Inspirational Materials to Teach Students About the Tuskegee Airmen Delivered To 178 Classrooms

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron, America’s tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, is proud to announce that because of the generous support of their donors they were able to provide 178 of their RISE ABOVE Resource Kits to schools in honor of Black History Month. Schools in 39 states received the kits that are specially designed for teachers and youth leaders to educate students about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel.

The kit is based on the CAF Red Tail Squadron’s Six Guiding Principles – Aim High, Believe In Yourself, Use Your Brain, Be Ready To Go, Never Quit, Expect to Win – bringing the lessons of the Tuskegee Airmen out of the history books straight into the everyday lives of students. It contains a collection of materials for classroom use that includes posters, DVD, pocket-sized books, inspirational dog tags, children’s book and classroom activities.
 
“We kicked-off this campaign in September 2015 with a goal to get our RISE ABOVE Resource Kits into the hands of as many teachers as possible in time for Black History Month. Working within communities across the country is integral to our educational outreach, and this project helped us fuel that effort,” said LaVone Kay, CAF Red Tail Squadron marketing director. “The Tuskegee Airmen made history by tearing down racial barriers to rise above the obstacles set before them to serve their country. It is a lesson in inspiration as much as it is in history, and delivering this message to students is one of the hallmarks of our organization’s mission. We’re grateful to each person that made a donation to make this happen.”

The kits were delivered by the beginning of February so teachers could utilize the information in their lesson plans for Black History Month. Students also had the opportunity to participate in a contest to put into action what they learned about the importance of education and determination, based on the Tuskegee Airmen's example of overcoming adversity. Those who submitted essays were entered to win a Tuskegee Airmen memento from the CAF Red Tail Squadron. The winners were Christelle Paul, Danny Rodriguez and Luis Lagos. All participating students will also receive the booklet RISING ABOVE: Lessons Learned from the Legendary Tuskegee Airmen and an inspirational dog tag featuring the Squadron’s Six Guiding Principles.

(Source: CAF news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.redtail.org