TUSKEGEE AIRMEN, INC.®

®

ATLANTA CHAPTER

2018-2019 ACTIVITY REPORT

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Atlanta Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. Yearly Activities Report

August, 2018 – July, 2019

September

At our September 8, 2018 meeting of the ACTAI membership our 2nd Vice President W.O. Smith presented 14 Certificates of Honors Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. VIETNAM Veteran SALUTE Ceremony was opened by President Bill Patterson and 2nd Vice President W.O. Smith. Rev. Thomas Holt, ACTAI Chaplain, opened the ceremony with prayer. Patterson gave the opening remarks regarding the ceremony and the mission of the Vietnam Veterans Program. ACTAI members were presented their medals. In addition to our members we had 12 other non-members Vietnam Veterans receiving their medals. The State of Georgia Veterans Affairs has invited ACTAI to host the Vietnam Veterans program every year. WSB- TV cameraman filmed the ACTAI Vietnam Veterans ceremony.

DOTA Earl Martin received his Vietnam Veteran Salute Certificate

September 15, 2018 – The ACTAI was guest of honor at the Annual Walk\Run Marathon sponsored by The Old National Merchants Association of South Fulton County.

Fin Secretary Greg Grant, Mayor Bill Edwards, Val Archer (DOTA), Bill Patterson (ACTAI Pres.), & City Councilman

September 11, 2018 – Once a month we meet the faculty at Tuskegee Airmen Global Academy to discuss the progress of the students and their stem program as it pertains to the Tuskegee Airmen Legacy and Image. Once a week two of our

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members (qualified) teach the students how to properly navigate the flight simulator. ACTAI has adopted this school as a partner and has been approved by the Superintendent and the Atlanta School Board. The new school is being built at a cost of $30.5 million dollars. Al Whiteside has started the Wednesday simulator training for the youth. The projected completion date is July 2019. The students’ move-in projected date is the Sept/Oct 2019 time frame. TAG Academy has had a ground-breaking. A meeting was held Tuesday, August 11 to inform the community about the project.

October October 26, 2018 - Bill Patterson and W.O. Smith attended Commissioner Roby (Veterans Affairs) monthly meeting concerning Veterans.

November

November 3rd, 2018 – Vets Helping Vets Veterans Day Program in Riverdale Georgia, honoring all veterans that served, featuring Mr. Louis Gossett Jr as Guest speaker, Felicia Clayton, County Commissioner, Mayor Dr. E. Wynn-Dixon, Louis Gossett Jr, W.O. Smith, Sparkle Adams, and Bill Patterson.

November 8, 2018 – The 5th Annual Veterans Day Appreciation Celebration hosted by the Atlanta Chapter Tuskegee Airmen and the Prince Hall Grand Lodge. This year theme was “Honoring the US Navy”. The guest speaker was Navy Commander Kim Y. Green and the master of ceremonies was Navy Lt. Anthony Chase.

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Presentation of Colors was performed by Morehouse College US Navy ROTC and retiring of the colors was performed by Southwest DeKalb HS US Navy ROTC. Jonesboro HS Air Force JROTC performed with their renowned Drill Team. Awards were given to Mundy Mill High School Air Force JROTC for their continued support to our Veterans’ Day Program. November 8th- Additional: Certificate of Honor was giving to Mrs. Hill for her late husband service that was killed in action during the Vietnam War. Mrs. Robinson presented The Gold Star from W.O. Smith along with Certificate signed by Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff. Mrs. Robinson husband was killed in action in Vietnam, 1966. Special recognition was given to Coca Cola, Bojangles, Chick-Fil-A, Davis Broadcasting and J.D. Fowler Radio for their support of our Veterans Day Program. Special recognition was given to members of the Montford Point Marines, Black Veterans Helping Veterans, 555 (Triple Nickels) Airborne Organization and the National Association of Black Military Women. November 14, 2018 -Tuskegee Airmen Global Academy - The Double Victory film was presented at the school. Nine students will be tested for the Tuskegee Airmen Cadets program. A blue T-shirt for the TAGA youth program with a graphics of a plane and the words “Tuskegee Airmen Cadets 1941”. A sample of the shirt was presented to the chapter for their approval. Second Vice President Smith paid for the T-shirts. The T-shirts was presented to TAGA after Thanksgiving. TAGA designated February 28th for ACTAI visitation at TAGA. The class visitation will include five 5th grade classes and five 4th grade classes. If time permits visits will be made to 3rd grade classes. November 15, 2018 - Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC Veterans Day Program) - Second Vice Pres. W.O. Smith and Brad Beasley was the featured guest speaker from ACTAI at the FDIC Veterans Day event downtown. A Tuskegee Airmen film was shown and Board of Directors Chairman Beasley spoke on the Tuskegee Airmen. Two videos were shown. The Double Victory video and a 15 minute film on the Tuskegee Airmen. Tuskegee Airmen Stem Training (TAST) - Tony Holder announced that National TAI had donated five IPADs to the chapter by United Airlines. The IPad are to be used exclusively for the youth program. Five people are in possession of the IPADs--J.T. Hollins, Wanda Hightower, Anthony Freeman, Pat Harris (non-member) and Tony Holder. Mr. Holder informed us that the IPADs needed HDMI extension cords at a cost of $130 each. Pat Harris has provided Information Technology support for the chapter in the past. Mr. Holder informed us that he would be responsible for the safe keeping of the IPAD in Ms. Harris possession.

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Chapel Hill Elementary School - 1st Vice President Larry Bussey - The last STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) meeting was held in Nov. 2019. The school is moving towards a focus curriculum on aviation careers. This focus will include pilot opportunities, aircraft maintenance and robotics. The educators at Chapel Hill want to provide a positive influence for youth to develop a mindset to pursue an aviation career. The next STEM meeting will be held March 2019. The school is inviting veterans from all previous wars and Congressman Hank Johnson, 4th congressional district DeKalb County, will be present. Mr. Bussey will notify the chapter when the dates and time are set. A motion was made to accept the reports concerning Tuskegee Airmen Global Academy and Chapel Hill Elementary. Clayton County Chamber of Commerce invited WWI Centennial Advisory Board Brad Beasley to speak at the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce during the month of November 2018. Arthur Hughes scheduled the Veterans Day event for Veterans Helping Veterans. Mr. Beasley presented a plaque to the Atlanta Chapter Tuskegee Airmen on behalf of the World War I Centennial Commission for the achievement of raising $16K towards the Eugene Bullard statue. The initial unveiling was originally planned for February 2019. The creation of the sculpture takes 6 to 9 months. Brad suggested that the grand opening unveiling of the Eugene Bullard statue should be held on Veterans Day 2019. An approval letter has been sent from the U.S. Air Force to display the statue at Robins AFB. Other donors involved with the Eugene Bullard project were influenced by ACTAIs commitment to support the funding.

Brad Beasley, Sheriff Victor Hill, Black Veterans Helping Veterans Rep, Sparkle Adams, W.O. Smith, Commissioner Felicia Warner and Bill Patterson

Brad Beasley mentioned that DOTAS Hilliard Pouncy and Mr. Val Archer were in attendance at the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce Veterans Day recognition. Riheem Jefferson (ACTAI member and recent graduate at Savannah State University) along with Mr. Don Chapman (ACTAI Trailblazer) were recognized at the graduation celebration at Carrie Steele Pitts Home for Mr. Jefferson. President Patterson cited the event as a standing room only affair and thanked Piper Burks and Mr. Younginer for their attendance. Roger Williams was appointed chair to develop the Youth membership Program for the chapter.

December

December 1, 2018 – Members Geraldine Gilliam and William Wilson coordinated our annual Chapter Christmas Luncheon. The affair took place at Dobbins ARB, Georgia. We had over 70 people in attendance. Accolades were expressed for the excellent meal served by D. W. Catering. Christmas presents were available for all adults, children and grandchildren. A 10 minute movie on the Tuskegee Airmen “Wings for This Man” (1945) was shown. A Vietnam Veteran Salute Ceremony took place and three medals were given to Morocco Coleman, Frank Redding and unknown.

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The event was festive, enjoyable and all had a good time.

February 2019 February 5, 2019- Chapters members attended Henderson Middle School, Jackson, Georgia, Dr. George Tate (Ret Air Force) Guest speaker Black History

February 19, 2019 - The Clayton County Board of Commissioners honored our ACATI DOTAs and gave them a

proclamation for such and impact on Black History. February 26, 2019 - W.O. Smith, 2nd Vice President guest speaker at Kipp Elementary School, East Point, Georgia, Presented school 16x20 autograph picture of Gen BO Davis Jr., along with sorted pictures of Tuskegee Airmen.

February 26, 019 - Annual Black History Day from Tuskegee Airmen - Mr. William “W.O.” Smith and Atlanta Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen. William "W.O." Smith, talk about what it was like being one of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. Also, the Double Victory Video to be shown and a small Q/A Session at the end.

February 27, 2019 - Douglasville County Honor Tuskegee Airmen.

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February 28, 2019 - Annual Black History Day Observance from – Rev. Larry Bussey and Atlanta Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen. Rev. Larry Bussey will talk to the kids about Black History of our Tuskegee Airmen and provide program information, aviation /robotics touring; parents involvement; a short video will be shown and a small Q/A Session at the end.

February 28, 2019 - W.O. Smith, James Hendricks, Ed Lewis, Henry Bunn guest speakers at TAGA 4th and 5th grade's classes. (Pictures should be dated Feb 2019)

March

Ron Hutchison invited ACTAI members to attend the Construction Education Foundation of Georgia Expo on March 22, 2019, 9a.m. to 2p.m. at the Georgia International Convention Center at College Park, Ga. The expo feature the 2019 TEFGA (Transportation Foundation of Georgia) Career Expo on Friday, March 22. Per Mr. Hutchison said more than 7000 youth from Georgia schools attended the expo during his attendance. Location Ga. International Convention Center: 2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337--telephone- 770.997.3566.

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April

April 4, 2019 – ACTAI member Arthur Hughes named Clayton County Veteran Of The Month.

April 10, 2019- W.O. Smith presented a check in the amount of $2,500.00 to TAGA so that the 5th grade students could go to Tuskegee Alabama, to visit Tuskegee University and TAI Museum. They were short of funds and the chapter assisted with funds to help with their field project. W.O. Smith and Bill Patterson gave personal donation with chapter assistance to make this happened.

May

May 11, 2019 – Scholarships – Mr. J. T. Hollin reported that out of five ACTAI candidates three were selected by TASF and one alternate name was selected for the Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation scholarship amount of $1500.00. The selected are Kevin Bacon Jr, Jayland Smalls, and Anaya Pitts. The alternate's name is Daniela Castillo. The amount awarded is $1,500 each. ACTAI Committee has not announced our local scholarships.

May 11, 2019 - Tuskegee Airmen Global Academy (TAGA) - Second Vice President W.O. Smith

President Patterson and W.O. Smith were given a recent opportunity to tour the new TAGA facility with the principal and other guests. Per Mr. Smith the new facility looks good. The ribbon cutting day is planned for the July/August timeframe. President Patterson asked about the space for the model P-51 aircraft display. Per the developer the cost of a model P-51 replica would be $54K. Bill researched the cost and found a vendor who could provide the P-51 model at a much lower price. W.O. Smith and Bill Patterson are working to collect photographs for display at the new facility. A timeline regarding the Tuskegee Airmen History will be featured. The old TAGA facility will be used by the Boys Club until their new facility is built. A question was asked about the availability of having a meeting space during the week for EYC activities. The question will be directed to the appropriate authority of Atlanta Public Schools. May 13, 2019 - W.O. Smith, 2nd Vice President Guest speaker, Quality Center for senior Citizens/Veterans, South Fulton, Georgia

May 23, 2019 – Tuskegee Airmen Global Academy (TAGA) - Second Vice President W.O. Smith - The Global Academy 5th grade graduation was held in May at the Morehouse School of Medicine facility. Second Vice President Smith was the only ACTAI member present. The two framed posters with signatures were presented to the two highest scholastic achievers with the top grade point averages (male and female). Sixty students graduated from the 5th grade to the 6th grade.

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Amber Johnson Nazir Moore May 27, 2019 - Memorial Day Program honoring the Tuskegee Airmen - First Vice President Larry Bussey –Coordinator The program was held at Greenbriar Mall. There was an excellent turnout. DOTAS present were Earl Martin, Val Archer and Hillard Pouncy. We had more than 15 members in attendance. President gave a brief history of the Tuskegee Airmen. The attendees enjoyed individual photo opportunities with the DOTAS. People stood in line like they were at McDonald. The program was such a success that the chapter is invited to serve as guests of honor next year at the South Fulton County Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Day Ceremony at Greenbriar Mall. Pepsi Cola provided a banner for the event. Pepsi Cola also made a commitment to sponsor ACTAI in our next program. People in the audience were joining the chapter that afternoon.

James Patterson. Rev. Thomas Holt, W.O. Smith, Regina Tidwell, W.O. Smith, James Patterson, Rev. Thomas Holt and Bill Patterson Larry Bussey, & Bill Patterson

June

TAAST Program - Tony Holder - The annual program started on June 1st. with the orientation. Thirty one students were selected for the program. All but one showed up on June 1st. There were 30 students as of the following Monday. Out of the 30 students there was one student on Saturday that Mr. Holder felt that his hair was inappropriate for the sponsors that would be visited. That student chose not to show up on the following Monday morning. There were a total of 29 students during the week. There were three students from Columbia, South America. The diversity included white male, white females and a majority of African American students.

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The Monday tours included Hartsfield-Jackson Airport and Delta Air Lines. The activities for Tuesday included a visit to the Lockheed Martin facility and a training introduction to drones held by Mr. Holder. Wednesday activities included the Coca Cola Space and Science Center. Lunch was sponsored by Davis Broadcasting, an African American media company in Columbus, Ga. Thursday was the fly-day. The weather conditions for flying were marginal. There were only two planes that flew that day. Normally six aircraft fly our students. All 29 students had the opportunity to fly. On Thursday there were presentations by Don Chapman, J.T. Hollins and Brian Settles. Exams were given for the aviation education instruction presented during the week. Helicopter flights were scheduled for Friday. A ceiling height of 1500 feet with three miles visibility was required for the helicopter flights. Three-mile visibility was present but the ceiling height of 1500 ft. was not. The helicopter flights were cancelled. The students had a chance to tour the helicopters on the flight line. The TAAST group returned to Atlanta and celebrated the week with a closing ceremony. There were two African American female pilot guest speakers. The closing ceremony speakers were Michelle Scott, a C-17 jet pilot with the Mississippi Air National Guard and Capt. Tahirah Lamont Brown who is the first African American woman hired by FedEx to achieve a pilot position. Mr. Holder recognized the TAAST ACTAI Torchbearers who worked with the TAAST youth in making it a success this year. Mr. Holder did not have any information regarding ACTAI youth membership applications. Per President Patterson a vote was taken two years ago for the chapter to approve funding for ACTAI youth membership. Mr. Holder acknowledged that the youth membership process could be initiated during the orientation or closing ceremony day. Mr. Holder asked to be reminded of the youth application process for inclusion of next year’s program. Tuskegee Airmen Global Academy (TAGA) - Second Vice President W.O. Smith - The Global Academy 5th grade graduation was held in May at the Morehouse School of Medicine facility. Second Vice President Smith was the only ACTAI member present. The two framed posters with signatures were presented to the two highest scholastic achievers with the top grade point averages (male and female). Sixty students graduated from the 5th grade to the 6th grade. June 10, 2019 – Tuskegee Airmen Global Academy – Made a request to have some individuals from the chapter to assist them with their students field trip visit to Peachtree DeKalb Airport. Certain aspect of the airport, such as, runways, flight lines, operations and etc. needed explaining to the students. Don Chapman and Ron Hutchins volunteered to assist with the students. June 14, 2019 - Flag Day, W.O. Smith 2nd Vice President was guest speak at Governor's Glen, Forest Park, Georgia, explaining what the US Flag means to him. June 16, 2019- Larry Bussey 1st Vice President Grand Marshall Summerhill Neighborhood Event:

Larry Bussey

June 20th, 2019 - W.O. Smith Guest speaker - FDIC Southeastern Annual meeting, Hoover, Alabama.

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July 13, 2019 Election of Officers - ACTAI Nominating Committee - Piper Burks DOTA Val Archer, Nominating Committee Chair, was assisted by Piper Burks. Other members of the nominating team for this year’s election are Arthur Hughes, Greg Grant and Claudia Taylor, After the votes have been placed Greg, Arthur and Piper will tally the count for each officer. Don Chapman chose not to run for the Board of Directors position. He is required to submit a formal resignation from the board. A separate election will be held for the board of directors to fill Dons vacant seat. All officer positions currently held except the recording secretary have the same slate of names-- President - Bill Patterson; First Vice President Larry Bussey; Second Vice President W.O. Smith; Corresponding Secretary - James Hendrix; Recording Secretary - write-in vote; Treasurer - Piper Burks; Financial Secretary - Greg Grant Ballot Count - Greg Grant President - Bill Patterson 18 votes 1st Vice President - Larry Bussey 19 votes 2nd Vice President - W.O. Smith 19 votes Recording Secretary - 4 write-in votes for Stan Coleman - 2 write-in votes for Wanda Hightower Corresponding Secretary - James Hendricks 19 votes Treasurer - Piper Burks 19 votes Financial Secretary - Greg Grant 19 votes Parliamentarian - Arthur Hughes 19 votes Chaplain - Rev. Thomas Bristow Sr. 19 votes Lonely Eagles – We had two DOTA transitioned to The Lonely Eagles Edward Johnson June 2019 Earl Martin June 2019 Atlanta Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. Report William “Bill” Patterson President – Atlanta Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. July 28, 2019