EAA Chapter 64 and Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum Fly Tuskegee Airman, Youth

By Carmelo Turdo

EAA Chapter 64 and the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum hosted about 50 teenagers and adults this weekend to introduce them to the joy of flight.  The group is associated with the Tuskegee Airmen, and special guest Dr. Granville C. Coggs from the San Antonio Chapter flew with Mr. Joe Wapelhorst in his T-34 Mentor.  The 86 year-old Tuskegee Airman aerial gunner, bombardier and B-25 pilot, radiologist, inventor, athlete, and singer among other vocations, enjoyed his flight along with the youth.  A variety of aircraft were used along with the Beechcraft T-34, including a 1953 Piper Tri-Pacer, Cessna 172s, and Piper Saratoga.  Special thanks to St. Louis Downtown Airport management and Tuskegee Airmen organizers who arranged for participation in this activity.