|
 |
 |
11/30/2004
Red
Tail Project Featured in Two Cleveland
Ohio |
|
11/11/2004
CAF Red Tail Project
Featured on WCCO radio program |
|
|
11/1/2004
Tuskegee Airmen
Flight Simulator Debuts at the
Mall of America |
|
8/4/2004
The CAF Red Tail Project
at the Tuskegee Airmen Convention |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| News
Story - 7/30/2004 |
CAF
CAF Red Tail Project MOVES AHEAD
Oshkosh, WI: The CAF Red Tail Project of the Commemorative
Air Force continues despite the loss of the P51C Mustang
"Tuskegee Airmen." The airplane was seriously
damaged in a forced landing accident on May 29, 2004,
which claimed the life of CAF Red Tail Project Leader Don
Hinz. The accident occurred at Bay City, Wisconsin as
a result of a failure in the camshaft drive assembly.
"This Project is not about an airplane; the airplane
is a tool we use to tell a story. We will continue our
work to tell the story of the Tuskegee Airmen and what
they represent" said Doug Rozendaal, CAF Red Tail Project
Director. The airplane, however, was an important tool
and we are pleased to announce today the restoration of
the P51C Mustang.
"Tuskegee Airmen" was
beginning it's fourth season making appearances at airshows
and other venues all across America telling the story
of the Tuskegee Airmen. Don Hinz believed this airplane
could be far more than an attraction at an airshow. He
believed this airplane could be an inspiration to young
people and there was an important story to tell; the story
of the Tuskegee Airmen, who in spite of incredible odds,
focused on a goal, demonstrated amazing self-discipline
and a desire to serve their country by
flying the airplanes of World War II.
top of page
The tail cone of the airplane is on display on Aeroshell
Square where donations are being accepted and Red Tail
Project mementos are available. This tail cone makes a
powerful statement. The beautiful red tail is an historic
icon and looking at it three things are clear; it represents
the Tuskegee Airmen;there has been a terrible loss; and,
the airplane is rebuildable. The CAF Red Tail Project will
travel to airshows and events where it can continue to
tell the story and find support for the CAF Red Tail Project
Education Fund.
The fuselage and wing sections have been moved to Tri-State
Aviation in Wahpeton, North Dakota where Gerry Beck and
Bob Odegaard of Odegaard Aviation will complete the restoration.
Gerry Beck said "There is more here than we started
with on the first rebuild." With proper funding the
airplane could be flying in as little as 24 months and
that is our goal.
We have raised over $75,000 since the accident towards
our goal of $2,000,000 to finance the restoration and
the CAF Red Tail Project Education Fund. Donations can be
made at www.redtail.org.
Don Hinz was a true friend and we miss him. He was also
a great visionary and leader. Those of us who worked closely
with him learned a great deal from him. Those skills and
the great example of the Tuskegee Airmen, who overcame
seemingly insurmountable obstacles to realize a dream
will serve as our guide on this mission to keep the Red
Tail Project moving forward and to rebuild our "tool
a national treasure, the P51C "Tuskegee Airmen."
www.redtail.org |
|
|
|
Website
Designed by Voila!
Media Group.