TUSKEGEE AIRMEN AND CAL POLY ROSE PARADE FLOAT

Gayle Anderson was live to see the West Covina Rose Float Foundation's entry title "Tuskegee Airmen - A Cut Above." It pays tribute to the service, bravery and commitment of the Tuskegee Airmen. The Tuskegee Airmen is the name of the group of African American pilots trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama. During WWII, many were assigned to the 332nd Fighter Group. This Fighter Group included the 99th Fighter Squadron that began training in July 1941 and served with distinction in North Africa and European campaigns. Also known as the "Red Tails" because of the distinctive red paint on the vertical stabilizers of the unit's aircraft. By the end of the war, 992 pilots were trained in Tuskegee. Other Tuskegee Airmen were assigned to the 477th Bombardment Group. They underwent intensive tactical training for assignment in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Also recognized as Tuskegee Airmen are the approximately 17,000 African American men and women who were trained for service in the Army Air Corps, including mechanics, communication specialists, cooks, medical technicians, parachute riggers, administrative clerks, flight instructors, navigators and bombardiers. The West Covina Rose Float Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and is fully responsible for the management and fundraising activities of their annual entry into the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. If you are interested in making a donation or volunteering with the Foundation, please visit their website at www.wcrosefloat.org This float was built by Charisma Floats www.charismafloats.com.

December 30, 2009