Nebraska Tuskegee Airmen

November 2009


	Nebraska Tuskegee Airmen Biographies

NEWS FLASH

AWD TAI Salutes 2009 Scholarship Winners

Meetings-
Monthly meetings convene the third Tuesday of each month except as otherwise noted.

Meetings run 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and are held at, 2401 Lake Street (Lake Point Building) • Omaha, NE 68111.

See calendar below for future meeting dates and times.

Click Here for Full Calendar

Contacts:

Members:
BGen (Ret) Randolph Scott, Alfonza W. Davis Chapter President
Glenn Freeman, 1st Vice President
Richard Thompson, 2nd Vice President
Larry Shannon, Treasurer
Wyvie Jones Jr., Secretary
Lt Col (Ret) Charles Lane Jr. TAI Nat’l Rep; Commander, CAP
Emerson Mungin Jr., Historian
Lou Annette Williams, Immediate Past President
Eugene Wilson, Webmaster

Links

	TAI NATIONAL WEBSITE
	TAI MERCHANDISE & MEMORABILIA
	PICTURE PERFECT ENGRAVING

Nebraska Tuskegee Airmen

ALFONZA W. DAVIS CHAPTER Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated (TAI)
“Ever Onward, Ever Upward”

Chapter History The Alfonza W. Davis chapter of the TAI was chartered on April 23, 1988 as a private organization on Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. A request to establish a local TAI chapter in the Omaha-Bellevue area was proposed by Maj (Ret) Bobby C. McGlown, and then assigned to Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Offutt AFB. After submission of the Chapter’s Constitution and By-Laws, the Chapter was incorporated by the State of Nebraska July 14, 1988 and chartered by TAI National Headquarters on September 10, 1988. As a private non-profit organization, the preamble (purpose) as it was originally submitted on April 23, 1988, reads: “To establish a local organization whose goals are to support the objectives of TAI National and to perpetuate the activities and achievements of those Americans who shared in the aspirations and frustrations of pioneering men and women in the Tuskegee experiment, United States (Army Air Corps) Forces; and to actively motivate youth --- particularly minorities --- to outstanding achievement and leadership in our Democratic Society.” Maj (Ret) Bobby C. McGlown was the Chapter’s first president. Other past presidents include Ms Nancy Guthrie, Col Allen Kirkman, Jr., SMSgt (Ret) Albert C. Lofton, Capt (Ret) Robert D. Rose, and Maj (Ret) Lou Annette Williams. The current president is BGen (Ret) Randolph Scott. Each president’s legacy was built upon the vision and goals outlined by the founders. Our Vision – “A rapidly growing multicultural, demographically diverse organization that aggressively and positively promotes public education and awareness of the Tuskegee Experience and the legacy of those who endured and survived. A membership that is a resource dedicated to encouraging youth to aim high and dream big.” Our Goals – “(1) To expand our relationships within the community and grow a dynamic membership based on quality leadership with high purpose and high achievement. (2) To increase awareness of the heroes within our community and use their courage, competence, and endurance as a positive examples to motivate youth to excel. (3) To make the 99th Civil Air Patrol (CAP) squadron one of the best in Nebraska. (4) To make membership in this Chapter an experience of shared vision, mission, and value that brings community and families together.

The Alfonza W. Davis Chapter is proud to have a core membership of four original Tuskegee Airmen: Lt Col (Ret) Paul Adams, Lt Col (Ret) Charles A. Lane Jr., Lt Col (Ret) Harrison A. Tull and Cpl (Ret) Robert D. Holts. All four of our original Tuskegee Airmen actively involve themselves with youth programs and community based organizations throughout the State of Nebraska. Each year the Alfonza W. Davis chapter participates in the TAI National Level Scholarship Fund. This program has been instrumental in bring awareness to Tuskegee and its purpose of motivating young people to excel academically in science, math, and aviation. For the past several years, the Alfonza W. Davis Chapter has nominated several individuals for the scholarship, with favorable results. Each year, deserving AFJROTC cadets at four area high schools (Abraham Lincoln HS, Plattsmouth HS, Bellevue East HS and Bellevue West HS) are awarded $1500 TAI scholarships with achievement certificates and ribbons.

Also, for the past three years, this chapter has awarded the Noble E. Oxford Educational Award, named in honor of one of the past members of the Alfonza W. Davis Chapter, the late CMSgt Noble E. Oxford. Chief Oxford was a key figure in promoting the Tuskegee experience in Omaha and the surrounding communities. He dedicated a significant part of his life mentoring and encouraging young people about the importance of higher education. We also award the Albert C. Lofton Educational Award, named in honor of another of our past chapter presidents; the late SMSgt Albert C. Lofton. “AC” Lofton was key in accomplishing a lot of Alfonza W. Davis Chapter achievements and art work. As a professional artist (both graphic and classic), he was instrumental in chapter art work that is still being used to date. Over the past three years, high school seniors throughout the area who are part of an accredited high school and who maintain a 2.5 grade point average or higher have competed for three $500 grants. They have benefited greatly from this program, and hope to continue to do so in the future.

The 99th Pursuit Squadron is an individually chartered unit of the CAP and was formed in 1991 by the community members of North Omaha. The cadets, ages 12-18 and participate in numerous activities including flying, ground school, first aid, navigation, search and rescue, communications, moral leadership, physical fitness, aerospace education, leadership laboratory, dining outs, flights on Air Force aircraft, and community service. The name “99th Pursuit Squadron” is derived from the first all-black squadron of aviators in World War II. Today, that name and insignia are proudly borne by the CAP squadron. Inaugurated in April 1991, the 99th was first commanded by Cadet TSgt Linda Williams. Cadet Williams was responsible for laying the groundwork and training the first set of cadets in the squadron. Cadet MSgt David Peoples-Pruitt, Commander Katrina N. Fairgood, Cadet Sgt Ricardo Peacock, Cadet MSgt Renata Kamenar, Cadet TSgt John Swanson, Cadet CMSgt Andy Anderson, and currently Cadet SMSgt Stewart Brown, have contributed immensely in leading the 99th Pursuit Squadron. The summer of 2009 has experienced the loss of the 99th CAP Commander, Lt Col (Ret) Michael A. Thomas, who served as the Squadron’s Commander. Previous Squadron Commander was Lt Col (Ret) Charles A. Lane Jr., Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen (DOTA). Currently, the 99th CAP is in a transition with command status, due to the sudden passing of Lt Col (Ret) Michael A. Thomas.

Our DOTA have frequently shared their Tuskegee Experiences with audiences of all ages and demographics. They travel throughout the Omaha area and the rest of Nebraska, speaking to various groups and organizations about their experiences during World War II. Their uplifting and well-received talks motivate others to pursue their dreams and goals regardless of obstacles they may face. On many occasions, our DOTA’s are recognized for their contributions during the war and their lasting accomplishments in recent years. On January 22, 2004, three of our originals (Lt Cols Adams, Lane, and Tull) were inducted into the Nebraska Aviation Hall of Fame. Also, on January 24, 2008 an additional group of native Omahans, that were DOTA’s were inducted. This group included Cpl Robert D. Holts, John L. Harrison, Woodrow F. Morgan, Lt. Ralph Orduna, Capt Pruitt and Edward W. Watkins.

Notable and honorary members of the Chapter include: Gen (Ret) John T. Chain Jr., former Commander Strategic Air Command; Gen (Ret) Eugene E. Habiger, former Commander United States Strategic Command; Lt Gen (Ret) Martin G. Colladay, former Vice Commander Strategic Air Command; Brig Gen (Ret) Regis Urschler, former Commander 55th Wing; Lt Col Michael P. Anderson, NASA astronaut, and Mrs. Bertha Calloway, Director and founder, Great Plains Black Museum.

Our Chapter Creed: “Individuals of different races, sexes, ages, ranks and socio-economic backgrounds are joined by shared respect and admiration for those legends of World War II, who endured and survived the Tuskegee Experience. They honor the constituted directives to faithfully pursue historical integrity and accuracy of events of the times and to preserve and perpetuate the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. Members use the example of the Tuskegee Airmen’s character, perseverance and professionalism to motivate youth to high aspirations and achievement.”

Chapter Objectives The chapter's objectives are first to bring together all persons of the military and civilian communities to learn of the aspirations, frustrations, and successes of pioneering men and women in military aviation. Additionally we conduct historical research and documentation of the achievements of those Tuskegee Airmen who served our country. Finally, we inspire our youth to outstanding achievement and leadership through social and educational activities.

Chapter Membership This chapter is one of 45 nationwide and its membership includes four original Tuskegee Airmen. They are: Lt Col (Ret) Paul Adams, Lt Col (Ret) Charles A. Lane, Jr., Lt Col (Ret) Harrison A. Tull and Mr. Robert D. Holts. (View biographies) The Davis Chapter also sponsors the 99th Pursuit Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol (CAP). Located in north Omaha, this CAP unit targets and inspires cadets ages 12 to 18 through aviation activities.

Become a Member of the Davis Chapter To become a member of the Alfonza W. Davis chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, the applicant must be of good moral standing within the community and be recommended or sponsored by a current active member. Membership costs consist of a National and Local Chapter dues. Both the National and Chapter are due NLT 31 January of each year. In addition, an application (TAI Form 2) will be submitted to the National home office for both new and current members. For membership dues, click here (TAI Membership Dues).

REGULAR: A Regular Member is one who is willing to work towards achieving the goals and objectives of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. and the local Chapter.
PATRON: A Patron Member is one who agrees to support the aims of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., and the local Chapter, but cannot commit to regular participation. Patron members cannot vote or hold elected offices.
STUDENT: A Student Member is one who is interested in learning about the Tuskegee Experience, and Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., and is enrolled in any ROTC Program. Student Members shall not have the right to vote or hold elected offices.
JUNIOR: A Junior Member is a young person interested in learning about the Tuskegee Airmen, and is participating in JrROTC, CAP, Scouting Programs, or Aviation Clubs sanctioned by the local Chapter. Junior Members shall not have the right to vote or hold elected offices.

Tuskegee Airmen - Alfonza W. Davis Chapter is a 501.3.c entity. As such, all donations and dues are tax deductible. Please direct questions and membership applications to TAI, P.O. Box 13036, Offutt AFB, Nebraska 68113

*The name “Tuskegee Airmen” and associated image logo is registered as the sole property of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. Reproducing, copying or using the name “Tuskegee Airmen” or the associated logo is prohibited unless otherwise given permission from Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.

NEBRASKA TUSKEGEE AIRMEN
2401 Lake Street (Lake Point Building) • Omaha, NE 68111

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