MHFP Quarterly Update - January 2024
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“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” —Aristotle
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Soaring Beyond Limits - MHF Events
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Boeing Blue Sky Aviation Gallery - October 2023 marked another exciting beginning, commencing our 28th year. MHF continues to grow, and we welcomed over 60 new and returning students to our 2023 – 2024 program. We hosted our kickoff event at the Boeing Blue Sky Aviation Gallery. Students had an opportunity to fly the Gallery’s assortment of desktop flight simulators, learn about drone technology, experience firsthand the effects of spatial disorientation in their Gyro Demonstrator and many other activities. One of our newest students was excited to show us the jacket worn by his uncle, who was an original Tuskegee Airmen. We also express our heartfelt gratitude for the generous donation received from Chapter 7 of Mount Evans Lodge. Their ongoing support is invaluable, and we are fortunate to count them among our steadfast supporters.
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United Airlines Maintenance Facility - We extend our gratitude to the United Airlines maintenance team, headed by Senior Manager of Aircraft Maintenance Nick Accardi, for their accommodating support in November. Andrea Martinez, Mile High Flight Crew, exhibited excellent coordination skills, working seamlessly with various organizations to bring this event to fruition. Our tour also included a presentation by the Denver Fire Department’s first responders, stationed at DIA. The accolades from our students and parents are pouring in, highlighting the valuable insights gained about United's maintenance programs.
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Buckley Space Force - In December we added a new tour to our schedule, Buckley Space Force Base. We were hosted by the men and women of the 140th Wing and were privileged to receive a welcome and briefings from the 140th’s Commander, Public Affairs staff, mechanics, ops personnel and of course, some of the 140th’s finest fighter pilots. The highlight of our tour was seeing F-16’s from the 120th Fighter Squadron return for landing after completing their training mission.
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Acknowledging Heritiage, Igniting Tomorrow's Promise
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A Historic Promotion at the USAF vs. Army Game
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On November 4, 2023, we celebrated a historic milestone as Lieutenant Colonel James H. Harvey III, the last Tuskegee Airman in Colorado, was promoted to Colonel during the United States Air Force vs. Army game at Empower Field in Denver. The promotion was bestowed upon him by General CQ Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Witnessing Colonel Harvey make history once again was the highlight for everyone at the game. Let's all strive to follow his inspiring example and do our best. Colonel Harvey is undeniably an inspiration to us all.
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Paying Tribute to a Legacy - Lieutenant Colonel John M. Mosley
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On October 13, 2023, a momentous ceremony was held marking the commencement of the John W. Mosley Veteran's Affairs Clinic in Aurora. What an exceptional honor for both the Mosley Family and the revered Tuskegee Airmen! Eric Mosley(son) eloquently delivered heartfelt remarks on behalf of the Mosley Family, with many family members present to witness this significant occasion.
This clinic stands as a tribute to the legacy of a veteran who ardently fought for our nation, symbolizing his unwavering service and patriotism. It also pays homage to the indomitable spirit of the Tuskegee Airmen and the esteemed Lieutenant Colonel Mosley. As a vital recognition of American history, it serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for our freedom. Anticipated to open within a year, the John W. Mosley Veteran's Affairs Clinic is poised to become a beacon of honor and support for those who have served and sacrificed.
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Former Students Making Strides: Onward & Upward!
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Traye Jackson
MHF graduate Traye Jackson continues to make us proud. Pictured here, standing in front of his new “office”, the Dassault Falcon jet. Traye just finished his training and looks forward to gaining international experience in this three-engine dream machine.
Traye writes: “Good morning, I just wanted to say thank you for all that the mile high flight program has done for me. I just started with a part 135 private jet charter recently. In the past weeks, I passed my company oral and passed my part 135 check ride recently in Dallas. I start my first rotation in a couple of days. I'll make sure to take a picture in the uniform and include everyone in the program in an email once I officially start. I hope all is going well and I'm going to try to make it back out to CO in December so we can all reconnect. Once again thank you.”
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Fueling Futures: Student Scholarships
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The Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation (TASF) grants scholarship awards to deserving young men and women. The mission of TASF is to honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen by providing motivation, access and scholarships to assist financially and academically deserving students in the pursuit of careers in aviation, aerospace, STEM as well as other disciplines. Each year the Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation (TASF) grants scholarship awards to deserving young men and women. The number of scholarships awarded is directly related to income received from Foundation investments. Forty (40) or more awards of one $1,500 are typically available each year. These awards are provided on a one-time, first year basis only.
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Navigating Program Success through Data Insights
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We wrapped up our 27th year by offering an exit survey to students, and the results were very encouraging.
As a result of their participation in the Mile High Flight Program:
- 100% of responding students stated that they were likely to very likely to attend college after graduation from high school.
- 90% of respondents said they were very likely to pursue careers in aviation.
- 70% of our respondents stated that they were likely to pursue other career opportunities in STEM related career fields.
One of our MHF parents took time to share his feelings about the Mile High Flight Program and what it means to his daughter.
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"This program has been second to none. First, I would like to express my gratitude to the staff, Nicole, John, Darryl, Christian, Kamia, and many others who are not named. This program expands further than just Flying! I had the privilege to attend each monthly event over the last 12 months with my daughter. We learned about airline operation & safety, the sciences of flight, outer space programs, aeronautical acrobatics, drone flight & operations, advancement of technology with aviation, and the best part was having fun. The program allows students the opportunity to identify the area of aviation they want to study and/or pursue. MHF is not just about flight, it’s truly more than that! Aside from providing direction and knowledge, this program serves all youth regardless of what their socio-economic status, race, and gender. This gives them an opportunity to explore a field/profession that would not otherwise be easily accessible or affordable. I must thank the Tuskegee Airmen for paving a path for my daughter to have the opportunity to go chase her DREAM! This program knocks down those racial, gender, and social economic barriers!"
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Make a Charitable Donation to the MHFP - Click Here
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