“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence". — Vince Lombardi

Hello Mile High Students, Friends and Supporters,

Thirty years ago, a vision took flight. Today, that vision continues to transform lives.

As we close another incredible year of the Mile High Flight Program, we're filled with gratitude for our students, families, volunteers, donors, mentors, and supporters who make this mission possible. This milestone year was especially meaningful as we honored the legacy of our dear friend and leader, Captain Darryl Searuggs.

His passion for mentoring young people and his unwavering belief in service continue to guide everything we do. Every student who discovers a new passion for aviation, every solo flight, every scholarship earned, and every professional milestone reached is part of the legacy he helped create

As usual, our final weeks and months have been a whirlwind of activities: tours, success stories and life-changing breakthroughs. “Phase 2” Solo Flight training is in full swing, and this year, the ladies “ran the tables”. Shabnam Abdullai and Bea Miller were selected to receive scholarships and learn how to fly. Training began on June 1 and both are making good progress.

In past years, we gave Phase 2 students flight bags filled with the manuals and study materials needed for training. Since most pilots now use iPads, we provided Shabnam with a new one. Captain John Frazier also worked with Jeppesen to provide Bea and Shabnam with a complete set of training resources, including the Private Pilot Syllabus, Textbook, Maneuvers Manual, Knowledge Test Guide, Practical Test Guide, and the popular ForeFlight aviation app.

Watching our students take their first steps toward becoming pilots never gets old. Every milestone reminds us why this program exists—to open doors, inspire dreams, and help young people discover what's possible.

Blue skies and tailwinds,

Captain Mosley and the MHF “Crew”

Skyward Bound - MHF Events

United States Air Force Academy

On April 4, we visited one of the world’s premier technical universities: the United States Air Force Academy. The weather was perfect, and the students were eager for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Colonel Candice Pipes, USAFA Director of Admissions, hosted us and gave our students a warm welcome. The tour included a comprehensive admissions briefing, a visit to the Academy’s world-class research complex, and a stop at their expansive dining facility, where 4,000 cadets can eat at the same time! Academy graduate and United Airlines Captain Rob Robison did an outstanding job coordinating the event.

Powered Flight Orientation

On May 9, we held our Powered Flight Orientation at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Broomfield. Five aircraft were scheduled to give more than 20 students—many flying in a light aircraft for the first time—an opportunity to take to the skies. Captain Frazier led the team in interviewing 16 outstanding candidates for Phase 2, while First Officer Willy Martinez, Andrea Martinez, and Nicole Frazier kept flight operations running smoothly. MHFP Phase 2 graduates Emma Oliver, Sareina Corvid, and Keaton Cornella played important roles in selecting this year’s Phase 2 recipients, with valuable input from MHFP “Crew” member Nate Hudnall.

Owl Canyon Glider Port

Our final Phase 1 event of the 2025–2026 year was a glider flight event at Owl Canyon Glider Port. Once again, we had a large group scheduled to fly over two days, and our 23 students were eager to get in the air and soar. Saturday went flawlessly and finished ahead of schedule. Sunday began well, but rising winds forced us to cancel operations for the rest of the day. We were grateful for the support of the Owl Canyon volunteers, who offered flights for the remaining students the following weekend. Their generosity continued, with a FAST (Fly A Sailplane Today) scholarship for one of our most deserving students. Noah Turner will receive three free flight lessons this summer. Special thanks also to crew members Thomas Gaither and Nate Hudnall, who ensured that our glider flights ran on time.

On the Move

One of the greatest measures of the Mile High Flight Program's success is watching our alumni continue to soar long after leaving the program. Here are just a few of the exciting milestones our graduates have recently shared.

Shay Farrell

We've proudly followed the remarkable aviation career of 2011 Phase II graduate Shay Farrell, and we're excited to celebrate another milestone. Shay recently shared this update with the Mile High Flight Crew: "Good morning, MHFP Crew! Promotion to Major came earlier than expected. I'm also headed to Safety School in Pensacola this weekend. I'll be updating you the minute I have the certificate. Hope all is well! Tailwinds and Semper Fi!"

From Phase II graduate to United States Marine Corps Major, Shay continues to exemplify servant leadership and excellence. His journey reminds today's students that hard work, discipline, and perseverance truly pay off. Congratulations, Major Farrell—we're incredibly proud of you and wish you continued success.

Hakeem Khaleel


Congratulations to 2021 Phase II graduate Hakeem Khaleel on earning his Multi-Engine Rating! Hakeem recently shared the exciting news with the Mile High Flight Crew: "Hey MHF Crew! I hope all is well. Today I passed my Multi-Engine Rating!" We're incredibly proud of Hakeem and all he continues to accomplish.

Every new rating opens another door in aviation. Congratulations on another major achievement—we're excited to watch your journey continue.

Keaton Cornella

2025 Phase II graduate Keaton Cornella is already soaring to new heights! Keaton recently earned his Private Pilot Certificate and shared the exciting news with the Mile High Flight Crew: "Got my private!!!! Thank you so much for everything along the way!! I also took a picture with the DPE wearing my MHFP shirt so I could help show the success of the program!"

Even after earning his certificate, Keaton proudly represented the Mile High Flight Program by wearing his MHFP t-shirt during his check ride celebration—a reminder that once you're part of the MHFP family, you're always part of the family. Congratulations, Keaton! We can't wait to see where your aviation journey takes you next!

Naeim Tantawi

Congratulations to Naeim Tantawi, a Mile High Flight Program participant, on receiving a $1,000 academic scholarship from the Hubert L. "Hooks" Jones Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. Naeim was recognized during the chapter's May General Membership Meeting and will attend Metropolitan State University of Denver this fall, where he plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Sciences. The scholarship was presented by Board Member Vorry Moon. We wish Naeim continued success as he begins this exciting new chapter in his aviation journey!

Ricardo Zapata

A Mile High Flight Program alumnus recently shared an exciting update on his academic journey at the University of Colorado. Since graduating from the program, he has successfully completed challenging coursework in statics, calculus, aerospace electronics, aerodynamics, orbital mechanics, and more as he works toward his aerospace engineering degree.

Ricardo's senior capstone project demonstrates exactly where determination and education can lead. His GPS-independent autonomous UAV is an impressive accomplishment and reflects the advanced engineering skills he has developed during his time at the University of Colorado. Read More

Congratulations on this incredible achievement! Your hard work, innovation, and determination embody the spirit of the Mile High Flight Program. We can't wait to see what you accomplish next!

Families in Flight

Every student has a story. Every family has a journey.



The greatest measure of our success isn't measured in flight hours—it's measured in the lives we help shape. Here's what a few of our MHFP families had to say about their experience.

“The MHFP program has been amazing for our daughter, who has a deep love of physics and engineering. She is in the unfortunate circumstance of being raised by 2 liberal arts majors, who do not know the first thing about advising her in the arena of flying, physics, etc.! We are so grateful to the crew of this program, for so many reasons. Not only have they exposed our child to amazing experiences via field trips, flying opportunities, etc., but they are some of the nicest people you could ever meet. The program has become a STEM family to our daughter, and we will miss them enormously when our daughter graduates next year.”


-Shauna Veen

“We are so grateful for the investment and mentorship from the leaders of the program. What wonderful novel experiences for youth interested in careers in aviation!”

-Kristen Eisenman

“The MHFP has been a total Godsend for mine and my Youth's lives. My Daughter has been able to gain many once in a lifetime experiences from an astonishing group of Professionals. The knowledge from each Pilot, Veteran, Retiree, Volunteer, etc. during this season of the Program, was breathtaking to say the least. As a supporting Parent, I am very grateful to each of these kind Folks for all they have provided to our Scholar's. From the testimonies they have all triumphed through and shared, to the opportunities given to our future generations. They've even motivated me to enroll back into school for my own AMT (Aircraft Maintenance Technician) Certification. I never thought I'd be so fascinated with this field of work in Aviation. But through the many Pillar's orchestrating this Program, I have gained a new bright-eyed passion for this craft. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Mile High Flight Crew and the Tuskegee Airmen Organization. ~~Rise Above. Never Quit. Expect To Win."


-Portia Pearson

Cleared for Legacy

Whether you've attended one event or completed the entire program, we'd love to hear how the Mile High Flight Program has impacted your life. Your story could inspire the next student to take that first step toward an aviation career.

At Mile High Flight, we believe every generation has a responsibility to inspire the next. Our volunteers have spent decades in military and civilian aviation, and they proudly pass that knowledge, encouragement, and opportunity on to the students who will someday follow in their footsteps.

Pictured below left is MHFP “Crew Member”, Captain Ray Evans, who recently flew with MHFP Phase 2 graduate (now United Airlines 737 First Officer) Mycol Alexander, on a recent flight from Denver International Airport.

Pictured below right is MHFP “Crew Member” Willy Martinez, with Phase 2 student Shabnam Abdullai, at Starbucks.

We hope to launch a new mentoring feature next year, called “Coffee with the Captains”, where we’ll meet with MHFP students for coffee/tea, offering them an opportunity to ask questions in smaller, more personal groups. More information to follow.

Be an Inspiration: Share Your Experience

Every pilot has a story. Every family has a memory. Every volunteer has a reason they serve.

Whether you've attended one event or completed the entire program, we'd love to hear how the Mile High Flight Program has impacted your life. Your story could inspire the next student to take that first step toward an aviation career.

Thank you for believing in our students, supporting our mission, and helping us preserve the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen through the next generation of aviation leaders.

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