Minneapolis, Minn. – June 16, 2015 – The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron, America’s tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, will participate in the upcoming EAA AirVenture July 20-26 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The Squadron will be appearing with Col Charles McGee, an original Tuskegee Airman, who will participate in several special events at the weeklong program for aviation enthusiasts. This a unique opportunity for all ages to experience the inspiring story of the Tuskegee Airmen – America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel.
The CAF Red Tail Squadron’s P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen will be featured in the event’s “Warbirds in Review” where Col McGee, with Squadron pilot Doug Rozendaal, will give attendees an unprecedented up-close look at this vintage WWII aircraft, and hear from this record-holding combat pilot who flew one just like it. The event will take place Saturday July 25 at 1:00 p.m.
Col McGee is an original Tuskegee Airman pilot and decorated 30-year officer of the United States Air Force, flying 409 fighter combat missions in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Col McGee became a part of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen when he enlisted in the US Army in 1942. During his military career, Col McGee flew the Bell P-39Q Airacobra, Republic P-47D Thunderbolt, North American P-51 Mustang, Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star, Northrop F-89 Scorpion and McDonnell RF-4, with a total of 6,308 flying hours.
The distinguished Col McGee will be available for media interviews at the event, including a meet and greet at the lunch at the Aviator’s Club on Tuesday July 21, and various autograph signings during the week’s activities. Members of the media are invited to contact LaVone Kay CAF Red Tail Squadron marketing director, at [email protected] or (888) 928-0188 for further details.
“We are excited to be at AirVenture with Col McGee,” said CAF Red Tail Squadron Leader and P-51C Mustang pilot Brad Lang. “We look for every opportunity to foster a greater understanding of the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. Their story, and that of the CAF Red Tail Squadron, is a means to inspire people of all ages to achieve their potential. Col McGee is truly an American hero and it is our honor and privilege to appear with him at Oshkosh.”
Col McGee and the CAF Red Tail Squadron’s participation in the event has been made possible by the EAA Warbirds of America, whose goal is to promote and encourage the preservation and safe operation of ex-military aircraft. Learn more at www.warbirds-eaa.org.
About the CAF Red Tail Squadron
The CAF Red Tail Squadron is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to educating audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel. Their three-fold outreach program includes an authentic, fully restored WWII-era P-51C Mustang, the signature aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen; the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit 53’ mobile theater featuring the original panoramic film “Rise Above”; and educational materials and programs for teachers and youth leaders. The CAF Red Tail Squadron is part of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). To learn more about the organization, it’s mission or to become a donor, visit www.redtail.org or follow the Squadron on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cafredtailsquadron.
About the Commemorative Air Force
Collecting and flying warbirds for over half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is the largest flying museum in the world. The CAF is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to honoring American military aviation history through flight, exhibition and remembrance. The organization feels this is best accomplished by keeping the aircraft flying. The CAF has approximately 11,000 members and a fleet of over 160 airplanes assigned to 70 units across the country. These units, comprised of CAF volunteer members, restore and operate the planes, which are viewed by more than 10 million spectators annually. Visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (877) 767-7175 for more information.
