Have you thought about the legacy of our remaining WWII veterans? The age of COVID has taken so much from us all, but struck our older veterans especially hard. As one example, the East Coast Chapter of the venerable Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated (ECCTAI) now numbers six Tuskegee Airmen. ECCTAI, like many patriotic nonprofits, is addressing the challenge of honoring and maintaining the legacy of these warriors by holding a virtual gala on March 27 at 7 p.m. (Eastern) honoring the 80th anniversary of the Tuskegee Airmen Experiment. In addition to learning about the proud history of the Tuskegee units, the presentation will also include the six ECCTAI Airmen. The funds raised will be used to support the Youth in Aviation Program and the RSVP link is https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tuskegee-airmen-80th-anniversary-the-legacy....
ECCTAI is a local nonprofit organization, 501(c)3, made of military, civilian professionals, business owners and enthusiasts dedicated to expanding, instructing and educating the opportunities within the aviation industry. Our chapter has spent decades sharing the historical experiences of the original Tuskegee Airmen with the students within the Washington, DC Metropolitan area.
Every year ECCTAI offers scholarships that assist financially disadvantaged young men and women in pursuit of higher education with studies in aviation, aerospace and science technology. For students to qualify, they must be graduates of high school or currently college students. Students are required to maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.

Submitted by Chris Hauth, USAF (ret.)
1st Vice Commander, American Legion Dyer-Gunnell Post 180, Vienna, Va.