“RISE ABOVE” PRESENTED WITH SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

During the Chairman’s Banquet on the evening of December 7, the Commemorative Air Force’s Red Tail Squadron was presented with the ICAS Special Achievement Award for its new “Rise Above” program, conceived and developed as a tool to help inspire school-age children and young adults, using the story of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II as an example of persevering and succeeding under difficult circumstances.

The program is built around a meticulously-restored P-51C Mustang painted in the squadron colors of the famed Tuskegee Airmen 332nd Fighter Group and an innovative tractor trailer that expands into a small, mobile theater at air shows, schools and other locations. The program encourages students to aim high, believe in themselves, use their brains, never quit, be ready to go, and expect to win.

From time to time, the ICAS Board of Directors votes to present its Special Achievement Award to an individual or organization that it would like to recognize for making a special contribution to the air show or aviation communities.