CAF RISE ABOVE® Inspiring young people to RISE ABOVE adversity using the lessons and stories of the and the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).

Our biggest venue nearly every year is the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture. It is the biggest airshow in America and it happens during late July in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It is a week-long event and the CAF RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit was scheduled to be in the kid’s area called KidVenture again this year. As in the past, there would have been thousands of kids of all ages able Photo courtesy Adam Schallau to visit the exhibit and meet Tuskegee Airmen such as Brig Gen Charles McGee and Lt Col George Hardy. As In This Issue - May 2020 of now, our season is scheduled to begin in early August with an airshow in Owl’s Head, Maine. We are hopeful • Tour schedule at a glance we will be able to tour again during late summer and early autumn. • Greetings from the Ambassador team This is disappointing to say the least, but like the Airmen and WASP, we remain • Volunteer Spotlight • Tuskegee Airmen: Did you undaunted and are working hard, like so many others in these times, to find know out where we can best fulfill the needs of our communities using the CAF RISE • Our mission in action ABOVE story. • Educational resources • Tuskegee Airmen Profiles: To that end, we are currently collaborating on a project with the Schlecty Charles Alfred Anderson Center, a private, nonprofit organization committed to partnering with school • And then there where women! leaders across the country to transform classrooms, schools, and school districts Naomi Bernice Bell into engagement-focused organizations, and the Southern Regional Education • Tuskegee Airmen: Quote of the Board, an organization focused on improving education in 16 states in the south month and southeastern U.S. The project focus is creating curriculum and programs • Shop with a purpose centered around the CAF RISE ABOVE theme which will be utilized as students • Join the Top Flight Club return to classrooms this fall following the disruption caused by the COVID-19 • Tuskegee Airmen: Archive virus. Many students who have experienced this disruption, particularly those photos living with socio-economic challenges, have had to adapt to new, sometimes • Tuskegee Airmen: Virtual confusing and unsettling, circumstances. The “Rise Above” program and our Museum artifact spotlight “Triumph Over Adversity” theme is especially applicable during these times • WASP Profile: Delphine Bohn as educators endeavor to give students a positive footing as they return to the • WASP: Quote of the month classroom. While the program is being developed to market to a select group • WASP: Did you know of schools in that southern region, all the resources being developed will • WASP: Archive photos be available on our CAF RISE ABOVE website where educators and parents • Thank you supporters everywhere can access the materials. • For more information

We will continue to bring you updates to that program and our touring schedule as the season unfolds. Thank you for your kind support of CAF RISE ABOVE. We absolutely could not accomplish any of these things without you.

These are truly historic times and at the Commemorative Air Force RISE ABOVE Squadron, we know that when face with a historic challenge, we can look to our history for solutions. That makes the stories we tell in our programs more important now than ever. Working together, like and WASP, we will “Rise Above.” Doug Rozendaal CAF RISE ABOVE Leader RISE ABOVE tour schedule at a glance

PLEASE CHECK OUR SCHEDULE ONLINE FOR UPDATES!

DATE EVENT LOCATION May 9-10 Dyess AFB Air & Space Expo [Cancelled] Dyess AFB, TX May 30-31 Scott AFB Air Show [Cancelled] Scott AFB, IL June 6-7 Selfridge ANG Air Show [Cancelled] Selfridge, MI June 13-14 Wings over Whiteman [Cancelled] Whiteman AFB, MO July 20-26 EAA AirVenure [Cancelled] Oshkosh, WI August 1-2 Owls Head Air Show Owls Head, ME RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit and P-51C Mustang September 5-6 Kansas City Airshow New Century, KS RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit and P-51C Mustang September 12 Airport Day [Cancelled] Crawfordsville, IN September 19 Dynamic Aviation Air Show Bridgewater, VA RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit and P-51C Mustang September 25 Arsenal of Democracy Fly-Over [Postponed from May 8] Washington D.C. P-51C Mustang October 7-11 Tri-State Warbird Museum Batavia, OH RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit and P-51C Mustang October 24-25 Thunder Over the Rock Little Rock AFB, AR RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit and P-51C Mustang October BFTS Flight Museum Terrell, TX 28-November 1 RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit November 7-8 Stuart Airshow Stuart, FL RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit and P-51C Mustang November 14-15 Joint Base San Antonio Airshow San Antonio, TX RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit and P-51C Mustang

To book RISE ABOVE for your event contact Kristi Younkin, Senior Logistics Coordinator, at [email protected] or call (479) 228-4520

Page 2 GREETINGS FROM THE AMBASSADOR TEAM!

I hope you and your families are staying safe during these trying times. As this pandemic continues to impact communities around the country, the CAF RISE ABOVE tour is on pause. All events we were scheduled to attend through to August, have been cancelled including EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh.

Though the tour has stopped, there is still a lot of work going on behind the scenes. We would like to take this opportunity to recruit help with the RISE ABOVE WASP. We are seeking a volunteer to go through Facebook posts, so they can be archived and added to the website and resource kits. If you would like to become a CAF RISE ABOVE Ambassador and help out in this role, please reach out at cafriseabove.org.

Be safe. Stay well. Volunteer Coordinator Melanie Burden

Page 4 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Tim Campbell

I entered the United States Army as a Private in March 1987. After attending Basic Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, I attended Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma as a 31V, Unit Level Communications Maintainer. While attending Grambling State University, I enrolled in the United States Army ROTC program and getting my commission as a Second Lieutenant in May 1992. I initially branched Armor and after serving as a M1A1 Abrams Tank Platoon Leader at Ft. Hood for 18 months. I applied for a branch Transfer to Aviation in 1995. While attending flight school, I had the privilege of flying the Bell 206BIII and UH-1 Huey. After fulfilling active duty obligations, I transferred to the Army Reserve where I became qualified in the AH-64 Apache Helicopter and was subsequently privileged to serve two tenures as a Company Commander. A few years later, I was able to serve 2 tours to Iraq (2005 and 2009). I later held other key positions including Equal Opportunity Advisor (EOA), Program Manager, and Battalion Commander.

I have been awarded and decorated with the Meritorious Service Medal (2nd award), Air Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with 2 stars, ARCOM (3rd Award), AAM (2nd Award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M device, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (9th award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), and the Army Service Medal.

I currently work for the Department of Justice as a Facility Manager, with collateral duties as a Safety and Environmental Manager. I am married, and my wife and I have four sons and 5 grandchildren.

I had the fortune and pleasure to have met several of the Tuskegee Airmen during the annual Wings Over Houston Airshow which started my interest in becoming involved in the CAF . Subsequently, I met LTC (R) at the 2013 Wings Over Houston Airshow. After a brief 2 hours of hanging around the CAF RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit, I knew that it was time for me to start volunteering. I had no idea how much fun this would be, the smiles, the conversations, and the strong interest that America has with the Airmen, their history, and their legacy.

Page 5 DID YOU KNOW?

On this date, the following Tuskegee Airmen events occurred:

5 May 1943: Lieutenants James T. Wiley and Graham Smith were the first two P-40 pilots of the 99th Fighter Squadron to land in North Africa, at Oued N’ja in French Morocco.

5 May 1944: Lt. James R. Polkinghorne, Jr. of the was reported lost with his P-39 near Teragina, Italy while on a strafing mission. The cause was unknown (Missing Air Crew Report 4518; 332nd Fighter Group history, May 1944).

Lt James Wiley Lt Graham Smith James Polkinghorne, Jr.

Doesn’t this thank-you card from an elementary student at Mueller Aerospace Elementary, Wichita, Kansas bring a smile to your day?

Page 3 OUR MISSION IN ACTION Students who have visited the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit share their letters of thanks to the Tuskegee Airmen.

Page 6 EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Check out our new web site!

The CAF RISE ABOVE website has a wealth of information about the Tuskegee Airmen and the WASP and offers resources for educators, youth leaders, parents and students. Check both RISE ABOVE Resource Kits!

Our free, downloadable RISE ABOVE Resource Kits provides users access to posters featuring the Six Guiding Principles, PowerPoint’s, classroom activities and a wealth of material about the Tuskegee Airmen or the WASP.

Check out the Inspiration Pack to receive 50 dog tags and 50 Triumph Over Adversity – RISE ABOVE: The Story of the Tuskegee Airmen booklets for only $95!

What teachers and parents have to say:

Question How did the materials from CAF RISE ABOVE Resource Kits or visiting the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit benefit both you as a teacher and your students? Answer The experience of actually watching the story and seeing the plane made the lesson more real for the students. My students were having discussions about their dreams and developed great rapport about how the Airmen were able to live out their dreams because of their courage, strength, and endurance.

~ Yukino McLemore 5th Grade Reading

Page 7 WE NEED YOU!

If you believe, like we do, that the values based educational potential of carrying the lessons and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and the WASP into every classroom in America are relevant and important for young people today, we would appreciate your comments and suggestions about the program you have to offer.

This story must be told to all youth - that through hard work and persistence, you can achieve any goal you dream of and your only limitation is your God-given talents.

This is the message that the P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen and the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit will tell as it travels around the country to various air shows and special events.

Yes, I fully support the CAF RISE ABOVE, not only by words, but through generous contributions.

Sincerely, Dr. Harold Brown Lt. Col. USAF (Ret) 99th Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group

Make a one-time or recurring donation to help us ensure that the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and the WASP is passed on to future generations, so that their strength of character, courage and ability to triumph over adversity may serve as a means to inspire others to RISE ABOVE obstacles in their own lives and achieve their goals!

Give online, by calling 888-928-0188, or by mail at:

CAF RISE ABOVE 971 Hallstrom Drive Red Wing, MN 55066

The CAF RISE ABOVE® is an educational outreach program of the Commemorative Air Force, (CAF) a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your contribution is tax deductible less the value of the benefits given in return for your contribution noted above, if any. CAF FEIN # 74-1484491

Page 8 TUSKEGEE AIRMEN PROFILES: Charles Alfred Anderson, Sr. Flight Instructor

February 9, 1907 – April 13, 1996

Charles Alfred Anderson, Sr., was an American aviator who is known as the Father of Black Aviation. He earned the nickname “Chief” as chief flight instructor of the Tuskegee Airmen.

He was the first Tuskegee Airman to be featured on a U.S. postage stamp on March 13, 2014.

When the Chief received his pilot’s license in 1932, he was the only black flight instructor in America. He is best remembered as the Chief Flight Instructor and mentor of the famed “Tuskegee Airmen” of World War II. His 40-minute flight with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt during her Tuskegee visit in 1941 was the catalyst that led to the training of the first African American military pilots, the “Tuskegee Experiment”. He also flew Vice President Henry Wallace from Tuskegee to Atlanta during that period.

Chief Anderson’s life has been a shining example of integrity, self-reliance, adventure and contributions to others. As a young boy of 6, he was fascinated with the idea of airplanes and knew that he had to fly. At 8 he ran away from home looking for airplanes rumored to be barnstorming in the area; he had to have a ride. As a teenager, no one would give him a ride because of racism.

At the tender age of 22, he borrowed $2,500 from friends and relatives, bought a used airplane and taught himself to fly. By 1929, he had learned so well and earned a private license, and in 1932 an Air Transport Rating (#7638), an equivalent of the Ph.D. in the art and science of flying an airplane. More importantly that year (1932), he would wed his childhood sweetheart Gertrude Elizabeth Nelson, who preceded him in death in 1995.

Later in 1932, with a friend and flying partner, Dr. Albert Foresythe, an Atlantic City, New Jersey surgeon, he became known for long distance flying; East coast-West coast and back to the East coast. They also flew the first flight outside the United States by Blacks to Montreal, Canada, where Dr. Foresythe had studied medicine.

In preparing for a Pan American Goodwill tour in 1934 they bought a Lambert Monocoupe airplane in St. Louis, Missouri, where they met Charles Lindbergh. Lindbergh also bought an aircraft. Separated by one serial number, it hangs in the St. Louis Lambert airport today. Lindbergh discouraged their Chief Anderson with Flying Partner Dr. Albert plan to fly. Forsythe and Dr. Robert R. Moton whom Moton Field is named after, at Tuskegee Institute.

Page 9 “Chief” and Foresythe continued to Tuskegee, where the aircraft was christened the “Spirit of Booker T. Washington”. He and Foresythe made the first land plane flight from Miami to Nassau in 1934. They island hopped throughout the Caribbean, to the Northeastern tip of South America. They overflew the Venezuelan straits and landed in Trinidad as national heroes. “Chief”, at the age of 86, recreated the trip 59 years later as a birthday present to himself. He was accompanied in his aircraft by Roscoe Draper, lifelong friend and Tuskegee Airmen instructor, and Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Koons.

With his credentials as a Certified Flight Instructor and Air Transport rating, “Chief” touched many thousands of the nation’s military and civilian pilots, such as, General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., General Daniel “Chappie” James, Colonel Herbert Carter and other Tuskegee Airmen during the Tuskegee Experiment.

He gave countless free airplane rides to the youth of the world, and was a founding member of the NAI (Negro Airmen International), Black Wings in Aviation. The Tuskegee Chapter bears his name. For 22 years, youth from 16-19 years of age have received intensive ground and flight training during the last two weeks in July at the NAI Summer Flight Academy, in order to prepare them for pilot ratings. Many of his students, such as Captain Raymond Dothard, US Air and President Mandella’s U.S. Pilot; Southeast Asia standouts such a Lieutenant Colonel Robert V. Western (Bolo MIG Sweep); Judge John D. Allen, F-4 Flight Commander, Columbus, Georgia; Colonel James Otis Johnson, USAF; and many others have continued in the footsteps of “Chief”. He also soloed Captain “Pete” Peterson (deceased), of the USAF Thunderbirds Flight Demonstration Team.

At 84 “Chief” turned over the reins of his beloved Moton Field training site airport to Colonel Roosevelt J. Lewis, Jr., USAF, another aviation protégé, who flew his aircraft to Trinidad with “Chief” in 1993. They proceeded to facilitate 18 young people into military training position since 1991. Two of his last students, Captain Kevin T. Smith and Lieutenant Greg West, were the first two Blacks in the history of the Alabama Air National Guard. With 383 hours in the F-16, Captain Smith scored “Top Gun” honors for the USAF in the March 1995 Red Flag competition. “Chief” was thrilled.

“Chief” was an inductee of the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame (1991); The International Order of the Gathering of Eagles (1990); winner of the famous Brewer Trophy (1985); and held many other aviation awards. An Honorary Doctorate of Science was conferred by in 1988.

His first love always was teaching new students to fly and Anderson continued to train civilian pilots After World War II and to promote aviation and aeronautical education among African Americans the next 50 years. A founding member of Negro Airmen International, for 22 years he trained 16 to 19-year-old black youth the NAI’s Summer Flight Academy. By the time of his death, he had amassed over 52,000 flying hours. Charles Alfred “Chief” Anderson died on April 13, 1996 at his home in Tuskegee after a long battle with cancer.

Anderson never sought fame, recognition or fortune for his accomplishments, yet he touched the lives of thousands of pilots, both civilian and military, many of whose names are found throughout aviation history books.

See a copy of Chief Anderson’s Original Pilot License in our Virtual Museum.

Sources: Black Past Black History Now Wikipedia Lest We Forget The National Aviation Hall of Fame

Page 10

Flight Instructors posing with Chief Anderson lower front center. The original photograph was autographed by most of the flight instructors. (Courtesy of the C. Alfred “Chief” Anderson Legacy Foundation)

Lewis Jackson (left) First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Chief Anderson. March 1941

Page 11 AND THEN THERE WERE WOMEN! Naomi Bernice Bell

Naomi Bernice Bell was born September 27, 1921 in Sandersville, Georgia. She was the daughter of Arthur and Mamie Hayles Bell. She was in the class of 1939 of Sanderville’s Thomas Jefferson Elder High and Industrial School. She graduated on October 6, 1942 from the University of Georgia Nursing School. Second Lieutenant Naomi Bell entered the military on December 28 1942. By 1946, she had been promoted to First Lieutenant. Bell served as a surgical nurse and ward three-night nurse. She has been called the “Sweetheart of Tuskegee Air Force Base.” She has also been mentioned as a member of the Tuskegee Army Air Force Player’s Guild. Dozier’s LAAB newsletter of March 15, 1947 mentions that Lieutenant Bell was one of the five who initially reported from TAAF to Lockbourne on May 3, 1946. She was later promoted to captain and also served at Brooke Army Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas and Percy Jones Hospital at Battle Creek, Michigan. Ending her military career on September 13, 1952, the former military nurse worked in nursing in the Detroit area. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in English in 1961. Bell had breast cancer and died in October of 1975. The Detroit Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen sponsored a scholarship in her memory. (1942 yearbook, Women in Military Service for America Memorial.)

Thank you to Pia Winters Jordan, Project Director of the Tuskegee Airmen Nurses Project, for sharing with us the incredible legacy of nurses who served alongside the Airmen. We are honored to feature their history and stories.

Be sure to visit Tuskegee Airmen Nurses Project for more information!

Bottom row from left: Louise Lomax, Della Raney, Kathryn Bough, Dietitian, Elsie Wallace 2nd row from left: Mencie Trotter, Beatrice Hill, Octavia Bridgewater, Frances McCloud Third row from left: Ruth Carter, Ruth Speight, Elizabeth Dozier, Pia Jordan, Project Director Alice Binford Fourth from left: Della Bassett, Mary Rickards, (Photo by Chris Levister) Alice Dunkley, Ruth Faulkner, Naomi Bell

Page 12 Visit Tuskegee Airmen Profiles and take a closer look at the lives and accomplishments of some of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. New profiles are added regularly and will grow as the staff and volunteer of the CAF Red Tail Squadron continue their tireless efforts to research and share the remarkable stories of these important American figures.

We invite you to share stories and photos with us to feature! Contact LaVone [email protected], by calling (888) 928-0188, or by mail at:

CAF RISE ABOVE 971 Hallstrom Drive Red Wing, MN 55066

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“I never thought about air-to-air combat as a big problem. I looked for it.” ~Tuskegee Airman 1st Lt. Lee “Buddy” Archer

Page 13 SHOP WITH WITH A PURPOSE!

Find great treasures AND honor the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and WASP! Visit our online store. Shipping is included for state-side orders!

CAF RISE ABOVE Mens and Ladies Columbia - PFG Bahama shirt for both Red Tail Squadron and WASP!

Check online for colors available Sizes Small - 3XL | Long sleeved $70-$74

You can choose either the CAF Red Tail Squadron logo or the CAF RISE ABOVE WASP logo to sport on this versatile shirt! Lightweight, durable 100% nylon that dries fast and features Omni- Shade UPF 30. There are mesh lined cape vents at the back shoulder and a button down collar. Two big chest pockets, PFG convertible sleeve tabs and PFG Venting. Columbia logo on left chest and PFG logo on vented back.

For $99 you can join the exclusive ranks of the Top Flight Club!

When you join, you’ll get the special members- only Top Flight Club hat and annual pin. You will receive a different pin each year of membership.

You will also receive a Top Flight Club membership card giving you a 10% discount on all purchases.

Become part of this awesome collaboration with the CAF Red Tail Squadron to honor the Tuskegee Airmen!

Photo courtesy Jeff Berlin

Page 14 ARCHIVE PHOTOS - TUSKEGEE AIRMEN UNLESS NOTED ALL PHOTOS ARE COURTESY OF THE AIR FORCE HISTORICAL RESEARCH AGENCY, MAXWELL AFB, ALABAMA

Photograph of Tuskegee Airmen at Tuskegee Army Flying School wearing headphones and speaking into a microphone, Tuskegee, Alabama, 1942

Charles H. DeBow Class 42-C-SE 3/6/1942 2nd Lt. 0441130 Indianapolis, IN

Second Lieutenant Charles H. Debow, part of the first class to get wings at Tuskegee Army Flying School, with his new wife Miss Gertrude Carter, Tuskegee, Alabama, 1942 Page 15 CAF Red Tail Squadron Virtual Museum Artifact Spotlight

The CAF Red Tail Squadron Virtual Museum is a community collaborative effort, made up of photos and information of artifacts pertaining to the Tuskegee Airmen submitted from all around the country. Anyone with an item of significance to the Tuskegee Airmen, or has visited the location of a memorial in tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, can share their knowledge by submiting your own virtual artifacts.

ORIGINAL PAINTING TUSKEGEE AIRMEN Artwork by Eddie Mormon

Have a look at the newest artifact in our Virtual Museum: an original painting by Eddie Mormon a well- known African American artist from New Orleans who now resides in Lake Charles, LA.

Page 16 WASP PROFILE: Delphine Bohn Class “The Originals”

We will not again look upon a woman flying as an experiment. ~AAF Commanding General Henry “Hap” Arnold, 1944 July 5, 1913 - January 19, 1992

Delphine Bohn was born on July 5, 1913 near Elk City, OK to Marion Grover and Lenore Bohn. She graduated from Amarillo High School and later attended the Amarillo Junior College. She took her first flying lessons in April 1940 at Municipal Airport, Amarillo, Texas.

Bohn’s stepfather, Mr. R.C. Highly, sought to further encourage her flying ability and bought her a Piper Cub Cruiser. She practiced constantly, accumulating many hours and soloed the same year. Upon earning her private pilot’s license, Bohn qualified for a commercial pilot’s license. She then prepared extensively for an instructor’s flight examination license and upon passing this examination, she began teaching for the Civilian Pilot’s Training Program in 1942.

At the same time, Bohn contacted the Acting British Consul, the U.S. Army Air Force, The Royal Canadian Air Force, and the British Air Transport Auxiliary American Women’s Section seeking employment in any one of the above. Bohn also contacted her representative, Congressman Eugene Worley, who indicated he would recommend her as a capable pilot in her quest to become an aviatrix in the war effort.

On October 21, 1942, Bohn was accepted in the United States Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) as one of the original pilots. Her first training assignments were in Delaware and Big Spring, Texas. After completion of training, in April 1943, Bohn was based at Love Field, Dallas, Texas with the 5th Ferrying Group until deactivation on January 22, 1945. While with the WASP, she completed transitional training on BT-13, AT-6, PT-18, AT-9, G-78, AT- 11, A-24, C-47, B-17, A-20, A-26, B-26, and P-38 aircraft. Bohn also commanded the 601st Squadron of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).

After deactivation, Bohn moved to Burbank, California where she was employed by Pacific Aircraft Sales Co., operated by Norm Lawson, a distributor for Beech Aircraft Co. In September of 1949, three former WASPs (Delphine Bohn, Byrd H. Granger, and Ruth Dailey) each flew in a Beech Bonanza to Rio de Janerio, Brazil, generating much publicity for them in newspapers and magazines.

Four months later Bohn was appointed as a reserve officer with the rank of Major in the United States Air Force. During this time, Bohn returned to Dallas, TX, where she was employed by J.R. Gray Co. at Love Field, working in the sales department. In the mid 1950s, Bohn moved to Fort Worth, Texas and formed her own company - Western Aviation, Inc. - selling aircraft operating out of Meacham Field.

In 1961, Bohn moved to Houston, TX working as a saleswoman for Business Aircraft, Inc. In the late 1960s, Bohn shifted gears and studied oceanography in San Francisco and received a certificate in Celestial Navigation at the Academy of Sciences at Golden Gate Park.

By 1981, Bohn returned back to Texas and was involved in an aviation class at Amarillo College, however, she had ceased piloting airplanes. Delphine Bohn passed away after having been diagnosed with cancer on January 18, 1992 at the age of seventy-nine.

Source: Permission to publish materials was obtained from the Special Collections Department, Eugene McDermott Library, The University of Texas at Dallas.

Page 17 Left to right- Ann Johnson, Betty [James], Florence Miller, Delphine Bohn, Betsy Ferguson, and Mary Lou [Colbert] standing in front of an airplane.

Page 18 Visit WASP PROFILES and take a closer look at the lives and accomplishments of the Women Airforce Service Pilots in order to inspire others, especially girls and young women, to RISE ABOVE expectations and find a greater appreciation of their poten-tial.

New profiles are added regularly and will grow as the staff and volunteer of the RISE ABOVE: WASP continue their tireless efforts to research and share the remarkable stories of these important American figures.

We invite you to share stories and photos with us to feature! Contact LaVone [email protected], by calling (888) 928-0188, or by mail at:

CAF RISE ABOVE 971 Hallstrom Drive Red Wing, MN 55066

Page 19 DID YOU KNOW?

The WASP flew nearly every type of airplane in the U.S. military’s inventory at the time; a few,highly- qualified women, even did test flights in rocket and jet powered airplanes. It was assessed by the military that the women flew more than 78 different types of airplanes, for a total of more than sixty million miles.

The WASP shown here are working with North American Aviation as engineering test pilots on the B-25 program, From the left, Dorothy Dodd Eppstein, Hellen Skjersaa Hansen, Doris Burmester Nathan and Elizabeth Chadwick Dressler.

Be sure to visit the RISE ABOVE: WASP area of the website! We invite you take a deeper dive to learn more about the remarkable WASPs, and be inspired to tap into the ability within yourself to overcome barriers and find success.

Download the free CAF RISE ABOVE: WASP Resource Kit For use by teachers, youth leaders and parents.

Upon submission of this form, you will receive an email with a link to access the materials.

Page 20 ARCHIVE PHOTOS - WASP COURTESY OF THE TWU LIBRARIES’ WOMAN’S COLLECTION, TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY, DENTON, TEXAS

WASP Pilots at Avenger Field, Sweetwater,Texas

Nancy Love, pilot (left), and Betty (Huyler) Gillies, co- pilot, the first women to fly the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber

Page 21 Thank you to the donors who have joined us at the supporter level of $100 or more. Pledge your support and join the ranks! Names are listed in the online Honorary Flight Log.

* denotes a new Top Flight Club member of the CAF Red Tail Squadron

Charles O Abernathy Mel Collins Deborah Greer Danny Adler William R Collins Seymour Gross L D Aiken Enorris Conic Kenneth J Hagan Steven C Albers Richard N Conn Gregory V Hall C E Alexander Michael P Cooley Latessa Hall Thomas H Allaway Harry Coppens Loretta Hall Michael D Antonovich Francisco Correa Richard R Hall Jr Michael Armstrong Lawrence Crawford Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Hamer Edward K Arndt Albert Crawford Gerald Hamilton Lydia Arnold Willie T Curenton George E Hardy Edgar D Aronson Stan Dalton Ronald P Harris C Askins P Dianne Damper Ronald Hatten Melvis Evans Atkinson Jyretha Darden In memory of Cynthia Heard Benjamin B Baker Herman Darden, Sr., Herman David G Herzig Joseph Bartee Sr Darden, Jr., and ALL Military Men & Ray Hess Douglas Baskin Women Who Died In All Wars Glory Hickman Jan Batteux Barbara Davis William Higgins Scott Bell III J Terry Davis Robert L Hill Jim Bell Lula Davis James Hoggan Arthur K Benjamin C Russell De Burlo Gordon Holtzer Charles Berry James Diggs Laurie M Hope Maureen Beverlin Marc Dinardo Joshua Houseknecht Mary Beyer Thomas Drehs Willie Houston Cassandra Bivins David Edwards Ulysses Howard Sr E Michael Bonaparte Tommie Eiland Pamelia Howell Richard L Bradshaw David A England * George Hudson James Braxton David A England Tana Hurd Terrence C Breidenbach C Roy Epps Dorene Hurt Charles Breiner Floyd Evans Thomas Hutchins Jerry G Bridges Junior Evans Futrell Jackson Clarence Brown Roger Evans Margaret Jackson Patricia Brown Ernest Faulkner Arthur Jefferson Leroy Bryant Sr Jack Feinberg Elizabeth Johns Frank Bucino Willie J Fitzpatrick Jr Willie Johnson Jr Doris N Bullock Zenobia Flood Theresa L Johnson Donald Callender Edward Ford Annie L Johnson Michael Cambell Donald French David Jones Yasmine Candis Raymond Fudge Pheby H Jones John J Capone Thomas Fulbright Charles Jones Robert A Carpenter Terry M Galvin Willie E Jones Herbert & Jacqueline William L Gayler V Jones-Young Carson Eugene Gaynor Sidney T Jordan Shirlee Carter Edward D Gilbert Jacquelyn Jordan Karl Carter Richard Gillogly Mr. & Mrs. David Kaessner Jennifer Chamberlain Fred Glock James King Michael Chappell Rebecca M Graham Frank Kurland Joseph B Church Clyde Granderson Noreen Lacy Anthony H Cisco Asar Gray David A Lamprey Gregory Cole Merle R Green Jr * Myron Lane Roosevelt S Coleman Thelma H Greene Andrew Langsam Page 22 Jesse Lee Richard E Poole Albert Stephens Dr. Leone Lee Merrill Potter Angelan F Stewart Roberta Leek Renee Powell Lester L Stiner Dorothy Legette K Bettye Qualls Gary Strausberg Nathaniel Lewis Peggy A Quince Curtis Strommen Gregory Lincoln John Rallis Stephen Sumandra Paul Lindberg Alfred Rankins Marilyn Izard Sumpter Charles Lockhart Beverly Reaume William Ray Sutton Joseph & Mary Loffredo Wade H Reeves Beverly A Taylor Theodore Lumpkin Paul E Reinertsen Gayland W Taylor Kris Mailey Edward Revis * David Thomas James A Martin Marvin L Rhodes Elaine W Thomas Jewel Martin George Riley Betty J Thompson Richard Marx * Charles E. Roberts, Jr. Paul Thurston Jack McAdory Queen Rovgeau William R Tiefel Carthia McClendon Leonard A Salvemini James W Tippin Rose McElrath-Slade John Sardone Charles M Traughber Jerry McGlade William L Schalker Harding Albert Travis Jr Robert McIver Jack Schenaker David Trotter Douglas R McKissack Robert Schmidt John G Trubisz Dorothy McLaurin Sally Schneider Stanley W Tucker Bernadette McMenamin Ennio Senia John D Turner Jr Michael Mertes George J Seperich Arthur Turner Richard Meyerson F H Shackelford Jerome Usalis William J Miller Jay Shafran Linda & Kris Valstad Russell W Miller John B Shea * Gwendolyn Vantree Don & Pattsy Minyard Patricia Shields Robert T Vidile Joseph Mitcho Garnett Shoffner Victor G Vogel Patricia A Monti Craig A Shores David N Wakeman Ruth Moore Milford G Short Jr Thomas Walker Jarrel D Moore Gloria Shorts Raymond J Wall Nathaniel Moore Al Shutrump Larry J Wallman Frank Moore Joseph J Simmons IV Donald Wander J H Morgan Jane A Sims Robert L Wantland Phillip Morris Marion F Sims John L Ward Sr Joanne Mruczek Charlie Sinclair Allen Ware Altheria D Myers Albert H Small Bobby L Watson Patricia Negro Henry Smalls Arnold L Weinman Audrey D Nelson David Smith James R White David L Nelson Quentin J Smith Jr Author Whitmire Helmut Norpoth Alfred Smith Sarah K Wiggins Natalie B Ogletree Alfred Smith William Wilkins Victor G Onufrey Sennie Smith Kim Williams George Pantalos Rebecca Smith Patrick H Wilson John E Paolo Michael B Smith Katherine B Winter Glenn Parker Michael A Smith James E Woods Timothy O Patrick Frank J Sonleitner Clara L Wright Kay Patterson James Souza Jeff W Wyatt John M Payne Robert Spencer Claire Nicholas Zengou Patricia Payne Clara R Stanton The Erroll & Elaine Davis Charles H Perkins Donald Staples Charitable Gift Foundation David Peterson David E Starling Randolph Phillips Merlyne Starr Thank you for helping to preserve the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and WASP for generations to come! Page 23 FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please mail correspondence or To bring RISE ABOVE to For general inquiries, donations to our home office at: your event, contact: contact: CAF RISE ABOVE® LaVone Kay 971 Hallstrom Drive Kristi Younkin Senior Logistics Coordinator Marketing Director Red Wing, MN 55066 [email protected] [email protected] (479) 228-4520 (888) 928-0188

Doug Rozendaal Melanie Burden Squadron Leader Volunteer Coordinator [email protected] [email protected]

Kim Pardon Public Relations/Media [email protected]

Follow us on Facebook CAF RISE ABOVE: Red Tail - Share the inspiring legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel. Their strength, courage, and ability to triumph over adversity during WWII can serve to inspire others about how to succeed today.

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Commemorative Air Force, CAF Red Tail Squadron, RISE ABOVE, Six Guiding Principles, Triumph Over Adversity, RISE ABOVE: Red Tail, RISE ABOVE: WASP, RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit, and America’s Tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen are trademarks of the Commemorative Air Force. All Rights Reserved.

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