CAF Red Tail Squadron Scheduled to Land at the Allegheny County Airport for Celebration of Tuskegee Airmen 70th Anniversary

The Daniel B. Matthews Historical Society along with the Greater Pittsburgh Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen Institute, both based in Sewickley, will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Tuskegee Airmen. This momentous happening will take place June 1-3, 2012 at the Allegheny County Airport in West Mifflin.

The free family-friendly event will feature the Commemorative Air Force Red Tail Squadron’s RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit that tells the story of the first African American aviators in the US Military, and how they battled against the Nazis and against the prejudices of their fellow countrymen.

The CAF Red Tail Squadron relates the Tuskegee Airmen’s story in a visual, exciting and easily understood way.  It consists of two unique educational components. First is a rare red-tailed P-51C Mustang plane like the Tuskegee Airmen flew against the Nazis in WWII. On-site historians will share the history of the plane.  The second component is a 53’ long customized semi-trailer, which houses a climate controlled movie theater with a 160 degree screen featuring the movie, “Rise Above.”  This film features the story of the Tuskegee Airmen and also gives viewers the sights, sounds and feel of what it’s like to pilot a Mustang.  The P-51 Mustang will be available for public flights, as will a number of other aircraft.

Highlights of the weekend will include a salute to the military, performances by drum and bugle corps, marching bands, live entertainment, car and motorcycle cruises, appearances by local TV, radio and sports personalities, food and merchandise vendors, and a health fair featuring the Highmark Direct Mobile Unit.

This event is made possible through the generosity of grants by Highmark Blue Cross and FedEx. Media sponsors include Comcast, Mon Media and Soul Pitt Media.  Supporters are Corp Air, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics-PIA and Mt. Ararat Baptist Church.

ABOUT THE DANIEL B. MATTHEWS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The mission of the Daniel B. Matthews Historical Society is to promote, record and preserve the educational history of African Americans in the Sewickley Valley and the surrounding Southwestern Pennsylvania area.

ABOUT THE GREATER PITTSBURGH CHAPTER OF THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN INSTITUTE
The mission of the Greater Pittsburgh Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen Institute, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is to keep the honor and legacy of Tuskegee Airmen who live in or originated from the Greater Pittsburgh region.

For more event information, contact Terry Bradford at 412-741-7171 or Donald Patterson at 412-871-5095.

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