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Dear Vince,
Can you guess what is hot, hot, HOT! No, it’s not the sweltering Chicago weather. I’m talking about our sizzlin’ summer event on Juneteenth at Bult Field, in Monee!
The Air Race Classic, an all-women’s air race, made its fourth stop along their route at Bult Field in Monee, IL on June 19. We welcomed the racers with true Chapter warmth and style: Celebrating Juneteenth; Honoring Aviation's Salute to Pioneer Colorful Women - Bessie Coleman, Willa Brown and Janet Harmon Bragg; A Corvette Car Show by the Road Dogs Corvette Club; and DODO Chapter merchandise sales.
All these endeavors were accomplished swimmingly, and the Air Race Classic named Bult Field the best stop in the race!
We are only as strong as our members, and there’s so much work to do to spark and spread positivity in the world. I’m so glad that starts with you, and that we all continue to shine and light the way together.
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President
Chicago "DODO" Chapter
Tuskegee Airmen
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Click anywhere on the image below to view the June 19 events slide show. | |
Learning and Teaching out in the Community | |
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Chapter member Mike Jones has been actively engaging with local schools to educate students about the heroic legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. Recently, he also participated in a field trip to the Air Classics Museum, immersing himself in the aviation history he loves.
On May 18, 2024, Mike joined fellow chapter members Bob Brutvan, David Watkins (a student at the Aviation Institute of Maintenance-AIM), Jim Warren, and Vince Saunders for a guided tour by Treasurer Bill Roth. They explored the museum's collection of historic aircraft, gaining insights into their roles in past conflicts. Some planes needed restoration and de-birding, sparking an idea to involve AIM students in potential restoration projects, an idea Jones enthusiastically supported. (Read the Air Classics Museum post-event report from Vince and Bob here.)
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Mike and others have also been busy visiting area middle schools to teach young people about the role of the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II. “They were America’s secret weapon,” Jones told the students, stressing the Airmen's vital mission of escorting bombers through perilous skies. “We do not know what would have happened without their tenacity and perseverance.”
Jones and Watkins, both connected to different sides of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Aviation Division, have spoken at St. Gilberts Catholic School in Grays Lake on Veterans Day, for the past two years, about their experiences. “I was impressed by how enthusiastic the students were to learn, with questions about survival and the search and rescue equipment pilots need to fly over water,” said Jones. More recently he spoke to students at Evanston High School, inspiring them with stories of the feats of the Tuskegee Airmen and what it takes to be a pilot today.
His dedication to this cause was fostered by A.A. "Sammy" Rayner Jr., a founding member of the Chicago Chapter (read that story here), who first introduced him to the Tuskegee Airmen's legacy. This connection, rooted in community and family ties, motivates Mike to stay involved with his colleagues in the Chicago "DODO" Chapter, to continue honoring and sharing the Airmen's remarkable achievements.
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Biographies of Local Legends | |
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Lieutenant Ahmed A. “Sammy” Rayner Jr. was born in Chicago in 1918. His father, Ahmed Sr., was a mortician with degrees from Prairie View A&M University, Worsham College of Mortuary Science, and, later, John Marshall Law School. Rayner led an active life in high school as a member of the track team, ice skating team, and served as president of the Sign Painters Club and treasurer of the Civil Industrial Club.
Rayner received his wings in March 1944 and married Geraldine Chambers a few days later in Cairo, Illinois. He then received B-25 flight training at Mather Field in California. In May 1944, he joined the 616th Bombardment Squadron at Godman Field, Kentucky (located at Fort Knox). The squadron was part of the 477th Bombardment Group, the first and only bombardment group with Black aviators.
The above is excerpted from "The Daily Life of the Tuskegee Airmen: The Lieutenant Rayner Collection, by Elizabeth Borja, accessed July 2, 2024.
Read the full story, here, in the Smithsonian Archives
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Did you know that you can join to become a member of the Chicago "DODO" Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen? We work to preserve the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen through education and outreach programs to engage youth in pursuing careers in aviation. As a member you get involved in our membership events and volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
Our chapter thrives on membership!
Learn more and join today.
P.S. If you are already a member (thank you!), share this email to invite someone new!
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