By JACKIE CARLISLE
Community News Editor
Tuskegee News
Updated Sep 30, 2010 – 06:25:07 EDT
A full circle has been completed. The Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (TAI) National Headquarters is finally located back where it began — Tuskegee, Alabama.
Currently the headquarters is located on the second floor of the Tuskegee Human and Civil Rights Multicultural Center, with final plans being made for Hanger No. 2 at the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site at Moton Field.
“It is the Alpha and Omega of the program,” said Brigadier General (Ret.) Leon Johnson, National President of TAI.
Members of the TAI?Executive Committee held a reception at the new headquarters Thursday, September 23. Community leaders present during the reception included Dr. Charlotte P. Morris, Interim president of Tuskegee University, Attorney Fred D. Gray, Tuskegee Mayor Omar Neal, State Rep. Pebblin Warren (D-Tuskegee) and Lt. Col. Herbert E. Carter, an original Tuskegee Airmen.
Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. president Leon Johnson, right, talks with Tuskegee Mayor Omar Neal about TAI’s relocation of its headquarters to the Human and Civil Rights Multicultural Center.
TAI was created to honor the accomplishments and perpetuate the history of black Americans who participated in air crew, ground crew and operations support training in the Army Air Corps during World War II. The organization also introduces young people across the nation to the world of aviation and science by programs as Young Eagles and TAI youth programs and activities.
TAI also provides annual scholarships and awards to deserving individuals, groups and corporations whose deeds lend support to TAI’s goals. TAI also gives awards to deserving cadets in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps.
“What we want people to know that TAI is not an exclusive organization,” Johnson said. “It is open to all people who want to preserve the rich documented heritage and legacy of the original Tuskegee Airmen.”