Monthly Update - December 2021
“We weren't assigned. We were requested.” ~ Lt. Col. Benjamin O. Davis
Hello All,

We hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday. We truly have much to be grateful for. Mile High Flight (MHF) enjoyed another successful month, punctuated by continued excitement about our first “in-person” tours since the pandemic. On November 13th we gathered at the Boeing Blue Sky Aerospace Gallery for an up-close look at their many exciting exhibits. Team members Nicole Frazier, Kelly Akulschin, Christian Glassiognon, Josh Hill and Hank Williams led the way to ensure its success.  Please view the pictures below.

MHF has the highest expectations for its students, and we assign homework for each of our monthly events. Not only does the homework challenge our students to expand their horizons, but we also use it to help us distinguish the most promising students for Phase 2 consideration. As recognition for the best homework for this event, two students were rewarded with two tickets each for the USAFA – UNLV football game. The tickets were provided by MHF “Crew Member” Captain Darryl Searuggs. Our strategy of rewarding excellence will continue throughout the year.

Our next event will be a tour of flight-line operations and introduction to beginning aviation at Centennial Airport on December 11th. We hope that you can join us.

Tailwinds,
The MHF “Crew”
Pilots from Scott Air Force Base make History in Flight
Captains Kyle Green and Johnny Frye made history by becoming the first all-Black crew to land a C-21 aircraft at Sharpe Field in Alabama (SAFB), formerly known as Tuskegee Army Airfield.

They flew their trip from SAFB to the civilian airfield to speak with student pilots and reflect on the sacrifices of those who came before them. Check out the video on the right.
Aim High!
The MHFP is proud to provide invaluable opportunities, well beyond those offered in Colorado. The Air Force’s “Aim High Flight Academy (AHFA)” is one such example, giving students from diverse communities, all-inclusive scholarships to travel to Florida and learn how to fly! This year, we were fortunate to send four of our top students to the AHFA and earn their wings. We hope to do the same next year. Former MHF student, Pelle Krabbenhoeft, recently shared his experience.

“Hello everyone,

AHFA was an extraordinary experience and the most impactful three weeks of my life. I was able to solo and get 15 hours of flight time. I met a few people who were going to the Air Force Prep school and they were able to give me some insight into the Air Force Academy application process. I also got the opportunity to meet C-130, F-15, F-35, and U-28 pilots who helped me better understand how to become an Air Force pilot. I'd recommend the AHFA to anyone who has any interest in aviation. Once again, I want to thank all of you for helping me get to where I am today. Thanks, Pelle.”
Paying it Forward
MHF Phase 2 graduate, now Delta Airlines pilot, MHF mentor and “Crew Member” Stephen Rocha is giving back to the community in a BIG way. In addition to his work with MHF, Stephen is blazing new trails and encouraging the next generation of pilots. He recently gave us an update of his work:

“Hello MHF! Hope things are well. I see the MHF program is off to a great start! Just wanted to check in.

Things have been happening very fast here. My liaison role with the Air Line Pilot’s Association National education committee has increased due to the success of our outreach in Prescott, AZ. We have re-launched the club really well and have over 300 members with over 100 constantly in attendance. We were even able to get CommutAir to bring an E145 to set up as a static display for the students to enjoy. This led to other opportunities for the students and for myself. Today I’m actually getting ready to give a presentation to a local school in the DC area with ALPA President Capt. Joe DePete. I’m excited for this opportunity!

On the Delta side, I’m still on the A220 out of SLC but have recently been awarded the B757/767 out of Seattle! I expect to go to training in the spring. I also started a role as Delta Propel Liaison between Delta and the Embry Riddle Prescott campus. Propel is a similar program to United’s Aviate. This has been keeping me very busy as well on top of my regular flight schedule.

That’s what been going on. Hope things are well with you and talk to you soon!”
Red Tail Flight Academy Update
MHF Phase 2 graduate, Traye Jackson, just achieved another great milestone, earning his Private Pilot’s License at the Red Tail Flight Academy. Traye writes:

“Hey MHF “Crew”, I just passed my private pilot check ride👍🏽👍🏽 Calvin and I were the first to have our check rides in the program today and we both passed. Things are going very well and I’m starting instrument training later this week. Can’t wait for the challenges that come in the future.

I would just like to say thank you to everyone for all of the support. I couldn’t imagine being where I am today without the amazing program of the Red Tail Flight Academy. The mentorship and training I’ve received from RFA and MHP have propelled me to new heights, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I can’t wait for the next challenges that await and the next step in the journey, so that I’ll be able to give back and help continue the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. Best regards, Traye Jackson”
Ho, Ho, Ho, Deals are on their Way!

Amazon has everything you need to have an amazing holiday. Simply create a free AmazonSmile account and select Tuskegee Airmen Inc Denver as your charity. A percentage of your purchase goes to the the Hubert L. "Hooks" Jones Chapter. It's that easy! Click here for more information.
Make a Charitable Donation to the MHFP - Click Here
Mile High Flight Program | www.milehighflight.org