“On the other side of a storm is the strength that comes from having navigated through it. Raise your sail and begin.” — Gregory S. Williams

Hello, Mile High Friends and Supporters,

As most of you know, MHF “Crew Member” Captain Darryl Searuggs passed away on the morning of July 28. Darryl had been ill for some time, but he handled it with grace, courage, and an unwavering faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 


Captain Searuggs invested his heart and soul into the Mile High Flight program and was indispensable, as a Lead Coordinator for over 20 years. He encouraged thousands, mentored hundreds and launched the careers of scores, in aviation, aerospace and STEM professions. Darryl graduated from Metropolitan State University and was a decorated Air Force Instructor and Command Pilot, before being hired by FedEx. At the end of his career at FedEx, he flew internationally as a B777 Captain.


October 11, 2025 marked the 30th anniversary of the Mile High Flight Program and Daryl was instrumental in its success. We dedicate this milestone year in his honor. Darryl was a fighter to the very end. His life is a testament to the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, as was his passing.


We salute his memory and carry on with our mission: “To introduce minority and other motivated youth, to the unlimited possibilities available to them…proudly share the history of the Tuskegee Airmen…help each student to recognize that through hard work and a good “flight plan”, nothing is beyond their reach!”

Tailwinds, Captain Searuggs. Job Well done!

Captain Mosley and the MHF “Crew”

Guided by History, Driven by Hope

Honoring Excellence: Lemuel R. Custis Award

We are proud to celebrate Captain John Frazier, this year’s recipient of the prestigious Lemuel R. Custis Award from the National Tuskegee Airmen. This distinguished honor recognizes individuals who embody the courage, leadership, and trailblazing spirit of the original Tuskegee Airmen.

John’s dedication and commitment to advancing opportunities in aviation inspire all of us at the Mile High Flight Program. His achievements remind us that the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen lives on through those who continue to break barriers and uplift future generations.

Please join us in congratulating Captain John Frazier on this well-deserved recognition!

Celebrating Our Phase 2 Trailblazers

We’re thrilled to announce that two outstanding students have soared to new heights—completing Phase 2 Flight Training and achieving their first solo flights! MHF Crewmembers were there to cheer on our newest aviators as they made history in the cockpit.


Keaton Cornella took to the skies solo on July 28, and Emma Oliver followed on August 21, both launching from Colorado Air and Space Port. With clear skies and calm winds, Emma and Keaton embraced the challenge and took flight as “Pilots In Command” for the very first time. Join us in celebrating these remarkable milestones on their journey to becoming future aerospace leaders!

Soaring Beyond MHFP

Anna James

In our previous newsletter, we reported that MHF solo student Anna James was awarded a $10,000 flight scholarship from the Wings Over The Rockies Air And Space Museum. She continues to do well and we just received an update on her progress. Keep Climbing Higher, Anna! She writes:  


“Good evening Captains! Just a quick update that I passed my Private Pilot License written exam yesterday. My check ride is set to be in a month, and all I need is some more solo time! I couldn’t have done it without you guys, thank you again!”

Alijah Sawyer

2024 Phase 2 student Alijah Sawyer has taken a path away from aviation, but we couldn’t be more proud of the direction his life has taken. His grandmother gave this update: 

Alijah has joined the United States Navy and is expected to ship out in September to boot camp in Great Lakes, IL. Alijah has been accepted into the elite Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit Joint Base in Charleston, S C. Alijah will begin technical training at "A" School after completing boot camp.

Following "A"School, he will attend Nuclear Power School where he will learn nuclear physics and reactor engineering. After Nuclear Power School, Alijah will undergo further training at the Naval Nuclear Power Unit in Balliston Spa, NY, focusing on operating and maintaining nuclear reactor plants and steam plants.

We are very proud of Alijah, and equally grateful to the Mile High Flight Program for the exceptional experience and opportunity afforded Alijah during his time in the program. Thank you MHF Team!”

Noah Underdown

MHF grad Noah Underdown decided that his place and purpose was fixing jets rather than flying them. Noah’s decided to pursue his A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) license and become an aircraft mechanic. One of our signature tours is the United Airlines Maintenance facility at DIA. It’s been great to provide our students with a variety of experiences that have opened doors to a wide range of opportunities. We know that Noah will become a worldclass jet mechanic.

Kelsey Palacio

Success is a “family thing”, and aviation is in their blood! 2024 Phase 2 solo student Kelsey Palacio is the cousin of MHFP graduate Andrea Martinez, (now a United Airlines pilot and instructor). Andrea and her husband Willy Martinez (also a pilot for United Airlines) are part of the Mile High Flight “Crew”, helping to encourage and develop the next generation of aviation/aerospace/STEM professionals. She just let us know that her flight training in sunny Florida progresses well. She writes:

“My journey started with the Mile High Flight Program in Colorado. Through this amazing opportunity I gained many lessons from ground school classes to in flight maneuvers. In about 2 months I was ready to solo and after this I felt so happy and proud to have reached this milestone. Returning home to Florida, I started my senior year of high school while staying connected to aviation. I joined both the Latin Pilots Association and Women in Aviation, becoming a member of the Orlando chapters. During school breaks I focused on completing the requirements needed to receive my private pilot license . After graduating high school I attended more ground classes in order to prepare for the written. I recently took it and passed! I'm now working towards my check ride to soon get my PPL. I will always appreciate the Mile High Flight Program for giving me the foundation and encouragement I needed to start this journey. Their support helped shape my path and continues to inspire growth in my aviation journey and taught me valuable lessons.”

Thomas Gaither

Thomas Gaither is one of our best Phase 2 solo graduates. He’s now a MHF “Crewmember” and was key to our successful flight training program this Summer:


“Hi Mile High Flight Program Crew! I am busy working on my commercial airplane rating at Western Air Flight Academy. I recently passed my Instrument Airplane Add-on practical exam. This achievement gave me both a sense of relief as well as a boost in motivation to continue my flight training. The work that was put into completing the add-on felt difficult at times but completely paid off in the end. I also graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a bachelors degree in Sociology in May 2024. I can say with confidence that the Mile High Flight Program has directly contributed to my development as a pilot and a professional in the General Aviation industry. The opportunity to participate in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the program opened my mind to the endless possibilities the aviation industry has to offer. The support that I received from the MHFP crew both during and after I was a student showed me that aviation is what I want to pursue for the rest of my life.”

Soaring Higher: Major Grants Fuel MHFP's Mission!

We are excited to share that the Hubert L. "Hooks" Jones Chapter has recently received significant support from two nationally recognized foundations:


• $5,000 from the El Pomar Foundation
• $30,000 from the JetBlue Airways Foundation
  

This generous funding will empower us to continue inspiring the next generation of aerospace leaders and sharing the success stories of our students and alumni.


A heartfelt thank you to our chapter President, Gabrielle Martin, and Board Chair, John Porche, for their dedication in securing these grants. Their leadership ensures we can drive our mission forward and expand our impact.

Scholarship Opportunity Highlight: Jeppesen

Looking to take your aviation journey even further? This quarter, we’re excited to spotlight the Jeppesen, A Boeing Company, Scholarship—a $5,000 award supporting aspiring pilots!

Eligibility:

• Working toward a private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate, or instrument rating
• Full-time student (high school, flight program, or college, GPA 3.0+)


Requirements:

• Passion for flying
• Complete training within one year
• Two reference letters
  

Funds go directly to your flight school. Take your aviation dreams higher!

Be an Inspiration: Share Your Experience

We want to hear from YOU! Whether you’re a student, parent, donor, educator, or supporter, your story matters and can inspire others. Sharing your experience with our program helps us grow, improve, and continue making a difference. Take a moment to write a testimonial and let your voice be part of our journey. Your words could be exactly what someone needs to hear to take flight with us!

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