CAF CAF Red Tail Project MOVES AHEAD

Omaha, NE - 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 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.

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The tail cone of the airplane is on display at the Tuskegee Airmen, International Convention where donations are being accepted and CAF 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 CAF Red Tail Project moving forward and to rebuild our "tool a national treasure, the P51C "Tuskegee Airmen."

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