Red Tail Cadet Program Takes Off at Elite Aviation

By Carmelo Turdo

Six high school students from the Ferguson-Florissant School District were inducted into the first class of the Red Tail Cadet Program during a ceremony held on Monday at Elite Aviation. The event marked the culmination of the selection process and the official start of the practical aviation and life skills training sessions that will roll out over the next several months. The program will provide the means for these students to explore the aviation field as a part of their overall Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. It is hoped that this program will be launched in cities across the country in the future.

The Red Tail Cadet Program Class of 2021 (L-R):

Boric Alogavi, McCluer HS Junior; Jayden Bush, McCluer HS Junior; Jessica Conner, The Innovation School Sophomore; Timothy Olmsted, McCluer HS ROTC Junior; Derreck Beal, STEAM Academy MSB Sophomore; and Adam Puder, STEAM Academy MSB Junior.

The Red Tail Cadet Program is a cooperative effort by the Ferguson-Florissant School District, The Crossing Church, and Elite Aviation among other sponsors to use aviation as a pathway to a STEM career. The inspiration for the program comes from its namesake, the Red Tails of the 332nd Fighter Group, the first all-black military pilot unit that formed during World War II and popularly known today as the Tuskegee Airmen. The same drive and talent that made the Tuskegee Airmen legendary in war and in peace can be applied by these students in pursuit of their own future goals while participating in the Red Tail Cadet Program.

Below are excerpts from the induction ceremony:

Anthony Meyers, The Crossing Church Pastor of Community Development

Pastor Meyers was on a mission trip to Africa two years ago, and while he was there he took a flight with two young pilots. He asked one of them, a native of Nairobi, Kenya, how he became a pilot and was inspired by his answer. In a region where most parents encourage their sons to become doctors, this young man had a different calling: he wanted to become a pilot. So after high school graduation, his community raised the funds to send him to South Africa for pilot training.

"I got back on the plane," Pastor Meyers related, "and I realized right then that if he can fly in Africa, that means we can teach kids in Ferguson to fly. And that became this journey."

After consultation with the Ferguson-Florissant School District and the other partners mentioned here, the Red Tail Cadet Program was born. 

John Tipton, Elite Aviation Vice President 

"What a wonderful opportunity that is getting ready to start today! I really do believe that we're going to change some lives with this program. We're going to make a  difference...Flying a plane is just a small part of what we're trying to do with this program. A lot of people engaged today to make this happen, and I want to say thanks for being a part of this and thanks for allowing us to step into these kids' lives and make a difference." 

Dr. Joseph Davis, Ferguson-Florissant School District Superintendent

The partnership between The Crossing Church and the Ferguson-Florissant School District began in 2015, with the church providing backpacks and career preparation opportunities for students. Now Elite Aviation, Spirit of St. Louis Airport and other sponsors are joining together to make the Red Tail Cadet Program a success.

"This opportunity will create connections to a world of possibilities. Not only will our students be exposed to the world of aviation, they also will have opportunities to meet, interact with and learn from professionals and others who will expand their worldview. I am super excited about the application of STEM and STEAM in the disciplines that we are talking about, especially when you think about mathematics, whether it is to aviation, finance or numerous other applications that our cadets will experience through this opportunity...My hope is that through this program, more of our community will see what our students can be if given the chance. 'Just give me an opportunity, and then let me work.' The Red Tail Cadet Program will show our students that even the sky is not the limit." 

John Bales, Spirit of St. Louis Airport Director of Aviation 

Spirit of St. Louis Airport is home to Elite Aviation and hosts the area's largest STEM Expo at each Spirit of St. Louis Airshow. John Bales announced that the Greater St. Louis Business Association Educational Foundation will fund a portion of the post-solo flight training for the Red Tail Cadets. 

"Thanks to everyone for being here. You should all be proud of yourselves - we have other tenants here supporting the program also. It's an ultimate partnership, and that's the way this whole airport works."

Greg Holder, The Crossing Church Senior Pastor

Pastor Holder of The Crossing Church brought a message of hope and purpose to the launch of the Red Tail Cadet Program. 

"I believe we are all made in the image of the Most High God, and that means an awful lot...We need to treat each other with honor, with respect, with love. We need to understand that every one of us were made to get things done in this world, and God has a plan for each of our lives...It also means that every one of us were made to make a difference.  

"We are here at the beginning of something, right now. So let's keep dreaming but now let's keep investing and doing things. Let's keep moving forward."

Following the presentations, the Red Tail Cadet Program Class of 2021 was introduced. They were provided with a bag of aviation supplies and monogramed uniforms that will be used in training throughout the coming months. The Aviator sunglasses were an instant hit. Following group photos on the apron, the cadets were paired up with Certified Flight Instructors from Elite Aviation and escorted to an aircraft for a flight around the local area.

Elite Aviation will host the cadets again on Saturday for an orientation session. Over the next several months, the cadets will have online access to pilot ground school materials and will attend concentrated training courses outside of their regular high school classes. The Aero Experience will have regular updates as the Red Tail Cadet Program Class of 2021 progresses in their training.