Hugh J. White Chapter members met up with Red Tail Cadets from the Ferguson-Florissant School District who had partnered with Crossing Church/Elite Aviation and Boeing. The program titled Soaring on the Wings of Greatness was hosted by The Boeing Company. The very engaging moderator and informed story-teller, Paris Forest, IT Sr. Director of Workplace Solutions, blended the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen with Boeing’s T7A Red Hawk contribution to future pilot training with the current and future potential of the cadets engaged in the flying program. Yolandea Wood was invited to be one of three panelists representing the Tuskegee Airmen. Frederick (Andy) Stark is the T7 Director of Manufacturing Operations spoke on the inspiration and creation of the T7A Red Hawk trainer being developed for the Air Force. Warren Harper, a descendant of an original Tuskegee Airmen was also honored. Although the mom of the cadet panelist, Derreck (DJ) Beal Jr., Senior at STEAM Academy at McCluer South Berkeley, was the initial force in his participation, he has gone on to become a captain for future classes and was invited to be a participant in Boeing summer internship program.
Approximately 100 signed up for the in person and web ex event. Also in attendance were Boeing leadership from multiple organizations, other Red Tail Cadets of the 6-week ground and flight program sponsored by Boeing and the Crossing Church.
