“ helpful with various administrative years ago to attend Valporaiso students. They play on various duties, filling in for BGNFP University in Indiana. Basketball, Golf, Lacrosse and Secretary. Her charming smile and After graduating from “Valpo” Baseball teams in Atlanta. various hair styles are always a joy with a BS and MS in Multi-media Their world is expanding, as to see. (Photography Video) productions, evidenced by a visit with their uncle Randall is now employed with in New York City. They will probably Brianna Payton, Class of 2019 is the University of as a become world class travelers! Multimedia Production Designer Bradley attended Aviation Camp a hardworking black youth. in Atlanta last month. He had the BGNFP Alum Dasia Woods, awesome experience of flying Since she was younger she’s graduated from during camp! Even so, he says the Henry Clay Aviation Mueum of Kentucky Camp always tried to put in the best HS and is in in Lexington, Kentucky is better. the Class of Kudos to Kentucky Aviation effort into - ev erything she 2017 BGNFP Museum for giving kids a premium Chapter aviation experience! does whether it’s from edu- Scholarship cation, working, or doing what she Winners Rashawn Walker, HS Class of Daisa was 2022, graduted from Middle School loves. Brianna is also very good at sav- also a winner this past spring of the National Tuskegee Airmen and is ready ing money for things that are impor- tant to her. She tries to the best of her (TASF) Scholarship Award, Entering to get started her sophomor year, she continues to in highschool. ability to make her dreams come true. Brianna has not always had excel in her studies with a 3.8GPA at Shawn is a the University of Louisville. great well things just handed to her so working rounded kid, hard has always been a part of her nature. who plays BGNFP Alum ,Tabitha Croft, football and Brianna has said, “hardworking was incorporated in her life. For in- graduated is an awesme fisherman, catchng from Dunbar keepable bass, bluegills and stance, I started working my first job when I was 16 years old at Kroger HS, Class of croppies. 2017 and now Shawn is a very good student and and they hired her right on the spot. Managers always tend to ask me to attends Murray spititul youth at church. He has just State College. undertaken the responsibility to learn do a lot of things since I’m always dependable and hardworking”. And Tabitha Croft, how to video tape, church sermons is a former for uploading to the internet. I always make sure the job is done well. youth member of the chapter Grace Wilson Class of 2022, She feels that she has a blessing of participating in track and field for and finished her first year at Murray participated State Univ. with great success! She in Northwest, 6 years going on 7 I’ve had many ac- complished in middle school, from is pursuing her lifelong dream of Area Health becoming a becoming a veterinarian. Education being a city champs and breaking state records with my team. having taken pre-Veterinarian Center for classes, earning the Dean’s List for future medical Recently in my junior year of track I was a region champ in the both semesters. professionals) Like all of our student/youth this summer 800 meters and came 4th in state of Kentucky. members, Tabitha is doing very well in college . 6 Class of 2018 Wall of Fame - High School Seniors Recipients of the BGNFP Education Scholarship Award

James Gordon, Jr. Elijah Arthur Levi Gaskin North Oldham HS DuPont Manual Madison Central Hs Prospect, KY Louisville, KY Richmond, KY

Matthew Jones Jocelyn Marables Tarynn Grundy Southern Hs J. Graham Brown Hs Henry Clay HS, Louisville, KY Louisville, KY Lexington, KY

A winner of the 2018 National Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation “Lonely Eagles“ Trinity Wilson Scholarship Award DuPont Manual Louisville, KY

Angelo Ou Zion Walker Madison Central Hs Braelyn Rhodes Apollo Hs Garter G. Woodson HS, Richmond, KY Lexington, KY Owensboro, KY

7 Thank-you Donors for making it possible For the past 5 years, the following have continually supported our education mission and our scholarship program Corporate & Individual Donors Chrysler of Lawrenceburg Ira Salls, McDonalds of Louisville MGen. Richard & Tess Spooner Scott Larkin Family Dentistry Jeffersontown Baptist Church Bluegrtass Motor Sprorts Toyota on Nicholasville Dr. Jeffery Stidam Lucian Dillinghan Ad Sponsors Gordon Promoted to full Colonel Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church Joyce Gordon, is the proud mother of Student Honoree James 1st Baptist Church of Richmonnd Pleasant Green Baptist Church Jr. and is the husband to Captain, James, “Flash” Gordon. Mrs. Hawkins-Taylor Funeral Home Gordon, was pinned earlier this year and assigned the duties of JAG Chicago DoDo Chapter of TAI Commander for the Kentucky Air National Guard, out of Ft. Knox. DOTA, “Doug” Walker Family Roots & Heritage Festival The Gordon family have been long time supporters of the BGNFP CMsgt & Mrs. Q. Magwood Mission. Captain Gordon is a First Officer - Command Pilot and Kroger of Richmond Instructor for UPS. Flash is the Past-president of OBAP. Knights Travel 8 Our Community Battalion Chief Lexington’s Mitchell Promoted Hayden Receives 4th of July Parade to Lt. Col. USA, Res. Award here were three vehicles for this t our 2018 Tyear’s 4th of July Parade, including AGala, we ee V. Hayden, not only was promoted Dan riding with Ron in the new Ford honored Timothy Lto Botulin Chief, Lexington Fire Mustang P-51 car! Charles & wife Mitchell. Tim Dept, but LV was also recognized with drove the big red van. Pat drove Tim’s joined the United Lexington’s Firefighters Cross for saving car with granddaughter Leah, who was States Army a citizen’s life not able to walk with the other children Reserve as an from a drowning due to being on crutches. We had seven enlistee. situation. other energetic young-sters, led by street In a ceremony LV, is a BGNFP commander Ali Robinson, to help. They January 17, 2018, member and Lex- marched at the front of the convoy Tim was promoted ington firefighter carrying our banner in the parade.. to Lieutenant Colonel. Surprised? Two by profession, Tim Mitchell could not be with his things Tim did that allowed him to attain who doesn’t just motorcycle group, the Lexington Barons, this amazing achievement. leave the job at in the parade who opted not to participate First, he relentlessly pursued the door. because of the heat. Tim, however, was his education. Tim earned an A.S. in The Lexington Herald Leader’s Mike not deterred! He has been a member Electronics Technology from K.S.U. Stunson reported on February 12 of this and strong supporter of the BGNFP for in less than three years. He went on to year, that newly promoted “Lexington a number of years. Mounting his Harley engineering school at U.K. and E.K.U. Fire Department Battalion Chief, Lee Davidson motor-cycle, he darted and part time while working full time with Hayden received the Firefighter’s Cross weaved back and forth between the cars the Postal Service, IBM and G. E. award after rescuing a man from a lake and parade walker entourage – music After 13 years of hard work he when an outing turned dangerous.” blaring to beat the band! received his B.S. Degree in Manufacturing Lee said of receiving the award, He really got our team members Engineering Tech-nology. It took a lot of “It was kind of a shocker.” He went on grooving with his patriotic song selections tenacity to grind it out for that long! to explain that firefighters aren’t often and that…got the parade crowd going! Second, he enlisted in the Army honored. National Guard. At G.E. friends told “Being a firefighter is a selfless job Tim he could become an officer with his because we don’t look for the accolades. Louisville’s Pegasus Parade degrees. Amos Mitchell, retired an E-8 We just do what we have to do, solve the Master Sergeant and Tim was proud of problems and come back to the station his dad’s service. So, it was natural when for the next run. So to get noticed for his was our second year to participate in the Pegasus Parade – the kickoff to he joined the Kentucky National Guard something that we all do - that’s our job - T in 1997. so for me, it wasn’t just for me it was for the Kentucky Derby Festival. This year’s theme was “Throwback Thursday” At Tim’s commissioning his father firefighters all over because we don’t do had the joy of pinning him Second it for the recognition.” alluding to a trip down memory lane. In that spirit the Co-Grand Marshals Lieutenant and rendering Tim’s first Chief Hayden, hopes that getting salute. Tim said “he never said that he recognized will bring light to everyone were coaching rivals and basketball fan favorites Joe B. Hall and Denny Crum. was proud of me. I just know that he in his profession as firefighters, “putting was.” our lives on the line, not just on duty but The perennial team of Pat, Charles, Andre, DOTA Frank Weaver and Ron After a full work week, he drove off duty.” He says you don’t think about long distances and pulled long hours on it, you just GO when you see someone in Spriggs were on hand for the parade. Three nice lady volunteers escor- weekends. Tim left the Guard after 20 trouble and you help out. Years of service…and in January joined Sometimes we jump in without ted DOTA Frank Weaver in a silver convertible. The parade was attended by the Army Reserve. thoughts of our own safety, even though Tim exemplifies what the Tuske- we’re trained to put safety first. When you a throng of thousands. The journey lasted about an hour. gee Airmen stand for. He pursued his see another human struggling or going education relentlessly, upholds honor and through something you instinctively DOTA Weaver remarked, “I got worn out from all that waving!” The BGNFP integrity and is dedicated to the success want to jump in and help try to save that of every mission while maintaining person. was well received by the audience. Flyers on the gala event were passed out self respect. The spirit of the Tuskegee to parade goers. Airmen lives on in Timothy Mitchell. 2018 Roots and Heritage Festival This guy here...... ! What a wonderful and honorable man! A man after Gods eptember 7th-9th is this year’s 30th Annual Roots and Heritage Festival in own heart! Most proud of you little SLexington. The BGNFP started participating early in our organization’s history brother! A soldier in his heart! I am so very and we are proud to say we have been there 7 years running! We will be there to proud of you and your accomplishments! represent Saturday the 8th – that’s the Saturday after Labor Day. We will retain our Today i honor you! My favorite GI Joe! usual site right across from the Lyric Theatre. Ron hopes to have the P51 Ford Timothy Mitchell!Happy Veterans Day, I Mustang P-51 completely outfitted for the event to bring attention to our cause and truly Thank You for your service and all for photo-Ops with festival goers. you do 9 Then a roar ripped across the field, much The pilot is an louder than before. Like a furious hell The Cool Fool American icon in spawn set loose -- something mighty this Flack shot out one of the bombers way was coming. “Listen to that thing!” engines. The young white pilot struggled a P- 51 Mustang said the controller. to feather the engine that was producing An absolutely outstanding true tale..... In seconds the Mustang burst into drag on the plane. Falling behind his Thanks to Gale Wuolett and John Onda for the reprint our line of sight. It’s tail was already Now don’t cheat by immediately scrolling to the off the runway and it was moving faster squadron he was vulnerable to attack by end to see who the Pilot was. than anything I’d ever seen by that point German fighters. on 19. Two-thirds the way down 19 the his 1967 true story is of an Mustang was airborne with her gear going The young bomber pilot sent up a call experience by a young 12 year old up. The prop tips were supersonic. We for help. “May Day; May Day. lad in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Within seconds, a response came over T clasped our ears as the Mustang climbed his headset and in the crackling static, he It is about the vivid memory of a privately hellishly fast into the circuit to be eaten rebuilt P-51 from WWII and its famous up by the dog-day haze. We stood for a hears “we sees you white boy; we sees owner/pilot. few moments, in stunned silence, trying you”. In the morning sun, I could not believe to digest what we’d just seen. Where are you he replied? my eyes. There, in our little airport, sat a The radio controller rushed by me majestic P-51. They said it had flown in to the radio. “Kingston tower calling The response was, “we’re just above during the night from some U.S. airport, Mustang?” He looked back to us as he you; and within seconds, a pair of red on its way to an air show. The pilot had waited for an acknowledgment. The tail painted P51 Mustangs swooped been tired, so he just happened to choose radio crackled, “Go ahead, Kingston.” down and flanked the bombers wings Kingston for his stop over. It was to take “Roger, Mustang. Kingston tower would and turned the plane around into friendly to the air very soon. I marveled at the like to advise the circuit is clear for a low airspace over the Adriatic Sea. size of the plane, dwarfing the Pipers and level pass.” I stood in shock because the The starboard side of the painted red Canucks tied down by her. It was much controller had just, more or less, asked the tailed plane revealed a black face pilot larger than in the movies. She glistened pilot to return for an impromptu air show! with a broad grin as he peeled off and in the sun like a bulwark of security from The controller looked at us. “Well, What?” saluted. days gone by. He asked. “I can’t let that guy go without The markings on the side of his plane The pilot arrived by cab, paid the asking can I?? I couldn’t forgive myself!” was named the “Cool Fool” flown by a driver, and then stepped into the pilot’s The radio crackled once again, Tuskegee Airman, Lt. George Haley, of lounge. He was an older man; his wavy “Kingston, do I have permission for a Bath New York. hair was gray and tossed. It looked like low level pass, east to west, across the it might have been combed, say, around field?” “Roger, Mustang, the circuit is the turn of the century. As he passed by clear for an east to west pass.” “Roger, I noticed his flight jacket was checked, Kingston, I’m coming out of 3,000 feet, creased and worn - it smelled old and stand by.” We rushed back onto the genuine. Old Glory was prominently second-story deck, eyes fixed toward sewn to its shoulders. He projected a the eastern haze. The sound was subtle quiet air of proficiency and pride devoid at first, a high-pitched whine, a muffled of arrogance. He filed a quick flight plan screech, a distant scream. to Montreal (“Expo-67 Air Show”) then Moments later the P-51 burst through walked across the tarmac. the haze. Her airframe straining against After taking several minutes to positive G’s and gravity. Her wing tips perform his walk-around check, the tall, spilling contrails of condensed air, prop- lanky man returned to the flight lounge tips again supersonic. The burnished to ask if anyone would be available to bird blasted across the eastern margin stand by with fire extinguishers while of the field shredding and tearing the air. Lt George Haley, Tuskegee Airman he “flashed the old bird up, just to be At about 500 mph and 150 yards from Photo Compliments of Craig Huntly safe.” Though only 12 at the time I was where we stood she passed with the old allowed to stand by with an extinguisher American pilot saluting. Imagine. A Lt. Haley went on to become a career after brief instruction on its use -- “If you salute! I felt like laughing; I felt like officer in the USAF, retiring as a Lt. see a fire, point, then pull this lever!”, crying; she glistened; she screamed; the Colonel. he said as he smiled.. (I later became a building shook; my heart pounded. Then The bomber pilot later confessed firefighter, but that’s another story.) the old pilot pulled her up and rolled, and - that life-saving gesture in spite of his The air around the exhaust manifolds rolled, out of sight into the broken clouds rearing in Paducah, Kentucky that we are shimmered like a mirror from fuel fumes and indelible into my memory. all the same. as the huge prop started to rotate. One I’ve never wanted to be an American The two pilots never saw each other manifold, then another, and yet another more than on that day! It was a time again. barked -- I stepped back with the others. when many nations in the world looked In moments the Packard - built Merlin to America as their big brother. A steady The TAI, BGNFP 2019 Membership engine came to life with a thunderous roar. and even-handed beacon of security Renewal Program has begun. All new Blue flames knifed from her manifolds who navigated difficult political water and renewals are due in by December 31, with an arrogant snarl. I looked at the with grace and style; not unlike the old 2018. Please do not wait until the end of others’ faces; there was no concern. I American pilot who’d just flown into my year to conflict with your holiday schedule. lowered the bell of my extinguisher. One of memory. He was proud, not arrogant, Dues Membership Type the guys signaled to go back to the lounge. humble, not a braggart, old and honest, $65 Adult non-student Several minutes later we could hear projecting an aura of America at its best, $30 Military under O4 the pilot doing his pre-flight run-up. that America will return one day! I $15 Students/Youths

He’d taxied to the end of runway 19, know it will!

General, General, Make Payable and Mail to:

out of sight. All went quiet for several Brigadier Reserves USAF a and England), in stationed BGNFP Chapter - Membership

seconds. We ran to the second story deck Wing Bomber Force Air Army US a of (Commander Hero The late JIMMY STEWART (1908-1997), Actor, real WWII WWII real Actor, (1908-1997), STEWART JIMMY late The PO Box 12467 to see if we could catch a glimpse of the Lexington 40583 P-51 as she started down the runway. 10 2018 Gala Class of Student Honorees

Six of the ten 2018 Student Honorees pose with DOTA Frank Weaver at the Gala.

We always encourage and include our youth Hardworking officrs enjoying a free moment at the Gala. members and volunteers to be escorts and greeters. (L to R) John Croft, Andre’ Wilson and Patricia Hayden.

Regis Wilson, Class of 2019, student re-enactor of a Tuskegee Pilot as our theme greeter. 11 arynn Rae Grundy, Class of 2018 is a Acknowledement: Through the years, The BGBNFP Chapter has Twinner of a 2018 BGNFP Scholarship and been honored with many noteable members in its chapter - persons who the Lexington, Kentucky Alumni Chapter of believe in our mssion to sustain legacy as we at- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Sorrorty and tempt to assist young folks with their educational pursuits. They range Debutante Queen which prepares young women from Civil servants, to elected public officials, corporate executives, to be introduced into society through a six month lawyers, pilots - you name it. The following are just a few outstand- ing members who have contributed selflessly through the years. I will process. The young ladies participate in several also acknowledege other outside of Kentucky and a few corporate folks activities, such as volunteering as pages for the Dr. who also support us wit their generough gift giving. My thanks to all. Martin Luther King Jr. program at Rupp Arena. Ron Spriggs, President These proceeds went toward a scholarship for each Debutante. Tarynn was awarded $7500.00. In addition to this, she was also awarded the Yavon rinity Michelle Wilson, has been a member Griffin Leadership Scholarship based on her GPA, of the BGNFP Chapter since 2012 and will be leadership, and civic activities through the year. attendingT Bellarmine University, where she received Tarynn was awarded a book scholarship from the a full scholarship and is a distinguished scholar at Harambee Club, a community service club, at Henry the university. Trinity also received full scholarships Clay High School, of which she was the president. at Murray State University, and the Universities of Lastly, Tarynn was awarded The Porter Scholarship Kentucky and Louisville. from the University of Louisville, where she will Trinity received almost $600,000 in scholarships attend. and is the second student member of BGNFP and first She is a 2018 graduate from Henry Clay High- student in the city of Louisville to receive the Lonely school, Lexington, KY.. Tarynn is a very gifted actor Eagles Memorial Scholarship from the National and singer - amongst her many talents. Through Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation (TASF) the years she with the support of her mother and as well as receiving the BGNFP Chapter Scholarship father have made numerous appearances to sing the awarded by the First Baptist Church of Jefferstown in national anthem, the Negro National Anthem and honor of her grandfather DOTA Frank Weaver. other spiritual songs at many events for the Tuskegee Trinity also received the McDonald’s Black History Airmen. Makers of Tomorrow Scholarship and the Delta Going back to 2010, at age 11, Sigma Theta’s Mary Alice Dearing Hasty Education Tarynn sang a Negro Spiritual that Scholarship Award. really stirred the crowd. Former Trinity was a nominee for GE’s Stem Co-op KY Governor Steve Breshear program and was one of 10 females selected for the remarked as he followed her Mayor’s Summer Works Program in a paid to the podium, that he was in a position at Empowered, where very difficult position after her she developed and produced riveting performance. His exact websites for clients, learned words were, that “she was a very and applied HTML and CSS hard act to follow” coding on multiple professional As a past member, projects. Tarynn has Trinity attended duPont Manual High School which is ranked in US News and World report as Kentucky’s number 1 high school. There she was Business Manager the Alumni Magazine and Assistant Manager for always with- Crimson their yearbook out reservation which has received national answered the call awards. to showcase her While all of these talents in support achievements are great of our chapter’s her pleasure is working needs. with the youth of her Kudos to this church and volunteering aspiring lawyer - with the BGNFP Chapter and the support of of the Tuskegee Airmen, her parents. both are tributes to her grandfather, DOTA Frank Weaver 12 Willa Brown, Aviator Col. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. Ground Support Lt. Roscoe Brown and Sgt Smith Torch Bearer We Dare Not Fail... The Brigadier General Noel F. Parrish Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.

rigadier Gen. Noel America’s first African Until 2007 Kentucky BParrish Chapter of American woman to be never had its own T.A. Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., issued a U.S. Pilot’s Li- chapter and there had became the 52nd Chapter cense. She also went on to never been one honoring of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., receive a license as a cer- a non-minority. We felt was chartered in August tified aviation mechanic. it was time that both of of 2007 with the help of a Willa and her husband, those conditions were small dedicated group of Cornelius Coffey success- corrected. history buffs and aficio- fully operated an aviation ur mission is to align nados of Tuskegee Air- school in Chicago and are Oitself with the tenets men history. credited with instructing of the National TAI Or- General Parrish was some 2,000 pilots of which ganization in helping to born in Versailles, KY a good number went on to keep the Tuskegee Air- in1909; he died in 1982. become pilots and instruc- men history alive and to As a pilot, Captain Parrish he late Dr. Charles tors in the Tuskegee Air- encourage the youths of went on to become the T“A-Train” Dryden, L/ men Cadet program. today who seek a career in Commandant of Cadet Col. USAF-ret., said “Par- entucky has a rich aviation or attend college Training at Tuskegee In- rish was referred to as the Khistory in black avia- to meet those goals. Mem- stitute in Alabama. While Great White Father”. The tion where twelve cadets bership is open to the gen- he was one of the few cadet aviation program at graduated and received eral public, especially stu- white Tuskegee Airmen Tuskegee was expected to their wings. Some were dents whose annual dues associated with the “Ex- fail, but the then Col. Par- assigned to the 477th are less than 25% of our periment at Tuskegee”, it rish was determined to Bomber Group as Bom- normal rate. Most mem- was his compassion and make it a success. bardiers and Navigators bers will be designated as fairness that made him a 992 cadets graduated of the twin engine B25 an Associate Airman. There highly respected leader from Tuskegee as pilots; Mitchell. Flight crews and may be some members who with the Tuskegee ca- there was approximately ground support person- have direct blood relations dets during their months a 17-to-1 ratio of ground nel came from all over and will be designated a of training. To this day, support personnel to pi- Kentucky, as far west as “Heritage” member. All many years after his as- lots. It is reasonable to ex- Paducah to Williamsburg; original Tuskegee Airmen cent as a “Lonely Eagle” pect that there were near- to Ashland, Louisville, are identified as DOTAs, he is fondly remembered ly 200-ground support Frankfort, Richmond and “Documented Original by many Tuskegee Air- personnel from all parts Owensboro. Tuskegee Airmen”. men pilots. of Kentucky. They were s of 2015, there are We meet monthly and also welcome eneral Parrish is en- all part of the Tuskegee A55 Tuskegee Airmen and need persons who wish to chair Gshrined in the Avia- Airmen experience under chapters across the U.S. or head up various committees. tion Museum of Kentucky’s the leadership of Colonel Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. Hall of Fame along with nd TAI Chapter Willa Brown, Julius illa B. Brown, a bi- Calloway, USAF-ret., Lou- Wracial Black/Native- isville and Lt/Col., Wash- American female was ington Ross, USAF-ret. of born in Glasgow Ken- Ashland, Kentucky. tucky, who later became www.bgnfpchapter.weebly.com

BGNFP Chapter of TAI; P.O.Box 12467 - Lexington, KY 40583 - (859) 576-3636 6-10-2016 Edition 13

GENERAL NOEL F. PARRISH CHAPTER of TUSKEGEE AIRMEN TUITION ASSISTANCE APPLICATION Return Completed Application to: Mr. Charles Walker; P.O. Box 353; Richmond, KY 40476 Attn: EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE

Refer to the reverse side of this application form for the required attachments PART I (To be completed by Student Applicant) I hereby apply for the Brig. Gen. Noel F. Parrish Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship.

Title _____ First Name: ______Last Name: ______D.O.B._____/____/______

Address: ______City ______State ______Zip______

Telephone: ______Cell Phone: ______E-mail address: ______

Name of College or University: ______Telephone: ______

Address: ______City ______State ______Zip______

Intended Major: ______Minor: ______Career Objective: ______Place a Check mark on all that applies below: Participated in Aviation Camp Space Camp Flight Program Civil Air Patrol BSA, GSA, or Explorer Scouts Junior ROTC Program Civic Club/Other ______

Signature of Student Applicant______Date: ______/______/______

PART II (To be completed and signed by student applicant’s Parent, Parent in Loco Parentis, or Guardian)

Title: ______Name: ______Address: ______

Number of members in immediate family: ______Other Family Members currently attending college: ______

Telephone: (____) ______Cell Phone: (____) ______E-mail address: ______

I certify that the above information is correct. Signature: ______Date: _____/_____/______

PART III (To be completed and signed by High School Official)

High School Name: ______Address: ______City:______Insert GPA[____. __] Check the following: Transcript [___] HS-Senior [___] Currently Enrolled [___] I certify that the weighted GPA and Transcript are correct, and this person is a current member of the student body in good standing.

Signature: ______Title: ______Telephone: (_____) ______Date: ____/_____/_____

B.G.N.F.P. SCHOLARSHIP Application, Revised June 13, 2018. ALL PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF THIS FORM ARE OBSOLETE. 14