Ford Motor Company Gives Airmen's Dreams Flight: Automaker Celebrates History and Contributions of Tuskegee Airmen

Thursday, December 9, 2004


 

·        Fundraiser commemorates legacy and lives of first black USAF pilots

·        Detroiters get first look at long lost trophy from inaugural USAF gunnery competition 

 

WHO:             Ford Motor Company Fund is the sponsor of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum's 19th Annual Salute and Reception. The group will pay tribute to five members of the 332nd Fighter Group who won the first U.S. Air Force Fighter Gunnery Competition in 1949. Native Michiganders and combat pilots Lieutenant Colonel Harry T. Stewart (retired) and the late Captain Halbert L. Alexander are among the honorees. The trophy from the competition was recently found in a storage area at the Air Force Museum in Dayton, OH and will be on display during the event. Zellie Rainey Orr, the researcher and collector who unearthed the trophy, will also attend the dinner.

 

WHAT:           The purpose of the event is to raise funds for the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum, which is located on the grounds of Historic Fort Wayne. Proceeds will be used to preserve the memorabilia and document the invaluable contributions of the first African American flying unit that served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Damon J. Keith will be the keynote speaker.

 

WHEN:           Friday, December 10, 2004

                                 5:30 p.m.       Reception with Exhibits

                                 7:00 p.m.       Dinner and Program

 

WHERE:        Detroit City Airport 

                        Historic Executive Terminal Hangar

                        11201 Conner

                        Detroit, MI  48213

 

TICKETS:      Tickets are $75 and can be purchased by calling (313) 863-5435 or (734) 449-0678.