2024 Annual Report of the President
DATE: Jun 30, 2024
FROM: Calvin Janes
RE: Annual Report of the President

Members of Memphis Chapter, TAI,
Congratulations on having completed our twenty-seventh year as a Tuskegee Airmen Chapter in the Memphis area.

During the past year we offered Memphis Chapter Educational Assistance Fund and Aviation Assistance Fund (Scholarship) awards of $1000 each plus, our chapter and Taste of Aviation, Inc. sponsored the $1000 Captain Janes Scholarship. Also, TAI National offered $1500 Scholarships.

During the 2023-2024 School Year we continued our Aviation in Schools program where Aviation Professionals mentor students in schools in the local area.  Members participated in Virtual events, career days and motivational speeches.

The volatile COVID-19 virus and subsequent rapid increase in hotel cost, as well as the hotel we previously used going out of business, has made planning for the Annual Aviation Youth Luncheon using the previous hotel luncheon format a higher risk than before.  We need to continue considering alternative ways of having and Annual Aviation Event.  However, we still have been able to participate in school visits and career days in order to provide guidance and role models for the youth in our area.  We continue to need every member to contribute and/or participate when they can.  I often use the word “we” because we are truly all in this together.

Welcome to our new members and thank you to returning members who continue to support this organization year after year.  We have several Members in our Chapter who have chosen to become TAI National Lifetime Members.  The support and commitment from every member and supporter toward the goals of this organization is very much appreciated as we continue to 1) Preserve the legacy of the original Tuskegee Airmen, 2) Engage in motivating young persons toward aviation and aerospace careers and 3) Inspire youth to outstanding achievements and leadership through social and educational activities.

As we look to the future, we need to emphasize the need to continue to recruit a younger generation of members so that they can benefit from the experience of our older members who helped open the doors for them as well as have them to pass the torch to so that they can continue the legacy and benefit future generations.

Thank you and please continue to support the Educators, Parents, Students, Corporations, and other organizations who assist us in achieving our goals.



Sincerely,
Calvin Janes
Calvin Janes
President