Members of the Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation and supporters gathered in Phoenix, Arizona on September 16th and 17th for several events in support of the Foundation.
On Wednesday evening, September 16th, the Greater Phoenix Chapter of Blacks In Government (BIG) hosted a scholarship dinner honoring living Tuskegee Airmen. Attending the dinner were eight Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen - four from California and four from Arizona. The foundation was presented a $500.00 check from the BIG Chapter.
Christoph M. Roshardt, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Phoenix hosted several of the Tuskegee Airmen and guests for breakfast on the morning of September 17th in the hotel's dining room.
The University of Phoenix honored the Tuskegee Airmen on their campus with "Tuskegee Airmen Appreciation Day". The event was well attended by staff and students. Cases of the book "Lonely Eagles" were sold and autographed by the Tuskegee Airmen. Photos, documents, model planes, commemorative medals, and other Tuskegee Airmen artifacts were on display for viewing. The University of Phoenix capped off the day by hosting a luncheon for the Airmen.
The Foundation expresses its appreciation to Ms. Cleopatra Jamison and her committee for coordinating the Scholarship Dinner and to Ms. Jackie Robinson and staff of the University of Phoenix for "Tuskegee Airmen Appreciation Day".
(L to R) Oliver Goodall; Ted Lumpkin; Maria Mora, Sales Manager, The Ritz-Carlton Phoenix; Buford Johnson; and Jerry Hodges
(L to R) Oliver Goodall, Ted Lumpkin, Diane Butler, Hazel Gaines, Buford Johnson, and Jerry Hodges
John Flowers (left), President of the Greater Phoenix Chapter of Blacks In Government, presents Jerry Hodges (right), President of TASF, with a $500.00 contribution for the Scholarship Foundation on behalf of the chapter.
Tuskegee Airman Dr. Thurston Gaines of Phoenix, Arizona and Rachel Taylor, Greater Orange County Chapter (CA) of Blacks In Government at Dinner event on September 16, 2009
Jerry Hodges autographing books for students and staff at the University of Phoenix
Buford Johnson signing books at the University of Phoenix event
Gary Harrah (left), University of Phoenix, accepting a replica of the Tuskegee Airmen Congressional Gold Medal for his support of the Scholarship Foundation from Farrell J. Chiles (right), TASF Vice President for Resource Development
Oliver Goodall; Ted Lumpkin; Christoph M. Roshardt, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton Phoenix; Buford Johnson; and Jerry Hodges
