Educational Organization Aims to Inspire by Sharing Tuskegee Story

Founding leader Don Hinz summarized the Red Tail Project’s mission in simple, yet eloquent words:  “Inspire youth and tell the story of the Tuskegee Airmen all across America.”  Since its inception, the non-profit organization has dedicated itself to sharing the extraordinary legacy of the first African Americans to be trained as WWII military pilots; these brave servicemen served their country honorably, despite the tremendous prejudice and adversity they faced during that time in our nation’s history.

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The “Red Tails,” nicknamed for the red-painted tails that Tuskegee Airmen used to identify themselves, deployed to Europe, the Mediterranean, and North Africa. Forced to operate as segregated units, the 992 pilots were neither allowed to train, nor fight beside their white counterparts. Through their incredible dedication and skill, however, the Tuskegee Airmen quickly became one of the most requested fighter escorts, flying over 15,000 sorties in more than 1,500 missions. Their extraodinary combat achievements, vision, and dedication helped break the barriers of discrimination, despite all challenges.

The Red Tail Project is a true example of this unbreakable spirit.  In 2004, the project experienced a tragic setback when leader Don Hinz lost his life after the organization’s P-51C Mustang suffered a catastrophic engine failure. The Red Tail Project quickly set forth an ambitious mission to restore the airplane and continue Don Hinz’s remarkable vision. Five years later, through the tireless efforts of its volunteers, the Red Tail Project unveiled the restored aircraft, “Tuskegee Airmen,” at EAA AirVenture 2009.  With the plane flying once again, the organization hopes to turn its focus towards their next challenge, “Rise Above.” 

This traveling educational museum will allow the Red Tail Project to travel not just to air shows, but also schools and malls. The message remains: aim high, believe in yourself, use your brain, be ready to go, expect to win, and never quit. The Red Tail Project has certainly exemplified that message over these last years.

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