CAF Red Tail to Visit the 1940 Air Terminal Museum in Houston

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron, America’s tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, will be at the 1940 Air Terminal Museum at Houston Hobby Airport with multiple opportunities for people of all ages to experience the inspiring story of the Tuskegee Airmen – America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel.  The event will feature the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit mobile theater, showing the original short film “Rise Above.”Visit the Museum Tuesday, November 17 through Saturday, November 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or Sunday November 21 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to learn more about the Tuskegee Airmen in this unique, interactive exhibit. Local youth and community groups are encouraged to reserve a private showing by contacting Amy Rogers of the 1940 Air Terminal Museum at (813) 454-1940 or amy.rogers@1940airterminal.org. Student groups that reserve a showing will receive a free CAF Red Tail Squadron inspirational dog tag featuring their guiding Six Principles – Aim High, Believe In Yourself, Use Your Brain, Be Ready To Go, Never Quit, Expect to Win.

 The RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit is a fully functional movie theater featuring the original short film “Rise Above.” This immersive experience is housed in a climate controlled 53’ semi trailer with expandable sides and equipped with a ramp and hydraulic lift to ensure access to all, comfortably accommodating 30 visitors for each showing.Because of its dynamic 160-degree panoramic screen, the film creates the feeling of being in the cockpit soaring above the clouds in the P-51C Mustang – the signature aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen in WWII. Audience members will learn what it was like for the Airmen as they worked toward their goal of becoming U.S. Army Air Corps pilots in the early 1940’s, and the obstacles they had the perseverance to overcome. At the conclusion of the film, audiences experience the excitement and thrill of flying this historic aircraft – touted the world’s greatest fighter – in formation, aerobatics and picturesque passes. View a preview at www.redtail.org/traveling-exhibit/.“The exhibit is truly a one-of-a-kind adventure,” said CAF Red Tail Squadron Leader and P-51C Mustang pilot Bill Shepard. “Kids and adults walk away from this experience with a greater understanding of the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. Their story, and that of the CAF Red Tail Squadron, is a means to inspire them to achieve their potential. It’s a message that resonates with all ages because of the unique and interactive way it is told. It’s an experience not to be missed.”

The 1940 Air Terminal Museum is located at 8325 Travelair Street in Houston on the west side of William P. Hobby AirpCAort, near Telephone Road. Standard admission rates to the Museum will apply, although entrance to the CAF Red Tail Squadron’s RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit is FREE! Visit www.1940airterminal.org/ for more information about the museum.

About the CAF Red Tail Squadron

The CAF Red Tail Squadron is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to educating audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel. Their three-fold outreach program includes an authentic, fully restored WWII-era P-51C Mustang, the signature aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen; the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit 53’ mobile theater featuring the original panoramic film “Rise Above”; and educational materials and programs for teachers and youth leaders. The CAF Red Tail Squadron is part of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). To learn more about the organization, it’s mission or to become a donor, visit www.redtail.org or follow the Squadron on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cafredtailsquadron.

About the Commemorative Air Force

Collecting and flying warbirds for over half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is the largest flying museum in the world. The CAF is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to honoring American military aviation history through flight, exhibition and remembrance. The organization feels this is best accomplished by keeping the aircraft flying. The CAF has approximately 11,000 members and a fleet of over 160 airplanes assigned to 70 units across the country. These units, comprised of CAF volunteer members, restore and operate the planes, which are viewed by more than 10 million spectators annually. Visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (877) 767-7175 for more information.