 |
| By Carmelo Turdo |
Five high school students from the Ferguson-Florissant School District were honored as the second graduating class of the Red Tail Cadet Program during a ceremony held on Thursday evening, August 18, at Elite Aviation. The event marked the culmination of four months of flight training and life skills coaching received as part of their overall Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. The Red Tail Cadet Program Class of 2022, inducted on April 21, with Elite Aviation owners John and Donna Tipton (L-R):
Grace Ford, Micah Riggs, Jalen Reynolds, Tyrese Walker, and Anyah Brown
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 program is named for 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.
The inspiration for the Red Tail Cadet Program came from an encounter half a world away from St. Louis. Anthony Meyers, The Crossing Church Pastor of Community Development, was on a mission trip to Africa. 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. After consultation with the Ferguson-Florissant School District and other partners, the Red Tail Cadet Program was born.
Prior to the ceremony, the Red Tail Cadets and their guests gathered at Elite Aviation to welcome a special visitor: John Fester arrived with his North American T-28 that would become the backdrop for the graduation. Although the former U.S. Air Force trainer was not a Red Tail aircraft, it represents the dedication of military service members and all Americans who work together to make this country great. The aircraft also presents a dynamic pose with its distinctive red engine cowling, tail and wingtips painted on polished aluminum skin. Here we show the Red Tail Cadets and Elite Aviation staff posing with the T-28 after it was towed into place.
The ceremony began with a series of messages from representatives of the sponsoring organizations who worked tirelessly throughout the year to make the Red Tail Cadet Program possible. Following their remarks, each was given a token of appreciation on behalf of the Class of 2022.
 |
| Pastor Tim Bounds, The Crossing Church |
 |
| John and Donna Tipton, Elite Aviation |
 |
| Pastor Anthony Meyers, The Crossing Church |
 |
| Brandon Mann, The Mann Family Foundation |
 |
| Kathy Greene, COO SpiritJets |
 |
Dr. Joseph Davis, Ferguson-Florissant School District Superintendent
|
 |
John Bales, Spirit of St. Louis Airport Director of Aviation
|
 |
| Andrew Stark, Boeing T-7A Red Hawk Production Director |
 |
| Gary Baker, Undivided Wealth Management |
 |
| Eric Holland, Holland Law |
Following the sponsor presentations, the Red Tail Cadets Class of 2022, including Cadet Captain D.J. Beal who is continuing his flight training from the previous class, were awarded their framed certificates. Also, Pastor Meyers was given a model of the Red Tails P-47 Thunderbolt representing the spirit of the original 332nd Fighter Group.
After the ceremony, the Cadets were invited by pilot/owner John Fester to climb into the front cockpit of the T-28 and pose for photos. They enjoyed this rare opportunity to learn about this popular warbird while actually sitting in it! But all good things come to a close, and with the setting sun, it was time for the aircraft's departure. After takeoff, Fester made a parting smoke-on pass before disappearing over the horizon.
The Aero Experience thanks Elite Aviation and all of the sponsors for supporting the Red Tail Cadet Program again this year. For more information on the Red Tail Cadets, see our previous posts:
No comments:
Post a Comment